How to Direct Drill Grass

Perform a soil test. Collect samples from several parts of the planting area and mix them well in a pail. Take a small amount of the dirt out and seal it in a plastic bag. Submit it to a cooperative extension or university laboratory. The results will tell you if you need to amend the soil prior to direct-drilling grass seed.

Level off high and low spots on the sod growing area. The dips will gather water, which can wash away grass seed. The high spots will dry out faster than the rest of the seeded area. Add top soil to level off the property as much as possible.

Chisel into the earth to a depth of about a foot. Using tillage equipment to loosen the soil will allow for better root growth and water penetration.

Set the depth bands on the driller. They are adjustable for different seed sizes. The bands should be set to sow the seed 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch deep.

Fill the seed boxes with grass seed. The amount depends on how thick you want the grass to be and the type of grass you're using. A good rule of thumb is to allow for 3 to 5 lbs. of red fescue seed per acre, 1 to 2 lbs. of Kentucky bluegrass seed per acre, 8 to 10 lbs. of perennial ryegrass seed per acre and 3 to 5 lbs. of orchard grass seed per acre.

Hook the drill up to a half-ton vehicle with a pin-style hitch. A direct-drill planting machine weighs more than 2,000 pounds and needs to be pulled by a vehicle that can handle the weight.

Drag the drill over the land in rows. As it drills trenches for the seed, seed will drop from the seed boxes, then the packer wheels will press soil back over the seed. The seed boxes should have agitators inside to fluff up the seed so it shoots smoothly out.

Keep the grass seed moist until it germinates. Water it slowly and deeply twice per day.