How to Grow Grass in Wisconsin

Determine the best time to plant grass seed in your area. As a general rule, plant the seed from mid-August through the middle of September for best results, according to the University of Wisconsin Extension (See reference 2 for planting details specific to your area).

Prepare the seedbed. Remove weeds, rocks and other debris from the soil. Apply starter fertilizer only if the soil has been tested at the University of Wisconsin Extension Agricultural Office, or spread compost over the ground. Follow the recommendations made in the soil report for fertilizer dosage. Spread 2 inches of compost on the top of the soil. Mix the fertilizer and compost into the soil, using a rototiller.

Flatten the soil and break up clumps of dirt, using a drum roller filled with water. Soil that is flattened will provide a better ground for soil germination.

Sow the grass seed, using a lawn spreader. Go back and forth from north to south, and then go back and forth from east to west to obtain optimal coverage. Set the lawn spreader to the rate recommended for your specific grass. Check the grass seed packaging for the rate.

Keep the soil and seeds moist. Wet the soil, using a sprinkler and garden hose. Allow the sprinkler to run until the grass and soil get at least 1 inch of water. Place an empty vegetable can on the ground to measure the amount of water. Keep the soil moist until the seed germinates, watering each day or every other day if there has been no rain. Once the seeds germinate and start growing, water when needed to keep soil semi-moist.