When to Plant Grass Seed in the Soil?

Soil

• Sowing grass in spring and fall provides the necessary moist, cool soil conditions for the grass seed to germinate and grow. Prepare the top layer of soil before planting the grass seed by removing all stones, sticks and other debris and breaking up larger soil lumps. Rake over the soil to level the area. Adding a specialty grass seed fertilizer to the soil will help the grass to grow quickly and robustly.

Sowing

• Plant the grass seed in the soil during spring or autumn, preferably soon after rainfall when the soil is moist. Spread the seed evenly across the planting area by hand or, if easier, use a lawn spreader to cover the area. Aim for a spread of around 16 grass seeds for every square inch of soil. Planting seeds too close together can starve them of nutrients.

Covering

• Spring and fall winds and rainfall can blow and wash away the grass seeds so you will need to protect them. Cover the seed planting area with a ¼-inch layer of fine soil and specialty grass fertilizer. The soil will also protect the new seed from birds, rodents and other foraging animals active in the spring and fall.

Care

• Most temperate climates receive enough rain in spring and fall to keep the grass seeds moist enough to germinate and grow. Water the seed bed regularly, particularly in dry and hot conditions to keep the germinating seeds and then the young grass roots healthy. Continue to water the growing grass until it reaches 2 inches in height.