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If your lawn has lost its lush appeal, you need to know how to plant grass seed. Did you know that you can grow your own lawn? Plus, it doesn't take as much effort as you might think. And with the right method, you can easily learn how to plant grass seeds and make your grass thicker and greener.
Proper Way To Grow Grass
If you are new to planting grass seed, don't worry. Here, we'll walk you through exactly what to do, answering any questions you may have along the way. We'll cover when you should start planting grass seed, which seeds are best to use, and how to till your soil. So if you want to beautify your garden, here's how to plant grass seeds for a green lawn.
How To Plant Grass Seed And Get A Greener Yard
Once you've done that, it can also be beneficial to know how to apply lime to your lawn for greener results.
1. Select the best grass seed — Finding the right grass seed for you involves considering what you want from your lawn, as well as which seed is best for your area.
Generally speaking, you should select seeds according to your region. Thus, the northern states of the United States should choose cool season grasses, while the central states should plant traditional grasses and finally the south should use warm season grasses.
Once you have a short list of seeds, consider how hardy you want the grass to be and how much sun it will need for optimal growth. Some seeds prefer different soil pH levels, so this should be tested as well.
How Long Does It Take Grass To Grow?
2. Prepare the Soil - Now that you have your seeds, it's time to prepare your soil. If you are planting a new lawn, you should till the soil about three inches deep. To remove stones and debris, break and loosen this top layer. Level any uneven sections with a rake - this prevents water from pooling in one area. It is imperative that you do not use herbicides at any stage of grass seed planting; It can kill the seed or prevent germination. You can work compost and fertilizers into the soil to help encourage growth.
If you are planting grass seed in an existing lawn, you should first cut the grass as short as possible. You can use a rake to thin out what's left if necessary. Use a metal rake to work and loosen the top ¼ inch of soil in the bare spot, removing any debris as you go. Be sure to level any uneven areas using your garden soil and mix in compost and fertilizers to help growth.
3. Plant and cover your grass seed - The trick to planting grass seed is to do it evenly. For smaller patches you can do this by hand, but for larger areas we recommend using a lawn spreader, such as the Scott's Elite Spreader ($118.23, Amazon (opens in a new tab)), for an even distribution. Follow the package directions for the amount of seed to sew per area.
Using a rake, gently pull topsoil over the seeds, covering them until they are about ¼ inch deep. Once you've done this, you can cover the seeds with mulch or compost to protect them from the wind.
How To Plant Grass Seed On Hard Dirt
Make sure you don't leave any bare patches of dirt behind or you could end up with crabgrass.
4. Water and nurture regularly - You will first want to water the grass seed regularly to help it grow, keeping the bed moist, but not saturated. As a guideline, water 1-2 times a day to start, then less regularly once it reaches a height of 1-2 inches.
Once the grass reaches a height of about 3 inches, it's time to mow. Just make sure you don't cut it back more than 1 inch or you'll leave it vulnerable to weeds. If your lawn mower rips instead of mows, be sure to check out How to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades.
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Scotts Turf Builder 1 Lb Bermuda Grass Seed In The Grass Seed Department At Lowes.com
Your garden should now have a whole new life. Be sure to use fertilizer after it is well established (1-2 months) to keep it vibrant and healthy.
A lot depends on the grass seed you use. If you're planting cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass or fine fescue, which you typically find in the northern United States, it's best to plant in spring or early fall. If you are sowing seed for warm-season grasses such as Bermuda grass and centipede grass, you should stick to spring or early summer.
Either way, be sure to plant your grass seed after the last frost. Cool-season grasses prefer soil temperatures below 65°F, while warm-season grasses prefer temperatures of at least 65°F. Check your soil temperature to guide you
Need more lawn care tips? Here's how to dethatch a lawn. For more planting tips, tricks and how-tos, check out our guides on how to plant sunflower seeds (opens in a new tab) and when to do it, how to plant potatoes, how to grow garlic in 6 easy steps. Grow tomatoes in containers and how to grow strawberries. You'll also want to read how to prune hydrangeas, how to care for orchids, and how to care for air plants.
How To Grow Indoor Grass: Easy Step By Step Guide
And note: Here's the best time to water your lawn, according to experts, and how to care for your lawn before winter sets in.
Cynthia Lawrence specializes in e-commerce for the home, covering all things home and garden He has extensive editorial experience reviewing the latest "must have" home appliances, writing buying guides and practical "how to" features.
His work has been published under various titles including T3, Top Ten Reviews, Ideal Home, Real Homes, Livingetc. and House Beautiful, among many others.
With a rather unhealthy obsession with all things home and interiors, she also has an interior design blog for style inspiration and clever storage solutions (get rid of that clutter!) When she's not checking out great products, she's decorating her family's home or Search online for more decorating ideas for bargains. Whether you're tackling a major DIY project restoring your entire lawn or filling in a few thin patches to add a little more shine to your lawn, being informed about the stages of the grass growth process will go a long way to helping you. Develop a beautiful yard.
It Starts With A Seed: Understanding The Life Cycle Of Grass
One of the most important factors that will help your lawn succeed is choosing the right type of grass. Native grasses and those that work with the natural climate of your area are always the best choice. Choosing the wrong type of grass seed will cause your grass seed to fail; This will only cause a lot of frustration in the long run. While areas in Colorado require cool season grass, our Fit Turf customers in the Denver metro area have different environmental challenges.
Colorado's mountainous climate and heavy clay and alkaline soil requirements are unique to the state. Kentucky bluegrass is hardy here, although it is a high-maintenance choice with high sun and water requirements. Tall fescue grows well here, as does fine fescue. These drought-tolerant grasses can withstand temperatures down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit. Blue grama (Butuelua gracilis) is Colorado's state grass and offers drought-tolerant benefits. It has a hands-off, low-maintenance care factor that appeals to many Colorado homeowners. It grows in USDA zones 3 through 9 and can grow at high elevations in the Centennial State - up to 7,000 feet.
In addition to choosing the right grass seed for your location, the next most important thing to consider is the time of year you are planting the seed. Colorado's cool-season grasses won't do well if you plant them in the summer heat. Choosing the right time of year to seed a lawn takes a little planning and foresight. Colorado's dry climate calls for planting in April or September, when temperatures are a little cooler and rain chances are a little better.
Giving your grass seeds a chance starts with properly prepared soil and optimal site preparation. Determining pH levels is important in determining how much to amend your soil. If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, additives, such as lime, may be needed. Not sure how to determine the health of your soil? Call Fit Turf: Our experts can give you personal advice on the type of turf that will work best for your area.
Tips For Planting Grass Seed In Fall
Add organic matter such as compost, manure or sphagnum peat moss by plowing into the first 6 to 8 inches of soil. Organic materials help drain and aerate the yard and allow your young grass to grow
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