Calculations for Grass Seed

Problems with Seeding

• Other problems exist when seeds are distributed at the wrong rate. Distributing too few seeds causes bare spots or thinning grass. Weeds take advantage of thinning or bare areas and pop up in the yard. Once weeds pop up in the yard, they use up soil moisture, nutrients and air. Surrounding grass tries to compete with weeds and ends up spreading slowly or dying out from lack of nutrients. Gardeners should look at their grass seed's label or follow their recommended distribution rate.

Seeding Rates

• Seeding rates for grass differ depending on the type of turf you are planting. For example, Bermuda grass should be spread at a rate of 1 lb. per 1,000 square feet, tall fescue at 8 to 10 lbs. per 1,000 square feet, annual ryegrass at a rate of 7 to 9 lbs. per 1,000 square feet, buffalo grass at a rate of 1 1/2 to 2 lbs. per square feet and hard fescue at 5 lbs. per 1,000 square feet, according to the University of California.

How to Figure Out How Much to Use

• Before seeds are distributed, gardeners must find out the square footage of the yard to be planted. Measure the width and length of the lawn. Multiply both measurements together to obtain the square footage. Depending on the shape of the lawn and natural landscape, you may have to measure the lawn in sections. For instance, those with lawns on the side of their house can measure the sides and add the square footage to the rest of the total.

Sowing Grass Seed

• Once you have determined how much grass seed you need, divide your grass seed in half. Pour one half into a rotary spreader and distribute it horizontally over the lawn. Add the rest of the grass seed to the rotary spreader to apply it vertically to achieve an even coverage. Small areas in the yard that are too small for the rotary spreader may be seeded by hand-broadcasting the seeds or using a hand-held seed broadcaster.