How to Sow Fescue Grass
Fescue grasses are popular because of their tolerance to cold winters and warm summers. There are many species of fescue grasses, including red fescue, tall fescue and sheep fescue. Some fescue grasses provide long-lasting, resilient turf for lawns, parks, and activity fields, while other species are well suited for grazing and controlling erosion. Regardless of the species or purpose, fescue grass seed is sown by spreading, typically in early autumn. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Shovel
- Soil test kit
- Tiller
- Rake
- Hand tamper
- Seed spreader
- Hand roller
- Straw or hay (optional)
- Herbicide (optional)
Instructions
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1
Dig up all weeds and competing vegetation from the planting area. Apply herbicides, if necessary.
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2
Test the soil for any nutrient or pH deficiencies. Test kits are available from lawn and garden suppliers or from your local extension office.
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3
Till the ground to loosen the soil and provide drainage. Start in one corner, and move a tiller in successive, slightly overlapping rows.
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4
Fertilize or amend the soil in accordance with the soil test results, if necessary.
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5
Rake the ground to level the soil. Make sure all dirt clods are broken up. Compact the soil with a hand tamper, then scratch just the surface of the compacted soil with the rake.
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6
Measure the square footage of the planting area to determine how much seed you need. How much you need depends on what type of fescue you are planting and what you are planting it for. The amount of seed needed can be anywhere from 4 to 12 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Consult your local lawn and garden center for advice.
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Using a seed spreader, spread the seeds. Fill the hopper with the seeds and push the spreader in successive rows, then go over the area again with successive rows going in the other direction to release a consistent distribution of seeds. Scattering by hand is fine when even coverage is not necessary. Rake the seed bed so the seeds are lightly covered with soil. Compact the soil a final time with a lawn roller. Fescue seeds need to be in firm soil.
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8
Water the ground lightly after planting.
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9
Spread a layer of straw or hay in any areas where seed erosion due to water runoff might occur. Remove the hay as soon as the fescue begins sprouting.
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10
Keep the ground moist through germination by watering it lightly every day. The germination period can last up to three weeks.
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