How to Plant Grass Seed – A Step by Step Guide
Planting grass seed is a relatively simple activity that can be done with great success following these simple steps.
Step 1 – Buy the Most Appropriate Grass Seed
You will get the best lawn available by planning appropriately. There are many different things to consider when choosing a grass seed. Once you have gone though the steps to choose the right species for your climate as well as your particular yard and light situation as discussed elsewhere, its simply a matter of choosing the best quality grass seed available for your budget. You should always read the guarenteed analysis of any grass seed that you are considering purchasing beforehand. This will insure that you receive the quality you desire as well as the type of grass that you believe you are purchasing.
Grass seed itself is relatively inexpensive compaired to the amount of time and effort that you will expend to create the perfect lawn. Generally speaking, this is not a good area to scrimp and save on as a higher quality of grass will mean less headaches and maintenance for years to come. A cheap grass seed, on the other hand, may fall victim to disease and pests and end up being a nightmare to maintain.
Step 2 – Prepare Your Seed Bed
When you are planting a new lawn, there are several areas you will need to prepare:
make sure to remove any type of debris ahead of time such as rocks, sticks, etc.
level out the area and insure that water will not collect and sit on your new lawn thereby leading to rot.
do not use any type of weed killers on the area before or after planting the new grass seed as this can kill the seed
loosen up the top layer of soil, generally 2 to 3 inches is good although you don’t want to plant seed that deep. This will allow the root structure to establish itself and allow for adequate moisture
break up any large soil clumps
consider having the soil analyzed ahead of time to see if any additives or improvements are necessary – especially if the soil is overly sandy or compacted clay
if you do use any fertilizer after planting the grass seed, insure that it is a starter fertilizer that will not overpower and kill the seed
Step 3 – Plant Grass Seed
If you are seeding a small area, seeding by hand will work fine, otherwise you may want to use a lawn spreader.
Generally try for around 16 seeds per square inch of ground to cover. Overseeding is not advised as this can weaken the new grass by causing the plants to struggle for space and required nutrients.
Step 4 – Cover the Seeds
Lightly cover the new grass seed with 1/8 to 1/4 inch of soil. You can accomplish this by lightly dragging the seed bed.
Compact lightly with a light lawn roller
Step 5 – Keep the Seed Bed Moist
New seed requires adequate moisture for proper seed germination
when watering, water lightly without saturating the area
water frequently until the grass is at least 2 inches high
keep off of the new grass as it is not yet strong enough to handle traffic
Planting grass seed is a relatively simple activity that can be done with great success following these simple steps.
Step 1 – Buy the Most Appropriate Grass Seed
You will get the best lawn available by planning appropriately. There are many different things to consider when choosing a grass seed. Once you have gone though the steps to choose the right species for your climate as well as your particular yard and light situation as discussed elsewhere, its simply a matter of choosing the best quality grass seed available for your budget. You should always read the guaranteed analysis of any grass seed that you are considering purchasing beforehand. This will insure that you receive the quality you desire as well as the type of grass that you believe you are purchasing.
Grass seed itself is relatively inexpensive compaired to the amount of time and effort that you will expend to create the perfect lawn. Generally speaking, this is not a good area to scrimp and save on as a higher quality of grass will mean less headaches and maintenance for years to come. A cheap grass seed, on the other hand, may fall victim to disease and pests and end up being a nightmare to maintain.
Step 2 – Prepare Your Seed Bed
When you are planting a new lawn, there are several areas you will need to prepare:
- make sure to remove any type of debris ahead of time such as rocks, sticks, etc.
- level out the area and insure that water will not collect and sit on your new lawn thereby leading to rot.
- do not use any type of weed killers on the area before or after planting the new grass seed as this can kill the seed
- loosen up the top layer of soil, generally 2 to 3 inches is good although you don’t want to plant seed that deep. This will allow the root structure to establish itself and allow for adequate moisture
- break up any large soil clumps
- consider having the soil analyzed ahead of time to see if any additives or improvements are necessary – especially if the soil is overly sandy or compacted clay
- if you do use any fertilizer after planting the grass seed, insure that it is a starter fertilizer that will not overpower and kill the seed
Step 3 – Plant Grass Seed
If you are seeding a small area, seeding by hand will work fine, otherwise you may want to use a lawn spreader.
Generally try for around 16 seeds per square inch of ground to cover. Overseeding is not advised as this can weaken the new grass by causing the plants to struggle for space and required nutrients.
Step 4 – Cover the Seeds
Lightly cover the new grass seed with 1/8 to 1/4 inch of soil. You can accomplish this by lightly dragging the seed bed.
Compact lightly with a light lawn roller.
Step 5 – Keep the Seed Bed Moist
- New seed requires adequate moisture for proper seed germination
- when watering, water lightly without saturating the area
- water frequently until the grass is at least 2 inches high
- keep off of the new grass as it is not yet strong enough to handle traffic
photo credit: Unhindered by Talent
