Fescue Grass Seed Germination

Soil pH

• Fescue grass needs to be grown around a soil pH range of 6.5. It takes six to three months to successfully alter the soil pH range; therefore, gardeners who want to plant fescue grass should test early. You can buy a soil pH test from your local gardening supply store. Soil that is too acidic should be amended with lime. Alkaline soil can be spread with sulfur to increase the soil's acidity.

Site Preparation

• Spray your lawn area with a broad spectrum herbicide that contains glyphosate to kill off all weeds and grass. Fescue grass seeds cannot compete with weeds and other vegetation for the soil's nutrients. Till the first 3 to 4 inches of top soil to break up the soil, so the fescue seedling's root can establish. Incorporate into the soil starter fertilizer with your tiller. You can use 6 lb. starter fertilizer with a NPK amount of 16-20-0 per 1,000 square feet.

Seed Distribution

• Distribute fescue grass seed at a rate of 10 lb. grass seed per 1,000 square feet at the end of summer or early fall. Pour half of your grass seed into a rotary seed spreader and push the spreader back and forth horizontally over the yard. Add the rest of the seed to the spreader and apply vertically across the yard to achieve an even coverage. Cover the grass seed with 1/8 inch compost. Push a lawn roller over the top of the yard to achieve good soil to seed contact.

After Care

• Water the newly planted seeds to help them germinate. According to Texas A&M University Extension, you should keep the soil moist for 14 to 21 days for optimal germination rates. Reduce watering after 21 days to every few days. After a month, give your fescue lawn 1 inch of water a week. You can fertilizer again after a month from seeding with a high nitrogen fertilizer or 1 lb. nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.