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Step 1
Plan the lawn's size and shape, keeping maintenance and watering needs in mind. Lay out your lawn so that you can mow without stopping or backing up. Also make mowing quicker by avoiding sharp curves and corners and including a border.
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Step 2
Choose which kind of grass to plant, using your region as a guide. Some grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, fescue and ryegrass, prefer cool northern weather. Bermuda, St. Augustine and zoysia prefer hotter southern climates. Tall fescue is popular in areas where the regions merge.
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Step 3
Test the soil before planting, then correct it accordingly. Organic matter is usually recommended, and often the acid balance-- called pH--needs adjusting with lime or sulfur. Spread a 2- to 3-inch (5 to 8 cm) layer of organic matter over the area and incorporate it 6 to 9 inches (15 to 23 cm) into the soil.
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Step 4
Plan and lay out a sprinkler system, especially if you live where the growing season is naturally dry (see 118 Lay Out a Sprinkler System). If you live where summer rainfall is normally abundant, buried sprinklers are optional but convenient.
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Step 5
Sow seed if you're planting at the right time of year; late summer or early fall is best. Sowing seed in spring can work, but weed competition will be more severe. Sod is normally a safer choice because you can plant it any time of year.







