How to Successfully Plant Grass Seed

Growing a beautiful green lawn from seed is not hard. With proper seed handling, your yard can become the emerald of the neighborhood. Consider planting grass seeds after a particularly harsh winter as well. The fresh seeds can grow new grass where the cold winter has killed patches. Whether you are planting a new lawn from scratch or just running maintenance on your current lawn, planting grass seed is simple and effective. Follow a few simple guidelines to achieve the green yard you want this summer.

Things You'll Need

• Plow
• Rake
• Seed
• Seed spreader
• Soil

Instructions

1. Loosen the top 2 to 3 inches of soil in the lawn if you are replacing the whole lawn with fresh grass seed. Break all clumps of dirt larger than a half dollar. For lawns where you are just reseeding patches, only loosen one-fourth of an inch of the top soil. According to Lebanon Seaboard Corporation, you should only loosen soil in the patch you are reseeding.

2. Remove all remaining debris, such as sticks and dead grass, from the area whether you are completely reseeding your yard or repairing a patch. Use a rake to help remove debris.

3. Level out any areas you suspect may collect puddles. Reseeding is the perfect opportunity to help repair those annoying dips that collect water after every rainy day. Rake over extra soil from another part of the lawn to the dip to help fill it in.

4. Spread seeds over the lawn. You can spread seed in small areas by hand, but you may need mechanical assistance for larger areas. Seed spreaders are tools made for large jobs like this. The machines come in carrying size or push along tools that resemble wheelbarrows. Seed spreaders disperse seeds at a steady rate as you move them around the lawn. Cover your new seeds with one-fourth of an inch of soil.

5. Water your lawn at least once a day for the first few weeks. Do not saturate the soil; just moisten the soil through careful watering.

Tips & Warnings

• Laying some hay over the soil layer is advisable. The hay will help weigh down the thin layer of soil and the seeds as well. Hay also dissuades birds from pecking at the seeds.

• Do not add weed killer to your lawn shortly before or after you seed. Allow your grass enough time to grow that it has needed three mowing sessions before you add any weed killer.

• Early spring and fall are the best time to plant grass seed.

References

• Greenview Fertilizer; Lawn Seeding: How to Plant Grass Seed