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What Do I Need to Know About Grass & Seeding Lawns?

Whether the yard is large or small, grass is a favorite landscape design element for many professional landscapers as well as the average homeowner. When matched properly to a specific climate, grass seed becomes a hardy, weather tolerant plant that adds beauty and scope to a yard. Knowing the basics of seeding a lawn will help to avoid costly and time consuming mistakes.

  1. Pros and Cons to Seeding

    • There are more grass varieties to choose from when seeding a lawn.

      People often choose to seed based on the the fact that the price tag is lower than sod. But as with every decision, there are pros and cons to seeding a lawn. Benefits include the number of varieties to choose from, the initial cost is less, and seeded grass has a stronger initial root system. People often overlook the disadvantages which include the time it takes to establish a lawn, the limitations of when you can seed, and the amount of water required for young seedlings.

    Temperature and Variety

    • There are temperature ranges in which certain seeds will thrive or fail. Choose a variety based on your USDA Hardiness Zone. If planting a cool season grass, plant when daytime temperatures are between 60 and 75 degrees. If planting a warm season grass, plant when daytime temperatures are over 80 degrees. Best results will be achieved if planting occurs in late spring or early summer. Planting in the fall poses a freezing risk to tender seedlings.

    Preparation is Key

    • Having a smooth, well fertilized base increases the long term health of the lawn.

      Preparation is crucial to having a smooth, healthy lawn. Remove persistent weeds, rocks and any remnants of an old lawn. If soil augmentation is needed, till in sand and compost in layers to achieve an ideal mix. Moisten, smooth and pack down to ensure proper drainage and to remove air pockets that will result in an uneven lawn. Fertilize to stimulate germination and sprout growth.

    Water Requirements

    • Water regularly and wait until lawn is established before walking on the lawn.

      Once seed has been raked in and a small amount of hay has been spread over the seed to help retain moisture, its immediately time to water. Using a fan or oscillating sprinkler, completely moisten the entire area. Do not allow for runoff as this will redistribute the seeds and create patches of little or no growth. Water three times daily for five to 10 minutes until grass sprouts. After sprouting, water once a day for 15 to 30 minutes. Water in the morning to allow time for the excess water to evaporate to prevent fungal growth.

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Growing Grass
  1. What Is Reseeding Your Lawn?
  2. What Do I Need to Know About Leaf Blowers?
  3. What You Need to Know About Cut Cymbidium Orchids
  4. Do I Need to Spread Hay Over Grass Seed When Planting?
  5. What to Know About Grass Seed
  6. How to Improve Lawn Grass
  7. About Wild Grass in the Lawn
  8. Lawn Seeding vs. Sod
  9. Basic Things to Know About Lawn Care
  10. What Does Bermuda Grass Need in the Fall?
  11. What to Do About Lawn Erosion
  12. What Do I Need to Know About Recycling Sewage for a Vegetable Garden?

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