Strong-growing annual weeds can smother young seedling grasses. Guard against this by hand-weeding, removing any seedlings of coarser grasses at the same time. Where annual weeds are numerous spray with the contact weedkiller ioxynil, but not until the seedling grasses have developed at least two leaves. A LAWN FROM TURF Turfing is best done during the winter months from October to the end of February, avoiding periods when the soil is frozen or heavy with recent rain. During this period there is little risk of hot sunshine or drying winds which, at other periods, may subject the turf to considerable stress and interfere with inter-rooting between turves. If turves are laid, in the summer they may need frequent irrigation. This can seriously affect levels and firmness of the underlying soil-bed leaving the lawn with an uneven surface. Before buying turves check the quality carefully. The grass should be free of coarser grasses and weeds. Weedy turf indicates poor management. It may break up easily when handled and provides an immediate problem of weed control. It should be suitably mown. Tangled, unmown turf may hide defects, and may have been lifted for some time with consequent risk of deterioration. The turf should handle satisfactorily without breaking up. It should be well-rooted, with the soil a good loamy texture. Most turf is machine cut to a thickness of 1 to i£in(2.5 to 4cm). The thickness should be uniform or there will be extra work involved in trimming to an even thickness. Thinner turf is acceptable if well rooted but will need extra care in laying and subsequent irrigation until well established. The size may be ift(30cm) square or 3ft(im) by ift(30cm), the smaller size being the easiest to handle. Check on delivery and reject sub-standard turves. Lay as quickly as possible. If work cannot begin immediately turves can be stacked, rolled or folded three or four deep for two or three days. If there is to be longer delay lay them flat in a shaded situation and keep them well watered. Begin laying by marking out the area to be turfed. If possible, allow a 1 to 2in(2.5 to 5cm) overlap, which can be trimmed back on completion to give a perfect neat accurate edge. Use a tautly stretched line as a guide when laying the first line of turves. Work forwards from the most accessible side of the site, facing the unturfed area, always standing on broad planks placed over the newly laid turves. Do not walk on the prepared bed or the new turf. Place each turf in as close contact with its neighbour as possible, bonding by staggering successive lines of turf and using half turves at the end of each alternate row. Have a rake handy for keeping the bed level. Also a bucket of ordinary soil for packing under any thinner turves. Never force turves into position by hitting them with a spade; always adjust the soil level under the turf. When laying is finished firm lightly with a small garden roller or with a turfing board made by attaching a wooden handle to the centre of a 9in(23cm) by i5in(38cm) piece of board.