Planting grass seed while in the fall is the ideal time for you to plant cool-season grasses or over-seed warm-season grass with perennial rye grass. If north of the transitional zone of the U.S., the best time to plant grass seed will be between August 25th and October 5th. If located in the warmer south and over-seeding, grass seed is best established when planted between September 20th and October 25th.
Soil quality and preparation are essential steps in planting a fresh lawn. Begin by taking off the existing vegetation. If planting a whole new lawn and if there are a lot of weeds, make use of a non-selective herbicide like Round-Up. If over-seeding, you're obviously would not like to obliterate your base grass with a herbicide application but what you can do is mow down your warm-season grass as low as you can. This along with verti-cutting and power raking, will cut down thatch and boost good seed contact on the soil.
For that new lawn, you then need to level the soil as best as possible. The new soil really should settle naturally, or you can increase the task by adding more water. Then rake the soil in order that it has small groves within it.
For both a new lawn and over-seeding, apply 1/2 of grass seed one way over the soil using a spreader. Then put the other 1/2 of your seed in the other way. Lightly rake the seed in and after that roll the soil lightly by using a roller. To create good seed to soil contact and maintain good soil moisture, top dress the grass seed with a thin layer of mulch or compost. This is not necessary but will improve grass seed germination, particularly if under pressure from warm weather or drying winds blowing across the soil surface. Water grass seed thoroughly in t
For that new lawn, you then need to level the soil as best as possible. The new soil really should settle naturally, or you can increase the task by adding more water. Then rake the soil in order that it has small groves within it.
For both a new lawn and over-seeding, apply 1/2 of grass seed one way over the soil using a spreader. Then put the other 1/2 of your seed in the other way. Lightly rake the seed in and after that roll the soil lightly by using a roller. To create good seed to soil contact and maintain good soil moisture, top dress the grass seed with a thin layer of mulch or compost. This is not necessary but will improve grass seed germination, particularly if under pressure from warm weather or drying winds blowing across the soil surface. Water grass seed thoroughly in t
For both a new lawn and over-seeding, apply 1/2 of grass seed one way over the soil using a spreader. Then put the other 1/2 of your seed in the other way. Lightly rake the seed in and after that roll the soil lightly by using a roller. To create good seed to soil contact and maintain good soil moisture, top dress the grass seed with a thin layer of mulch or compost. This is not necessary but will improve grass seed germination, particularly if under pressure from warm weather or drying winds blowing across the soil surface. Water grass seed thoroughly in the first couple of weeks but merely enough to help keep soil moist and not completely soaked constantly. Short water intervals of 3 to five minutes 3 times every day seems to work pretty well.
If sod is installed, repeat exactly the same steps from above and assure the soil is firm enough that the grass sod won't sink in after it's walked on. After sod is installed, roll it by using a roller in 2 directions and water it twice daily until it roots. When grass sod cannot be grabbed by grasping it in your hand, it's rooted.
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If sod is installed, repeat exactly the same steps from above and assure the soil is firm enough that the grass sod won't sink in after it's walked on. After sod is installed, roll it by using a roller in 2 directions and water it twice daily until it roots. When grass sod cannot be grabbed by grasping it in your hand, it's rooted.
About the Author:
I'm an agronomist and turf grass specialist and if you are looking for more useful tips and information on planting grass seed specific to your home state, visit my website dedicated to teaching all Americans how to plant grass at the Planting Grass Seed Center!