How to Seed Grass and Kill Weeds

Seed grass and kill weeds by physically removing the existing weeds, properly seeding the lawn area, and creating future conditions favorable to the growth of grass seeds. Lawn grass prefers high pH, moist soil and direct sunlight. Weeds are less sensitive to environmental conditions and exploit areas of sparsely growing grass and bare patches on a lawn. Therefore, the best defense against weeds is a full, vibrant, grassy lawn.

Things You'll Need

• Small spade shovel
• Rake
• Grass seed
• Spreader
• Lawn lime
• Fertilizer
• Shovel
• Trimmers

Instructions

1. Remove existing weeds from the root by hand or use a spade gardening shovel. Physical removal is more time consuming, but is the safest and most effective method.

2. Rake the lawn area clear of rocks, twigs and other organic debris using a flexible, metal rake.

3. Over-seed the lawn area by evenly distributing the seeds using a spreader. Use four pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet over sparse or previously weed-infested areas of the lawn. On lawn areas where mature grass is relatively full and healthy, add one to two pounds per 1,000 square feet.

4. Sprinkle 1/10 of an inch of lawn lime over the grass seed using a spreader. Lawn lime increases the top soil's pH balance over time, creating a more productive top soil environment for the growth of grass.

5. Cover the lime and seeds with 1/2 an inch of peat moss or clean compost fertilizer using a spreader. Fertilizer adds minerals, nutrients and moisture absorbency to the top soil.

6. Water the lawn once daily for three weeks or until new grass growth is visible through the top soil.

7. Trim back foliage around the lawn using outdoor trimmers to increase sunlight. Direct sunlight will aid in initial and long-term grass growth.

References

• Colorado State University
• University of Minnesota