Lawn and Garden

Getting a good, even turf to germinate takes some planning and discipline along with regular attention. If you are up for the challenge of installing a new lawn by planting new grass yourself there are some basic things you should be aware of.

In order for seedlings to sprout, they must enjoy the right environment. Loose soil allows the seed sink nicely into the dirt which will help a higher percentage of seeds to germinate. So before you spread the grass seed, prepare by roughing up the soil with a rock rake or tiller. Another option is to purchase top soil in bulk. (this is a necessity in my area due to rocky, clay laden soil) After you have a nice loose seed bed prepared you can begin planting new grass.

Choosing and Spreading the Grass

Not all grass is alike and in order to get a thick, lush turf you need to choose the right type of grass for the area you are planting. For example, if your lawn site is mostly shaded, you would not want to plant a grass type that requires a lot of sun. Doing a little research before hand can save you time and money. While investigating this, your grass type will become clear and it will be easier to choose the kind of seed you want (or need) to use.

Spreading the grass seed can be done in a number of ways. The simplest method is to just grab a handful, or using a small container, begin sprinkling the seed over the future lawn site. However, this method makes it very difficult to get an even covering with the seed. Because of this, I like to use a small, hand spreader when planting new grass. By using a spreader, you get even coverage which is important because if the seed is not thick enough, the resulting lawn will look thin and if you get too much seed in too little an area, your grass can be crowded and choke itself out. Using either a broadcast spreader or a drop spreader for planting new grass seeds is what I recommend.

It is not necessary, but I like to cover my new seedlings with a light layer of straw to act as mulch – keeping the moisture in. This reduces the need for watering and increases the germination rate.

Water Your New Grass

After you’ve planted the seeds and they are evenly dispersed throughout the new lawn site and you’ve covered them with a light mulch to keep the moisture in, you can begin your water application routine. Of course, this routine will vary depending on the weather, your particular climate, and the amount of shade. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should water lightly (15 minutes) twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. As you begin to see your seedlings popping up, gradually reduce the fequency and increase the amount of water applied. This allows the water to soak into the soil and reach the roots of your new lawn while at the same time encouraging the root system to reach deeper for the moisture.