How to Seed Bermuda

Bermuda grass produces a hardy, beautiful lawn and makes for an excellent choice when selecting the type of turf for your yard's appearance. This grass enjoys a sunny location with few trees or buildings casting shadows over a large portion of the day. Planting is best conducted in the spring, once soil temperatures have reached at least 65 degrees F. The seed must be broadcast planted with a proper density of seed to prevent competing plants and weeds from choking out the new seedlings.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tape measure
• Probe thermometer
• Garden tiller
• Bermuda seed, 3 lbs per 1,000 square feet
• Solid metal rake
• Seed spreader with adjustment lever
• Garden hose
• Lawn sprinkler

1. Measure the length and the width of the area where you plan to sow your Bermuda grass seed. Calculate the average square footage of the area by multiplying the width by the length. Divide the total square feet by 1,000 and then multiply that result by three (3 lbs of seed per every 1,000 square feet), which will provide the total number of lbs of seed you need to cover the entire area. Purchase your seed quantity accordingly.

2. Monitor the soil temperature once or twice a week when the weather begins to warm in the spring by inserting a probe thermometer 2 to 3 inches into the soil. When the soil reaches a maintenance temperature of at least 65 degrees F, conditions are proper for planting.

3. Till the entire turf area thoroughly to at least 4 inches deep. Remove any large clumps of plant roots and other plant matter and rake the tilled soil until even.

4. Fill your adjustable seed spreader with Bermuda seed until the hopper is full. Adjust the lever to broadcast no more than 3 lbs and no less than 2 lbs of seed per 1,000 square feet, and then broadcast to cover your entire turf area.

5. Gently drag your rake across the seeded soil to create shallow grooves in the soil, sufficiently enough that some of the seeds fall into the recessed valleys created by the rake tines. The rake tine valleys only need to reach a depth of 1/4 inch.

6. Lightly water the entire turf area until the soil is moistened to a depth of at least 1 inch, watering every three to five days to ensure the soil remains moist. Water normally as you would with any lawn once the seedlings have reached a height of 1/4 inch.

Tips & Warnings

• Patience is necessary when starting a new lawn with Bermuda grass. Germination can take anywhere from 10 to 30 or 40 days. Allow at least one month for germination before attempting to troubleshoot any perceived problems.

References

• Starting Bermuda Grass from Seed
• Bermuda Grass: Texas Cooperative Extension
• Bermuda Grass Characteristics: University of Missouri Extension Office