How to Sow Grass Seed

Sowing grass seed is done every year around the world. Those of us who have not done this before may see it as a daunting task. A most beautiful lawn can be grown from grass seed.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Grass seed
• Starter fertilizer
• Spreader
• Rake
• Lawn roller
• Tiller
• Water
• Compost
• Mulch (optional)

1. Start by surveying the area where you intend to sow the grass seed. Take note if grass already grows there and how much sunlight exposure there is in that area. Write this down.

2. Call 811 to have utility companies to come out and flag where and how deep underground lines are. If they are below 2 feet you are clear to work in the soil.

3. Measure the square footage of the soil where you intend on planting the seed. Write this down for use later.

4. Write down what a local garden center or the county extension location says is the best grass seed for you to plant. Also send soil sample to them or a lab for testing.

5. Meanwhile, till the soil to a depth of 6-12 inches removing all plant material and rake it level. Apply a pre-emergent herbicide. Calculate how much seed, fertilizer, and mulch (1/8" depth) is needed by the square footage of the plot.

6. Calculate how much compost (3" depth) you will need. Now gather and/or purchase the tools and the proper amount of soil amendment (if needed) as well as the proper amount of seed, compost, mulch and fertilizer.

7. After no sooner than 4 weeks of applying the herbicide spread the soil amendment evenly over the entire surface of the ground and till it in to a depth of 6 inches. Level the area.

8. Do the same with the compost except till it 3 inches deep. Spread the proper amount of starter fertilizer and lightly water it in.

9. Now spread the grass seed by a properly calibrated spreader for the recommended amount.
   Use either a hand (for small areas), drop (for 400-1000 sq ft areas), or broadcast (for 1000-2500 sq ft).

10. Spread half the seed in a straight direction as if you were mowing the lawn. Allow the passes to overlap by 1-2". Then spread the final half of the recommended amount in a perpendicular direction in the same manner.

11. Rake the grass seed 1/8" into the soil leaving half of it exposed. Roll over the seed bed with an empty lawn roller in the same way that you spread the seed.

12. Place a layer of mulch, like straw or light organic mulch over the seed. If you do use mulch the seed does not need to be raked in. Water it by a mist or light spray of water until the soil becomes moist 3" deep.

Tips & Warnings

• A tiller that has tines in the rear is easier to handle.
• In the northern U.S. sow grass seed in early spring.
• In the southern U.S. sow grass seed in late spring.
• Bluegrasses, fescues, and ryegrasses grow best in the northern U.S. for lawns.
• Centipede, St. Augustine, and zoysia grasses grow best in the southern U.S.
• Plant grass seed either about sunrise or sundown.
• Water sown grass once, twice, or three times a day until the majority of the seeds have sprouted.
• Keep the grass seed moist but not saturated.
• Make sure that you always water the grass seed bed during the hottest part of the day.
• Instead of renting a lawn roller you can use 5 X 24 boards to insure good seed to soil contact. Two or three will be enough.
• Only apply the recommended amount of supplies to the soil. Applying too little will be insufficient and too much will be wasteful or damaging.
• Only till soil that is slightly moist.
• Never till very dry soil.
• Never till wet soil.
• Always check with local utility companies before you do any digging on any property, even when you are legally able to do so.
• Never allow the planted grass seed to dry out.
• Always read and follow the instructions for herbicides carefully.

Resources

• Associated Content
• Triond

[HardworkinJudy]

on 11/16/2008 Very in depth good to know tips. Thanks for sharing. *****