You also might think about adding peat moss which will not add nutrients like compost but will lighten the soil and give the roots plenty of room to grow. Its also easy on the back and works well in conjuction to compost which is heavier and can get expensive. I prefer composted cow manure (if its composted it shouldn't smell). Also it couldn't hurt testing the soil for heavy metals and Ph if you are considering planting vegatables. Good luck with the garden...

Posted by: nryland at March 16, 2007 10:24 AM in response to Advice on reclaiming a disused garden

Grass is somewhat of a losing battle because of the heavy use and deep shade most brownstone backyards come with. I think its worth it to really watch the sun throughout the day and if you insist on grass, try it out in the sunniest spots. Then plant some hard to kill, shade tolerant plants around the fences where the sun rarely goes...And patio the rest. Walk past all the gorgeous colorful and exotic plants that need full sun and stick to the shade lovers. Ferns work beautifully.

Posted by: nryland at March 7, 2007 11:20 AM in response to Grass Back Yards for Brownstones? Possible or not?

Ug.

Posted by: nryland at February 22, 2007 11:21 AM in response to You Too Can Get Laid At The Oro

I would ask the electrician if they can estimate when the house was last wired judging from the type and quality of wiring used. If its BX cable its probably post 1960 and grounding the plugs should be pretty easy without a rewire.

Posted by: nryland at February 21, 2007 12:35 PM in response to rewiring or just ground outlets?

Ignor my earlier comment...I was misinformed.

Posted by: nryland at August 28, 2006 5:39 PM in response to The Possibility That Landing Is Hard, Not Soft

Its an interesting question that goes right to the heart of what this website is? While this site began obviously about Brooklyn Real Estate, some of the threads that dealt with race and class made Brownstoner a facinating social experiment...Many conversations delved deeper than any face to face discourse or writing that I'm used to hearing because of the ability to post anonymously. These candid posts were pretty fun to watch, and even participate in, mostly because they were anonymous. Whether it was bashing Corcoran for being too slick or someone calling a neighborhood "sketchy", there was always some lively debate going on. I think we will lose some of the social experiment with restricted commenting, but then again, I should probably be working harder and not checking Brownstoner so much anyway.

Posted by: nryland at August 3, 2006 12:14 PM in response to What Do You Think of Restricted Commenting?

Lift from Forgotten NY:

Sandwiched between Prospect Park South and Caton Avenue, just below the Parade Grounds, is the neighborhood known today as Caton Park, originally referred to as Mathew's Park by developers, as it was built on farmland owned by the Mathew's family. Flatbush of Today refers to these relatively modest five- to seven- bedroom homes as "Cottages North of Prospect Park South."

Posted by: nryland at July 31, 2006 4:00 PM in response to House of the Day: Caton Park Fixer-Upper

This house is one of the least expensive homes in Ditmas Park to become available in the past few years. While a full price renovation would be quite expensive, an innovative couple could probably do a lot of the work themselves and still come in below market value. Plus, the lot is a nice size (50 x 100) Park location is also a huge plus...

Caton Park, appears to run from Coney Island Ave. to E. 17th.

This is a lift from Mary Kay's web site:

"Caton Park is a smaller neighborhood bordering Caton & Church Avenues. There are about 50 homes located on the streets of Buckingham, Marlborough & Rugby Roads. Over the last two years, the Caton Park Neighborhood Association has worked hard to bring about the renovation of the soccer, baseball & football fields in the Parade Grounds. The revitalized playing fields have created a better enviorment for the Flatbush community that uses the Parade Grounds & Prospect Park. "

Posted by: nryland at July 31, 2006 3:42 PM in response to House of the Day: Caton Park Fixer-Upper

Hi Anon of 10:22-its a catchy name! If you would prefer to email me: szigetre@yahoo.com & thank you for your help!

btw I just learned from speaking to yet another electrician today that if the circuit breaker is made by "Federal Pacific" it has to be removed-it is not safe because it does not trip properly. . .oh the things I am learning. . .

Posted by: szigetre at February 22, 2007 10:07 PM in response to rewiring or just ground outlets?

First and foremost do not take recommendations of electricians from people on the internet. Talk to neighbors or friends who have used electricians in your area. Visibly check the work of the electrician. Not all electricans are equal. Because of the age of your building should you need work, you do not want a butcher who will hack away at studs and floor joists to bring up wire. You are also looking to see that each outlet is placed at the same height as the others, and the receptacles are placed in neatly, it does make a difference.

But before I got started with an electrician, I would if I were you, is to look at you electrical panel. It will either be glass or paper fuses or electrical breakers. If it is glass or paper fuses, change you Panel box and bring it into the 21st century. Next check to see the amount of amps coming in. If you have at least 100amps coming into your house, you should be fine for most of your needs. That is if you do not have every electrical gadget. You will be fine for central air as long as it is only one compressor and that you are not zoning each floor.

