Can You Overwater New Grass Seed?

Problems

• The biggest problems associated with overwatering the lawn involve washing away the grass seed. Newly laid grass seeds have not yet formed roots, so there is little to anchor the grass seed in place. Providing too much water to seeds can cause seeds to wash away, creating bare spots when the grass seed begins to grow. Another problem with overwatering is creating a moist environment that is attractive to fungal diseases. While grass seed needs moist soil to grow, pools of standing water can cause diseases to develop in the newly planted lawn.

Preparation

• For the optimum success in watering grass seed, begin before the seed is laid down, recommends the University of Minnesota Extension. Wet the soil to a depth between 6 and 8 inches. The watered soil should feel moist but should not appear to be muddy. Then spread seeds. Seeds are more likely to adhere to moist soil.

Time

• After spreading seeds over the lawn, it is important to provide frequent, light irrigation several times per day. Begin watering in the early morning and check the soil throughout the day. If the soil feels dry to the touch, it must be rewatered. Watering a second time at dusk helps provide new seeds with water throughout the evening.

Method

• Use a hose with a spray nozzle set to a mist, recommends the Organic Approach website. Water lightly until the soil feels moist to the touch. Move the hose back and forth to soak the area without the spray pushing away seeds. For larger areas, sprinklers can be used, but using sprinklers requires frequent monitoring to ensure that the soil does not begin to form puddles. Consider dividing the lawn into areas, providing moisture to one or two sections per day and completing the other sections on opposite days.