Seeding a new lawn can be intimidating. From selecting the best seed to preparing the seedbed to caring for the seed until establishment, unlimited variables can affect the success of planting.
Additionally, overseeding your existing lawn can be a great way to refresh your grass in the spring. This will help increase turf density and lawn aesthetics.
Start With a Soil Test
Using the results of a soil test is an excellent way to increase your success rate for a new planting. Soil tests can indicate any necessary soil amendments or fertilizers that should be added before prepping the seedbed for planting.
These results can also aid in seed selection. If you have certain soil concerns, such as high salt or sand content, seed selection can play a key role in successful establishment.
- Add any fertilizer or soil amendments as recommended by a county agent or per soil test.
Tilling and Raking
The second step in seeding a new lawn is preparing the seedbed. This can be done by tilling the area and raking smooth any large pieces of dirt or lower areas of the ground.
Prepping the seedbed for an overseed varies slightly. Before adding fertilizer and soil amendments, the existing lawn should be mowed short to a height of about one inch. Then, aerate the turf by slicing, coring, spiking, or de-thatching equipment and remove debris. Following fertilization, rake or rough the surface, particularly on bare spots, to enhance seed-to-soil contact.
- Prepare the seedbed by tilling and raking. For overseeding, rake the surface of bare spots.
Distribute the Seed
The next step in overseeding and seeding a new lawn is spreading the seed with a broadcast spreader. Do not use a drop spreader, which can lead to an uneven application. Set the spreader to a light setting and seed in one direction, then make another pass in the opposite direction. When overseeding, smaller areas can be seeded by hand.
- Evenly distribute the seed over the prepared surface using a broadcast spreader. Set the spreader to a light setting and seed in one direction, then make a second pass going in the opposite direction.
Rake Lightly and Mulch
For a new seeding, rake lightly to cover the seed with approximately one-quarter inch of soil. If seeds are planted too deep, they may not germinate or could lead to poor growth. After raking, firm the seedbed with a sod roller or something heavy in order to achieve good seed-to-soil contact. Then, mulch with clean straw, compost, or sphagnum peat if desired to keep the seed moist and aid in germination. In windy areas, straw may not be feasible.
When overseeding, drag or rake the grass to ensure the seed comes in contact with the soil. Then apply a light mulch of peat or straw.
- Rake lightly to cover the seed and ensure maximum seed-to-soil contact.
- Apply a light mulch if desired.
Watering Prior to Establishment
When growing a new lawn, water with a fine mist sprinkler several times daily until the grass is established. Enough water should be applied to ensure moisture is at least one inch deep.
Overseeded lawns should be watered with a sprinkler two to three times daily until grass is established.
- Water with a sprinkler multiple times per day until grass is established.
Caring for an Established New Lawn
When new seedlings reach a height of four inches, use a sharp mower to mow the grass to about two and a half to three inches when dry. Following the first mowing, reduce watering to as-needed.
- For a new lawn, wait until the grass has reached a height of four inches before first cutting. Cut down to about three inches and reduce watering frequency.
Controlling Weeds
Mowing is the ideal way to control weeds in a new lawn. This should be continued until the grass matures around two to three months after planting. A weed and feed or other herbicide can be used as recommended by a county agent.
- Control weeds by mowing until grass has reached maturity of two to three months.
If you have further questions on seeding a new lawn or overseeding your existing lawn, please contact our helpful in-office team at (970) 356-4710.
