How to Plant Grass Seed in an Existing Lawn

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By Analana -
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Plant Grass in an Existing Lawn

Planting grass seed in an existing lawn is not difficult, but it is different than starting a lawn from scratch. Grass, thatch, compacted dirt and plant debris make it harder for the seed to get good contact with the soil and compete with the seed for nutrients, light and water. If you have unsightly bare patches in your lawn, keep reading to find out how you can plant grass seed in an existing lawn.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Broad Leaf Herbicide
Grass Seed
Rake
Sprinkler
Water Access

Step 1

Make sure you are planting your seeds at the right time of year. No matter how you prepare the soil, if the timing is not right for the type of seeds you are planting, your lawn will not be successful. Cool season grasses, such as fescue and Kentucky bluegrass, should be planted in the early spring and fall when the temperatures are cooler. Warm season grasses, such as St. Augustine and Bermuda, should be planted in the summer.
Step 2

Use a broad leaf herbicide to kill the weeds before overseeding the lawn. You don’t want the weeds to compete with your grass seedlings, and you won’t be able to treat the weeds until the new grass becomes established.
Step 3

Before you plant the grass seed, mow the existing grass using your lawnmower's lowest setting. Remove any grass clippings, thatch and other debris. Use a stiff rake to loosen the dirt in the bare patches.
Step 4

Sprinkle the grass seed over the lawn, paying particular attention to large bare patches. The seed shouldn’t be in piles, but it should thoroughly cover the ground. Rake or sprinkle dirt over the seeds so that they are covered.
Step 5

Keep the grass seeds moist until they germinate and for a few weeks after. Water lightly, just enough to soak the first two inches of soil. You may need to water more than once a day. After the first two weeks, water every other day until the newly planted grass is established.