How Long to Water Grass Seed?

Lawn Seeding Tips

• Seeding in late summer and early fall has many advantages in most areas of the country. The soil is warm, giving good germination and the new plants have several months to establish before hard frost. Spring is also appropriate, but there may be more weed seeds germinating at the same time. Digging in organic matter improves the soil to a depth of 6 to 10 inches, at least 2 inches of peat moss, pine straw, leaf mould or other material. This gives your lawn a good foundation. Use a mix of different types of grasses that do well in your area of the country. What works well in one state may not work in another. Consult your local extension service for recommendations.

  Be sure to dig in plenty of organic matter to improve the soil to a depth of 6 to 10 inches, at least 2 inches of peat moss, pine straw, leaf mould or other material. This is your best chance to give your lawn a good foundation and though the work may be daunting, you'll be glad in the long run.

  Most important, use a mix of different types of grasses that do well in your area of the country. What works well in one state may be a disaster in another. Consult your local extension service for recommendations.

Watering Before Germination

• After sowing seed, water to a depth of 4 to 6 inches for constant moisture. After that, wet the surface lightly but frequently. Even with a straw mulch, sprinkle two or more times a day in hot weather. Since seeds put down roots before green shoots appear, keep the top 1 or 2 inches of moist.

Watering During the First Month

• When germination occurs and the ground has a green cast to it with shoots 1/4 to 1/2 inch tall, it still needs frequent watering to avoid stressing the new plants. Once the shoots reach 2 inches, start gradually tapering off on the water, sprinkling less frequently but soaking more deeply to 3 or 4 inches. As the seedlings grow and you start mowing, water less and less often, although the frequency depends on the temperature. Fall rains may provide sufficient water.

Watering to Establish a Deep Root System

• Light, frequent lawn irrigation produces shallow roots. Try forcing the roots to probe deeper for moisture by letting the top inch or more of soil dry out. If you've amended the soil well, the roots have a loose, evenly moist root run to tempt them farther down. Some grass varieties are more drought-tolerant than others, so watering frequency varies depending on climate and type of lawn. Give your lawn a year or two to develop its roots before holding back on the water too much.