This is also about gardening, but on a frugal level. [View all]

The planet's not getting any cooler and I like a green if somewhat - bohemian? - lawn. So I've long wanted some Grassology seed because it's a drought resistant dwarf. You save on water and energy, plus $ if you reach the age when you have to start hiring out at least one major grunt job. But it's also a rather expensive luxury purchase for me.

Then a couple days ago the one swank store in town had it on sale, 3 lbs for $18! Still steep but far less than usual. Since I have 2 dogs, I can't very well just scatter and cover the seed like a lot of people would. But it occurred to me that I could sprout the seed in little plugs and plant those when they're well on their way. There were only enough peat pots to use far less than a pound of the seed, and I was out of potting soil anyway. So I'll start another batch as soon as these are hatched, then quit until early fall. Plenty left over to resume operations next Spring too. Since so many little starter pots are needed, I'll probably start making my own with newspapers from the library and the publisher of the regional weekly, both within easy walking distance.

My goal is not only to have a lawn capable of handling worsening climate (roots extend 4 times deeper than regular grass) but also to reduce summer mowing costs. Where I retired, nobody needs to water lawns yet. The day might be coming, though, and I'm willing to invest now to avoid spending more later.