Overseeding Sod

Preparation

• Prior to overseeding the sod, mow the existing grass, cutting the blades back to a height of 1 to 1 1/2 inches. Use a rake to remove any debris or thatch, and pull or dig up any weeds or unwanted plants. Fill in any holes with commercial potting soil, creating a smooth, even lawn area.

Seed Selection

• In the northern U.S., sod should be overseeded with improved cool-season cultivators such as Jaguar fescue, Majesty ryegrass or Midlawn Kentucky bluegrass; these cold-hardy grasses feature lush, fine- textured blades that are tolerant to shade, sun and drought. Southern gardeners can enjoy a green lawn all year long by overseeding warm-season sod strips, such as Bermuda grass and zoysia grass, with a cool-season seed mixture featuring Kentucky bluegrass, fescue and perennial ryegrass. The cool-season grasses germinate in the winter, but die off during warmer weather, creating a year-round lawn.

Application

• Broadcast the selected seeds at half the recommended rate for a new lawn. Scatter the seeds in the fall, spreading them evenly over the existing lawn. This can be done by hand in small areas or with a drop spreader or broadcast spreader.

Maintenance

• Water the lawn thoroughly to wash the seeds down into the existing blades of grass. In northern gardens, the current sod holds the seeds close to the soil until they have the opportunity to germinate in the spring. In the South, keep the seeds moist by watering the grass for five to 10 minutes at a time, three to four times each day for approximately 14 days; after two weeks, mow the newly seeded grass, cutting it back to 1 to 1 1/2 inches in height, then add all-purpose lawn fertilizer to encourage new growth and root development.