How to Plant and Reseed Grass Seed

Seeding a New Lawn

• 1

  Choose early spring or early fall to plant the grass. Do not treat the yard for weeds before or directly after planting.

• 2

  Prepare the soil in your yard for the grass seed. Loosen the top of the soil with a hoe or garden rake. Loosen the top 2 or 3 inches of soil without making the soil clumps too fine. Remove all sticks, rocks and other debris from the planting site.

• 3

  Spread the grass seed over the area. Use your hand to spread the seeds evenly over a small area or use a mechanical seeder for a large area. Apply 12 to 16 seeds per square inch of soil.

• 4

  Rake the seeded area with a garden rake to cover the grass seed with soil.

• 5

  Water the seeded area daily. The root hairs need moisture to absorb vital nutrients from the soil.

Reseeding a Lawn

• 6

  Identify the thin patches in your lawn and use a garden rake to remove any sticks or rocks from the soil. Use the rake or a hoe to loosen the top layer of soil.

• 7

  Sprinkle grass seed over the area, six to eight seeds per square inch is sufficient for reseeding. Use grass seeds specific to the area of the reseeding for best results (shade or sun). Rake the area to cover the new seeds.

• 8

  Water the reseeded area lightly and cover it with a clear piece of polyurethane plastic. Place rocks or other weights at the corners of the plastic cover to keep it in place.

• 9

  Remove the plastic cover as soon as the first seedlings are visible. Water reseeded areas daily until the grass grows to 3 inches tall, as appropriate for the weather conditions.