How to Reseed Dead Grass

Early spring or late summer to early fall are ideal times for repairing patches of dead grass in the lawn. Wait until the blades green up in spring. It is obvious then what sections of grass are dead. By the end of the summer, it is also clear where the weeds choked the grass plants or where pests and disease got the best of them. At this point, the temperature is cool enough to promote successful germination of seeds without scorching and failure to grow.

Rake
Lawn soil
1 part topsoil (optional)
1 part peat moss (optional)
Seed spreader, as needed

Instructions

- 1
  Rake the patches of dead grass and discard the plant debris to expose the surface. If the grass died as a result of pests and disease, treat the problem before reseeding.
- 2
  Buy commercial lawn soil or mix 1 part topsoil with 1 part peat moss. Spread the blend over the bare surface areas. Make the soil layer 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
- 3
  Select a seed blend of grass species that thrive in your region. In Florida, for instance, plant heat-loving zoysiagrass, Augustinegrass and bahiagrass. In the northern United States, fescue, ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass are suitable for the cooler climate.
- 4
  Broadcast the seeds by hand over small sections. To reseed large areas, use a seed spreader set to drop the seeds at the rate recommended on the package label.
- 5
  Water the soil immediately after sowing the seeds. Maintain the reseeded areas with moist conditions through germination.

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