2nd look at any exposed wiring, you will find the wiring in any electrical box ie: switch or outlet box. Or you may see exposed wiring in you subasement if you have one.

If you have bx, you still may have old wiring. See if the wiring inside is a paper insulation or plasstic. If it is plastic chances are your wiring current or least some of it is. The best way is to look at least ceiling light boxes, and some of the outlet and switch outlets to know if your up to date. You also want to see which circuits controll what to the house. That is if you have a fuse or breaker you want to know how many lights or outlets that breaker controlls. Let common sense be your guide. If one breaker is controlling to much of your outlets or switches than it is.

The next thing to look for is the amount of outlets per wall space. You should have at least one outlet per 10ft. min., especially in todays world, it is not uncommon to have outlets every 6ft.

Should you need 20 or 30 amps for large window air conditioner. you should think that part through if you hire an electrician.

A good electrician will be your guide but know your needs as well.

Posted by: anon at March 5, 2007 9:36 PM in response to rewiring or just ground outlets?

How about artificial turf?. I've seen some really convincing versions that look quite good. In fact the only downside on most versions is that they tend to be shiney when the sun hits them, but if your backyard is mostly shade it might be indistiguishable from the real deal.

Posted by: dan at March 7, 2007 12:20 PM in response to Grass Back Yards for Brownstones? Possible or not?

If you do plant grass, make sure the soil is sandy enough. Most Brooklyn backyards have very clay-like soil which is not hospitable to grass as it compacts when you walk on it.

Posted by: CB at March 7, 2007 12:42 PM in response to Grass Back Yards for Brownstones? Possible or not?

when we bought our townhouse the backyard was just dirt and got fairly good sunlight for a brooklyn backyard. we opted to avoid grass for several reasons, most of them maintenance issues. one of the biggest being mowing. we didn't have space to store a mower, nor did we want to use an edge trimmer or some other smaller option (too much work).

we opted for a wood deck with a raised planting bed for some gardening space. low maintenance, looks great and when we need grass we head to the park.

Posted by: benno57 at March 7, 2007 1:05 PM in response to Grass Back Yards for Brownstones? Possible or not?

I really appreciate the comments. More would be helpful too. Thanks!

Posted by: at March 7, 2007 3:12 PM in response to Grass Back Yards for Brownstones? Possible or not?

It's tough. Last year was my 2nd attempt at laying sod. It has fared a little better than the '05 effort but it's still a struggle. We don't have good drainage -- wish I'd added sand -- nor do we get enough sun. But it's still hanging on (just) and come Spring I will overseed. I have heard people say that growing grass from seed is the better option but sod + over-seeding is also a reasonable approach. Soil preparation is key. Of course you know it needs lots and lots of water when it's hot. Also, research the type of seed you use for over-seeding so that it matches your sun conditions and try to avoid non-local strains. Blue fescue is a good choice. But mostly, good luck!

Posted by: NeoGrec at March 7, 2007 6:54 PM in response to Grass Back Yards for Brownstones? Possible or not?

Grass is certainly doable in a b'stone backyard, especially in a sunny, southern exposure, but it will still require a good deal of work on your part to keep it green and growing. Grass needs plenty of water in summer, and the right fertilizer is important. You must keep up with weeds, as well as ensure that you use the right variety of grass/sod or seed if you're seeding instead of sodding. I've had grass in my sunny backyard for decades, but after having injured my back recently, I'm considering something more low maintenance so I won't have to mow, weed, seed, etc. I would much prefer to keep the grass, but I'm unable to care for it diligently now, and it will be pretty pricey to hire someone to do it on a regular basis.

Posted by: at March 8, 2007 10:37 AM in response to Grass Back Yards for Brownstones? Possible or not?

in addition to the Ph and mineral test you want to have some idea of the soil's sand/silt/clay ratio

simple test for this:

http://weather.nmsu.edu/teaching_Material/soil456/soiltexture/soiltext.htm

Posted by: at March 16, 2007 10:58 AM in response to Advice on reclaiming a disused garden

Thanks for the sand/silt/ clay test. I would check out the Brooklyn Botanic Garden as to what grows in our zone 6 climate. One thing about dog poop.....it carries all kinds of parasitic pathogens and should never be used in vegatable gardens. Dog poop can contain the eggs of Toxocara canis. These eggs can live for ten years. Wash your hands and don't let your kids play in the back yard. Dog poop acts like a nitrogen overdose, that can kill plants.

Posted by: at March 16, 2007 1:30 PM in response to Advice on reclaiming a disused garden