How to Cover Grass Seed With Peat Moss

One challenge with planting new grass seed is keeping it adequately moist and protected from birds until it germinates. There are multiple ways to protect the seeds, one of which is spreading a mulch, such as peat moss, on top of it. The peat moss naturally retains water, which increases the success rate of the seed. In addition, peat moss is a beneficial substance that naturally breaks down and amends the soil.

Water
Grass seed
Rake
Seed spreader
Peat moss bales
Scissors
Garden gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare the planting area by adding any amendments, if applicable. Then, water the ground until it is damp to a 1-inch depth.
- 2
  Fill a seed spreader with the desired type of grass seed. Use the amount specified on the seed bag for your size lawn. Push the spreader over the planting site in side-by-side rows until it is completely covered in grass seed.
- 3
  Rake the soil lightly with a wide-toothed bow rake until the seed is approximately 1/4 inch deep. Some of the seed will still be visible on the surface.
- 4
  Cut the twine on the peat moss bales using scissors, and then put on garden gloves.
- 5
  Grasp large handfuls of the peat moss, and pull apart until it is loose and not clumped together. Spread it on top of the seeds in a 1/4- to 1/2-inch layer. Continue until the entire planting site is covered in peat moss.
- 6
  Water the top of the peat moss with another 1/2 inch of water until it is moist and there are no dry spots.

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