Determine the best time to plant grass seed.

It is important to seed at the correct time to ensure the soil temperature is at an ideal range (above 50º F and below 80ºF) so that your grass can germinate. Planting grass when it’s too hot or too cold outside will hinder the seed’s ability to germinate and survive times of stress like extreme temperatures and drought. The best time to plant grass in the spring is between mid-March and mid-May.

Calculate coverage amount.

The average lawn needs approximately one to five pounds of grass seed for every 1,000 sq. ft. Not all grass seed bags have the same coverage, even if they are the same weight so it’s important to pay close attention to the specific instructions on the product label. You can find the coverage amount on the front of most grass seed bags.

Choose the right grass seed.

Selecting grass seed can be challenging, as there are many varieties to choose from. Take the following factors into consideration when choosing grass seed: climate, location, how many hours of sun your lawn receives, and the amount of traffic you have in the area you want to plant. The quality of your grass seed matters, as it ultimately decides the quality of your lawn.

Prepare your soil.

Your soil is the foundation of your lawn. Paying close attention to the health of your soil will benefit your lawn in the long run. To prepare your soil for seeding, test your soil using a soil tester to ensure it has a balanced pH of 6.2 to 7. Check to see if your soil has any rocks or debris that need to be removed. You want to have a clean and even slate for the new grass seeds to grow in.

Plant grass seed and fertilize.

Time to seed! First, spread the seed along the perimeter of your lawn. Then, apply half of the seed in one direction (north to south) and the remainder in the opposite direction (east to west) making sure to overlap slightly between passes. Once you’ve spread the correct amount of seed, rake it into the soil to ensure every seed is adequately covered. Do not cover your seed with more than ¼ inch of soil. Adding a new seeding fertilizer to your lawn at the same time as planting new grass seed will help give your seedlings a good feeding for healthy roots and growth development.

Establish a Watering Schedule.

For the first few weeks after planting, give your seedbed light, frequent waterings two to three times per day, in the early morning, late morning, and early afternoon. The germination period, or the time it takes for your seed to start growing, can vary depending on what type of grass seed variety you’ve planted. Once your grass has reached a height of four inches, you can begin to decrease your waterings to two to three times per week. Water for longer periods during this time for approximately 30 minutes per zone.

At Garden World, we carry a wide variety of grass seed!

Come visit us or shop online to get your lawn started now!