Any modifications are up to you. Instructions to pamper the grass is only so it has the chance to mature with no stress. It doesn't mean not to walk on it at all. It does have to be mowed after all. It's just to prevent heavy traffic for as long as possible. Damage is more likely during the early stage after seeding, and it has to be strong enough to endure its first winter. I should warn that no grass can endure two dogs. You might want to give them their own section of the yard to increase your chance of getting as close to a golf course lawn as possible. 1. Get a soil test. Call your nearest state university extension service for a test kit and sampling instructions. I don't know what state you live in or I would link you to the extension service. It will likely take two weeks for results. If you need to apply sulfur, lime, or any other amendment per test recommendation (that is not applied in Step 5), you can do it after seeding if you don't get results back in time. The soil test will determine nutrient level and pH balance most importantly. 2. Mow to within one and half inches, but mow it down gradually. Cut off 1/3 the grass blade and another 1/3 three or four days later. Repeat if necessary. 3. Rake it up 4. Core aerate or cheat and apply Nitron A-35 to relieve soil compaction. 5. Fertilize 6. Sow seeds (slit seeding is best). If you want to slit seed, then don't core aerate and apply Nitron instead. 7. Topdress 1/4 inch layer compost, peat moss, or clean straw (weed-free). (One cu. yard/1000 sqft). 8. water 15-20 minutes twice a day for two weeks water 20-30 minutes once a day for one week water 30-45 minutes once a day every other day for one week water 30-45 minutes once a day twice a week for one week move into deep irrigation, increasing the time to provide 1 inch of water all over and decreasing the frequency to just once a week. Starting off, the schedule supplies roughly 1/4 inch of water, then increases that amount while decreasing frequency of application at the same time. Like practically everything that concerns lawn care, this schedule is a general guideline and should be modified to accomodate your specific conditions. The lengths of time should be modified if you have an automatic sprinkler system since that will not take as long to provide adequate moisture. So, decrease amount of water (time) but maintain frequency as is. The tuna cans test is recommended. If it is still especially warm, you may want to irrigate 3 times a day (10-15 minutes if necessary) for that first couple weeks. Your objective is to keep the upper 1 inch of soil moist and not let the seeds dry out. 9. Baby the grass for the rest of the year. Don't walk on it if at all possible. 10. First mowing is when the new grass reaches two inches. However, the existing grass will be considerably taller, so you'll have to mow down gradually again to the point of mowing 1/3 off the new grass. You do want to get the new grass mowed early at this time in order to promote tillering. Then, you want to gradually raise the mowing height to desired length of 2.5 inches. Higher if you prefer.

I'm not entirely a fan of Jerry Baker's either, even though I brought up his name. I agree that a lot of his concoctions are either impractical or pretty repulsive, but there are gems in among the rest that make some of his stuff worth a read. It just has to be all sorted out, is all. I do like the way he describes the good bugs as opposed to the bad ones, and that he lists things to plant to attract the first or repel the second. Whether I follow all of his advice is another story entirely. I haven't had tansy turn invasive, but I've never grown it in OK either, so that's good to know. I don't have any problem with cilantro, and I do love basil. Has anyone tried planting it in pretty close under the tomato plants? It's supposed to be a good companion, and tomatoes provide shade for the basil. Mostly, I put his information together with what I already know I like or do not like, and what some of the specific problems might be, and go from there. I'd hate to use any of his books . . . or anyone else's either, as a gardening bible without any independent thought. Twice I've tried planting nepeta because I like the loose look of it in bloom, and had no luck with it either time. I don't know if it's as good as real catnip, but we have enough trouble with stray cats around here that the last thing I want to do is attract any more of them. I'll cross all catnip-like things off. George, on working your compacted soil, just remember that if it's clay, the more you work it, the more compacted it will become. Unless you are working in large amounts of compost or amendment, that is. You can't water and turn clay without it becoming more and more dense. That's why I'm going to cover mine up with a whole stack of mulch and let it sit there until next spring, when we'll try to turn it in, and then mulch it some more. Pat

I am amazed at the friends I have here. I want to state that first and foremost. I am also in tears at the thoughtfulness, friendship and caring that has been shown to me. Dan, you are a wonderful friend for having thought of such a wonderful surprise and "cheer me up"! I have gotten a package from Dan, Linda and one today from Vic. You guys have no idea just how much it has touched not only me, but Cliff and the kids as well. From Dan I received: Shasta Daisy Musky Purple Columbine Mixed Datura Millet Grass- is this the tall one? Dianthus White Turtlehead- which has been on my wants list for some time and will be going in near my Snapdragons! and a wonderful note to cheer me up with smiley faces all over it :) From Linda I received: Seed envelopes Purple/white datura New England Aster Larkspur- unknown color Yellow Bells Trumpet Bush Chinese Lanterns Mammoth Sunflower Snapdragons- Tall Deluxe Mix Zinnia- Lilliput- something I've been thinking about adding for a bit! :) Flower stickers! Bookmark with the sun and moon!How well my friends know me! For those that don't know, I am Wiccan and my guiding symbol is the Moon. and another wonderful cheer up note! From Vicky: Charleston Gray Watermelon Jaradale Pumpkin- which I will have to look up, never heard of it Cilantro Pumpkin- Jack O' Lantern California Blackeyed pea Fennel Snapdragons- tall mixed Helianthus Microcephalus Hosta- Drk Green large leaved Black eyed Susan Queen Anne's Lace Dusty Miller- the boys will take this one from me, they ADORE Dusty Millers! Broom Corn- will be great for fall decorations next year! Cosmos- Single Sensation Mix Lufa gourd- I need more of these than the two I have now! Cleome Wild Sunflowers that grow all over where Vic lives :) Kale- Dwarf Blue Curled Spinich- Giant Noble Basil- Purple African Iris fan- no ID, unknown color Daylily fan- no ID unknown color- I enjoy surprises and can't wait to see what colors these are! A copper colored bird shaped decorative hanger with jacket hooks :) and another wonderful note reminding me of the wonderful things in my life to hold to when the world seems to be going nuts. You guys are the most wonderful friends I could imagine! The generosity of this brings tears to my eyes :) Thank you so very much!! HUGS, Kathy

I don't consider a good mattress or estate planning a splurge, they are a necessity. I have to say that I completely disagree with not doing estate planning. FF, we don't have children either, but we don't want our estate going to the state. I realize you don't want yours going to relatives, but how about a charity or some sort? Also included in our estate planning was Power of Attorney and Medical Power of Attorney which is extremely important. We found that out several years ago when a hospital did not honor my grandfather's living will. Also for those that do still have underage children, plans for their care is a must. Some people make plans for care of their pets. Hmmm, our splurges - -travel/vacations -recreational vehicles (boat and rv), however I feel these may not be a necessity but not so much of a splurge either when they maximize family time - free time. I think everyone needs that. -antiques -magazines -eating out - which we do a good bit. Again,it's not a necessity, but not so much of a splurge either. -I'm another who buys high quality food, etc. for my pet -pedicures -nice lingerie -good towels, linens, etc. In regards to funerals, the family deaths I have experienced so far, two planned their funerals and one planned and pre-paid. In all cases, it was wonderful for us, the family. Knowing that the services were what the person wanted was very comforting to all of us. Having the arrangements made before time also made things much easier during a difficult time.