Seeding Success

Starting a lawn by applying grass seed is much easier than you think; don’t let the idea intimidate you. However, it is important to treat the beginning stages with the proper care and direction. The following steps and methods will help ensure that your lawn gets off to a good start. 

Watering
The single most frequent reason for lawn failure is lack of proper watering. The very first time water contacts grass seed from the package, each seed begins the process of sprouting.
If at ANY TIME from the first wetting until actual sprouting, the seed is allowed to dry out, it will die. Light watering 2-3 times per day until grass appears is necessary to assure maximum
sprouting. Top dressing with peat moss, sawdust or other fine organic matter will help conserve moisture as well as minimize erosion.

Germination
This term refers to how many seeds out of each 100 in the package you buy are live seeds. The minimum percentage is 80%. Ours are much higher, usually 95% or more! Germination
also refers to the time it takes for grass seed to sprout. This period varies with the temperature, moisture and type of grass planted. Generally, under ideal conditions, grass will appear after 5 to 14 days. Very cool or very hot temperatures will slow the process.

Wind, rain and birds
The same light covering of top dressing that helps conserve moisture is also a great help with birds that love to eat large quantities of seed. If heavy rains occur, seed can be washed
away. If this happens, you must re-seed the washed away area.
Warm weather and high winds can combine to blow light dry seed and soil away. Proper watering should keep the seed in place during these periods.

Planting an new lawn

  1. Prepare seed bed by removing debris and large rocks, then tilling to a depth of 4-6”.
  2. Smooth soil by raking or dragging.
  3. Spread recommended fertilizer for your particular soil condition.
  4. Sow seed evenly.
  5. Incorporate seed and fertilizer into soil at 1/3 to 1/2” with very light raking.
  6. Roll surface with medium weight roller to firm soil around seed.
  7. Keep surface moist with frequent light waterings. Seed will not germinate in dry soil.
  8. Mow when new plants are approximately 3” tall. Set mower on high setting, approximately 2” until new lawn is established.

Spot repair

  1. Remove as much loose grass and weeds as possible.
  2. Loosen soil with renovator or rake as necessary to expose soil.
  3. Apply fertilizer.
  4. Sow seed evenly, taking extra care on bare spots.
  5. Firm the soil around seed with roller or packer.
  6. Keep soil moist until seed has germinated.