How to Grow a Lawn From Grass Seeds
The first thing you have to do when you want to plant a new lawn from seeds, if to determine the kind of grass seed that grows best in the type of climate you have. Know if you need warm-season or cool-season grass.
For cool-season grass (which grows best in spring, fall and, in some regions, winter), the most ideal time for seeding is early fall or late summer. At this time of the year, the ground can still give enough warmth for the seeds to germinate, and young grass plants have the whole upcoming cool season to establish themselves.
The second most ideal time to grow seeds is in early spring. During this time, young grass only has little time to become established prior to the coming of summer. However, results are often satisfactory, so long as you begin planting early enough.
Warm-season grass is best grown in late spring. The weather during this time is mild enough for the grass to become established.
When the area is level, the soils is ready, and there's a good watering system, you are ready to plant the seeds.
SPREAD THE SEEDS.
See to it that you set the spreader rate properly for sowing seed. Review the manufacturer's instructions or check the spreader itself as oftentimes important information is printed on it. Put seeds in the spreader. Walk the spreader in one direction and spread the first half of the seeds. Criscross the second half to the first direction. Such pattern provides even coverage.
Apply a starter fertilizer. It has a high level of phosphorous which seeds need for their growth and development.
TOP-DRESS THE SEEDS TO RETAIN MOISTURE.
Open the door of a cage roller or a pear spreader and fill it with fine-textured organic material such as peat moss. Do not do this step on your lawn as you may spill some, make a mess, and will end up disturbing the seedbed.
Rapidly push the roller back and forth over your lawn until you cover the whole area. Apply a thin layer of mulch, no more than 1/8-1/4 inch. Adjust your pace until the cage roller applies just the right amount.
ROLL THE SURFACE
To make sure the soil and seed make good contact, roll the whole area with a roller that you have filled halfway with water. Work on the perimeter first, then roll the whole area.
WATER
When you first water your lawn, see to it that you use enough water to penetrate the soil at least six to eight inches. Water gently so the seeds are not washed away or puddles are not created. It may be necessary to water a couple of times in short intervals until the area is completely wet. After this, water regularly to keep the first one inch of the seedbed moist until the grass seeds germinate. Keep in mind that seeds only have one chance to germinate. They will die if you allow them to dry out. But do not overwater, otherwise the seeds will rot.
Observe the colour of the surface of the soil. You will know when the soil dries; it becomes lighter in colour. When you see that about 1/2 to 2/3 of the soil surface lightening up, it is time to water.
For easier and faster grass seeding, consider the process of spray on grass. It can save you time, effort, and money; and it provides even coverage.
For cool-season grass (which grows best in spring, fall and, in some regions, winter), the most ideal time for seeding is early fall or late summer. At this time of the year, the ground can still give enough warmth for the seeds to germinate, and young grass plants have the whole upcoming cool season to establish themselves.
The second most ideal time to grow seeds is in early spring. During this time, young grass only has little time to become established prior to the coming of summer. However, results are often satisfactory, so long as you begin planting early enough.
Warm-season grass is best grown in late spring. The weather during this time is mild enough for the grass to become established.
When the area is level, the soils is ready, and there's a good watering system, you are ready to plant the seeds.
SPREAD THE SEEDS.
See to it that you set the spreader rate properly for sowing seed. Review the manufacturer's instructions or check the spreader itself as oftentimes important information is printed on it. Put seeds in the spreader. Walk the spreader in one direction and spread the first half of the seeds. Criscross the second half to the first direction. Such pattern provides even coverage.
Apply a starter fertilizer. It has a high level of phosphorous which seeds need for their growth and development.
TOP-DRESS THE SEEDS TO RETAIN MOISTURE.
Open the door of a cage roller or a pear spreader and fill it with fine-textured organic material such as peat moss. Do not do this step on your lawn as you may spill some, make a mess, and will end up disturbing the seedbed.
Rapidly push the roller back and forth over your lawn until you cover the whole area. Apply a thin layer of mulch, no more than 1/8-1/4 inch. Adjust your pace until the cage roller applies just the right amount.
ROLL THE SURFACE
To make sure the soil and seed make good contact, roll the whole area with a roller that you have filled halfway with water. Work on the perimeter first, then roll the whole area.
WATER
When you first water your lawn, see to it that you use enough water to penetrate the soil at least six to eight inches. Water gently so the seeds are not washed away or puddles are not created. It may be necessary to water a couple of times in short intervals until the area is completely wet. After this, water regularly to keep the first one inch of the seedbed moist until the grass seeds germinate. Keep in mind that seeds only have one chance to germinate. They will die if you allow them to dry out. But do not overwater, otherwise the seeds will rot.
Observe the colour of the surface of the soil. You will know when the soil dries; it becomes lighter in colour. When you see that about 1/2 to 2/3 of the soil surface lightening up, it is time to water.
For easier and faster grass seeding, consider the process of spray on grass. It can save you time, effort, and money; and it provides even coverage.
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