How to Make Bentgrass Grow

Grow bentgrass in a site with full sun exposure. Remove existing vegetation over the area, exposing bare dirt. Break the soil to a depth of 4 inches with a shovel or hoe to aerate it.

Enrich the soil with shovelfuls of organic soil amendments such as compost or manure prior to planting grass seed. Test the pH of the soil with a pH test kit or by sending a soil sample to your local agricultural extension service. The pH should be between 5.5 and 6.5. Add lime or sulfur according to package directions to adjust the pH as needed. Also add a well-balanced seed starter fertilizer to enrich the soil and assist germination. Rake the area to incorporate the amendments and level the soil.

Spread 1 pound of bentgrass seed per 1,000 square-foot area, preferably in late winter or early spring. Pour half the amount of seed in a hand-held seed spreader and distribute it over the prepared dirt in one direction. Fill the spreader with the remaining grass seed and distribute it in the opposite direction to ensure complete coverage, reducing chances of bare spots.

Rake the grass seed lightly to cover them 1/4-inch in the soil. Covering the seeds protects them from birds.

Water the grass seeds lightly every day to assist germination and growth. Using a sprinkler system set to fine mist or drip irrigation system, irrigate the soil lightly two to three times a day until the seeds germinate, which is usually within 10 days to two weeks. Do not soak the soil or create pools of water, but provide a steady stream of water to the area. After the seeds germinate, water every five to 10 days, depending on the time of year and the temperature.

Feed the grass 1/2 pound of nitrogen fertilizer per 1,000 square feet every month between October and May. Between June and September, feed the grass 1/4 pound of nitrogen fertilizer per 1,000 square foot, for a total of 5 pounds of nitrogen annually.