Grass Seed Seasonal Planting Guide

Soil

• Planting grass seed on soil that does not contain proper minerals and nutrients will provide poor growth. A lawn care provider can test the soil. Check for mineral content, acidity and organic material. A lack of minerals or organic material can be addressed by spreading compost over the seed, rather than straw. Research the correct balance of soil nutrients appropriate for the type of grass that will be grown. When the soil has been prepared the area should be rolled with a drum roller before spreading seed.

Tools

• Determine the size of the area that will need to be planted. Larger areas can be seeded with a small tractor and bucket leader, which you can rent. More manual processes utilize a landscape rake or seed spreader. Manual tools will be more useful when grass already exists in the area to be seeded--they will prevent damaging existing grass. Spread the seed evenly over the surface, cover with compost and water thoroughly.

Grass Seed

• Choose a type of grass that will survive in local climate conditions, and consult with an expert familiar with your area. Consider winter weather as well as summer heat. Bluegrass, Perennial Rye and Fairway Wheat will survive a cold and snowy northern winter. Bahia, Bermuda and Centipede grass grow in warmer climates. Consider choosing a native grass that will already be bred for the environment. Check the seed for growth two to three weeks after the initial seeding. Some seed may not grow well in shade and a second seeding with an alternative type may be needed.

Tips

• Grass seed can vary significantly in quality. Purchase high-quality seed to eliminate weeds, increase insect and disease resistance and improve the final appearance. Spread fertilizer before the grass seed and don't use straw as the mulch to cover the seed. Straw may have seeds that will germinate with the grass seeds.