How to Grow Grass from Seeds in Canby

Take samples of your soil one to two months prior to planting the grass. This is particularly important if you've had difficulty establishing a lawn. The soil in Camby is generally fertile, however, amendments may be needed in your particular corner of the world. Simply scoop some soil into a clean container and take it to your local extension office.

Select your grass seed. Cool season grasses such as bluegrass, fescue and ryegrass are all well suited to climate in Camby. For every 1,000 square feet of lawn, you need 2 pounds of bluegrass seed, 6 pounds of fescue or 4 pounds of ryegrass.

Rake the area where the grass seed will be sown with a sturdy garden rake. Use the tines to loosen the top 1 to 2 inches of soil. Crush any dirt clods you come across and remove any rocks, weeds or debris. Comb the soil lightly, leveling the surface of the planting area.

Scatter the seeds evenly by hand or place them in a seed spreader, applying approximately 16 seeds per square inch of soil. Uneven or heavy seeding can result in patchy, weak growth.

Work the seeds into the ground with the tines of the rake, covering them with between 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch of soil.

Spread a 1-inch layer of commercial potting soil or peat moss over the seeds. Even if your soil is not in need of amendments, this additional coverage will not only insulate the seeds and help hold them in place, it will ensure adequate nutrition for young seedlings.

Sprinkle water over the seedbed, adding just enough liquid to moisten the upper layer of soil. Do this slowly to avoid dislodging the newly planted seeds. Keep the seedbed moist, adding water up to three times a day until the seedlings emerge. Once the seeds have sprouted, reduce the watering schedule. Watering for longer periods of time less frequently will encourage root growth.