How Long Before Grass Starts to Grow?

Time to Germination

• Planting grass seed will probably take a few hours of your time, but don't have any fear if you don't see any immediate results. In ideal conditions, grass seed should begin to produce small, soft, green shoots within a day or two after seeding. If you keep up proper watering and care for the grass seed, you should see full germination within 10 days of seeding; from there, the grass will enter the usual life cycle of growing, being cut and going dormant in winter that you are used to seeing from a healthy lawn.

Preparing for Germination

• Prepping the soil to accept the grass seed will ensure a speedy germination period, as well as healthy and vibrant growth when the grass enters full maturity. When you prepare your soil, mix in a starter fertilizer with a balanced distribution of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The seed will feed on this boost of nutrition to germinate on time and healthily; without it, it may germinate more slowly and not as strongly. Moisten the soil before planting the seed so that it has water to thrive on.

Protecting New Seed

• Grass seed is generally sown on or very close to the surface of the soil and therefore needs to be protected from damage. Surround your newly planted lawn with colorful string or with a low fence to keep people from walking on it. If you have kids or pets, keep them away. Water the soil well after you apply the seed (use a sprinkler or light spray so that you don't blast the seed away with the water), then cover the entire area with a thin layer of peat moss or straw. This will help the seed retain moisture (leading to faster germination) and will keep birds from carrying off your seeds.

Continuing Care

• Lightly sprinkle your newly seeded lawn with water at least twice per day, or anytime the surface soil looks light brown in color; it gets darker when you wet it. This is especially important in hot or windy weather, when the soil will dry out much faster. Once the grass reaches 2 to 3 inches long, reduce watering to once per day. Mow your grass for the first time when it reaches 4 inches long. Fertilize four to six weeks after germination to keep it growing healthy and strong.