The first thing to know about planting grass seed is that preparation is essential for a lush lawn.
This guide for the best way to plant grass seed takes the guesswork out of preparation.
Jeff Herr
Best Types of Grass Seed
Begin bychoosing the right grass seedfor your climate and purpose.
Credit:Jeff Herr
Cool-season grasses tolerate freezing temperatures and grow well in Zone 6 and colder.
Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass are common cool-season grasses.
We have created specific lawn care calendars for you for theNortheast, theMidwestern states, and thePacific Northwest.
Grass seed is often sold as a mix of species for a specific growing condition or combination of conditions.
Read the packaging carefully to choose the right seed for your particular site.
When to Plant Grass Seed
The best time to seed turf grass depends on your location.
If you live in Zone 7 and above, plant warm-season grass from March through September.
Warm-season grasses thrive in the heat and germinate in hot weather when theres ample moisture to support growth.
Homeowners in Zone 6 and colder should seed cold-season grass from mid-August through mid-October.
Remove Weeds
Remove existing grass or weeds.
Use a shovel to dig out plants, carefully removing as many roots as possible.
Enrich the Soil and Smooth the Surface
After removing weeds, add a 2-inch layer ofwell-decomposed compost.
Organic matter such as compostimproves soil drainagewhile adding valuable nutrients.
Next, till the soil to about 4 inches.
Tilling mixes the compost into the native soil and helps prepare the seedbed.
Plant the Grass Seed
Check the seed bag for the exact seeding rate.
Rates are usually recommended as pounds per 1,000 square feet.
If the area is small, scatter the grass seed by hand.
A drop spreader makes this job easier for larger areas.
No matter the method you use, check that you do this on a calm day.
If there is wind, it will scatter the seed unevenly.
For best results, sow half the seed recommended for an area in one direction.
Then, spread the remaining half of the seed at a right angle to the first portion.
Protect the Seed
Rake the entire area to cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.
A leaf rake is a perfect tool for small areas.
For larger areas, you may want to use a harrow, which is pulled behind a lawn tractor.
Water the Seed
Use a lawn sprinkler towater the seedbedlightly.
Water frequently enough to keep the soil surface moist but not saturated.
Water lightly twice a dayuntil the seedlings emerge in about two to four weeks.
Stay off the seeded area as much as possible for at least one month after the grass germinates.
Young grass seedlings are easily injured.
Mow regularly, maintaining it at about 3 inches tall.
Read product labels carefully for program instructions.
which usually involves removing the old turf.
