How Do I Plant Lawn Grass Seed in Central Ohio?

When the grass turns brown in September in central Ohio, take it as your cue to seed your lawn. According to Ohio Extension horticulturist Jane C. Martin, writing for "The Columbus Dispatch," it takes one to two weeks for grass seed to germinate, depending on the species. Then, the seedlings need time to develop strong roots before the first freeze. Planting seeds in central Ohio past September is risky. If you get the timing right, all that's left to do is to follow the general steps for seeding a healthy lawn anywhere in the state.

Grass seeds
Shovel
Plastic bag
Rototiller (optional)
Pick axe
Organic amendment
Rake
Seed spreader
Water
Lawn mower

Instructions

- 1
  Select the grass species and variety you'd like to grow, and buy the seeds. The University of Ohio Extension recommends certified weed-free cool-season grasses for the entire state. Its list includes the improved versions of turf-type tall fescue, fine fescue, perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass.
- 2
  Test your soil for nutrients. Dig about five 8-inch holes in different areas of the seed bed. Collect a handful of soil from the bottom of each. Mix the soil in a clean plastic bag and take it to a lab for testing. Contact the Ohio State University Extension Service for a list of labs that perform the test.
- 3
  Till the ground to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Rototillers are available for rent at tool rental shops. If the area is small, you can break up the seed bed surface with a pick axe and shovel.
- 4
  Incorporate 4 inches of organic matter, such as compost or manure, into the tilled soil. Also, amend the planting area following the recommendations that came with your soil test result, if any.
- 5
  Rake the ground surface to a smooth bed. Remove large debris such as roots and rocks.
- 6
  Sow at the lowest rate recommended, using a spreader. The proper rate depends on the seed variety; but Ohio State University offers 15 to 20 seeds per square foot as a general suggestion. Broadcast the seeds evenly on the planting surface.
- 7
  Rake lightly after seeding to cover the seed with some topsoil.
- 8
  Water the seed bed thoroughly. Continue to irrigate the seeds, as frequently as three times a day, until germination.
- 9
  Cover the seeded area with straw mulch to keep birds from stealing the seeds and to reduce water evaporation.
- 10
  Mow the lawn for the first time when the grass reaches 3 inches tall.

Grass Type and Plant Time for West Pennsylvania

How to Manually Prepare Lawn for Seeding

Lawn Planting