Grass Seed Bulking Agents

Sowing Grass Seed

• Plant grass seed by hand or with a seed spreader. Home and garden centers rent or sell seed spreaders. The machines consist of an open bucket on wheels. As you roll it over prepared area, it forces the seeds out in an even layer. A seed spreader saves time and results in a more even lawn, but hand sowing is an option. When sowing grass seed by hand, grab a handful of seed and scatter in an arcing motion over the soil.

Using Bulking Agents

• Grass seed is small and light, making handling and spreading it evenly difficult. Whether using a spreader or to sow grass seed by hand, adding a bulking agent makes the job easier. A bulking is any finely textured organic material mixed with the grass seed. The added bulk makes the grass seed easier to handle. Use an organic material that break down in time.

Bulking Material

• Sawdust works well as a bulking agent. It easily breaks down, is cheap, readily available and adds organic matter to the soil. For very small light seeds, use sand as a bulking agent. Like sawdust, adding sand increases the volume of the grass seed. It also adds weight to the mixture making it easier to handle and spread. If you don't have access to sand or sawdust, use topsoil. It adds sufficient bulk and blends with the soil on the ground.

Ratio

• Mix the grass seed and the bulking agent. Use a ratio of 1 part grass seed to 3 parts bulking agent for most machines and when sowing the seed by hand. Blend the seed and organic material thoroughly. Adjust the ratio of grass seed to bulking agent if the machine indicates a different rate. Check the grass seed package to determine how much seed to use. Application rates vary depending on the type of grass seed.