Seed Your Lawn

Before You Start a Lawn Seeding Project

• A healthy lawn needs good soil. Most turfgrasses prefer neutral soils. To be sure that your efforts aren't in vain, always perform a soil test first and make the recommended amendments. A Lowe’s Garden Center associate can help you interpret the results of a soil test and provide appropriate recommendations.
• Don't apply a weed preventer (liquid or granular) or use weed and feed fertilizer when planning to sow grass. You can control weeds only after new grass seedlings have been mowed at least four times. Any weed controls applied when seed is sown will prevent germination or kill immature seedlings.

Seeding a New Lawn

Using seed is the most common method of planting turfgrass. Whether you have an established lawn or you are starting a new one, the basic principles are the same.

1. Dig or till to a 3-inch depth.
2. Rake to remove clumps and clods.
3. Smooth and level the surface. Remember, you are establishing a finished grade so include any contours needed for drainage.
4. Add compost, topsoil and starter fertilizer. Work into soil.
5. Roll with a weighted lawn roller.
6. Spread seed. To ensure even coverage, sow half of the seeds in one direction and the other half at a right angle.
7. Rake and roll again.
8. Mulch with straw.
9. Water frequently to keep the seeds moist (don't saturate). Cut watering back to once a day when the grass reaches about 1 inch in height.
10. Mow when the grass reaches 2 1/2 inches - 3 inches.
11. After it's been mowed three times, use a regular watering schedule of 1 inch per week.
12. Apply a pre-emergent crabgrass control to stop germination of unwanted grass.

Overseeding an Existing Lawn

To fill out an otherwise healthy lawn or to add extra green for the winter months:

1. Mow lower than usual.
2. Thatch if needed or rake to thin the existing turf.
3. Aerate to reduce soil compaction.
4. Amend with compost.
5. Add starter fertilizer.
6. Apply seed.
7. Rake in loosely.
8. Topdress with mulch, compost or peat moss.

Fixing Bare Spots

If your only problem is a bad spot or two:

1. Make sure the damage is not from a pest.
2. Remove dead grass and loosen soil.
3. Spread grass seed and rake it in.
4. Mulch with a thin layer of straw.

Repairing or Renovating a Lawn

If 50% of the lawn is still good (not bare of grass or full of weeds), repair. If not, start a new lawn.

1. Mow lower than usual.
2. Apply nonselective herbicide.
3. Wait 10 to 14 days (as directed).
4. Seed as a new lawn.

Proper Watering of New and Established Lawns

The amount and the timing of watering are very important. Newly seeded lawns must be kept moist by light, frequent watering in order for the seeds to germinate. Keep the soil moist (but not saturated) until the new seedlings are about 1-inch tall. Be careful: too much water can rot the seeds or wash them way.

After your grass is established, remember these tips to keep your lawn adequately watered:

• Water in the early morning if possible. The lack of wind minimizes evaporation and the chance for fungal diseases. However, if you see that the lawn or garden is becoming stressed or endangered from lack of water, go ahead and water without delay. Avoid watering with sprinklers on windy days.
• Water lawns irregularly, rather than on a strict weekly schedule. This replicates natural weather patterns and helps make lawns more drought-tolerant.
• Water deeply and allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. This will help promote root growth. A strong root system creates hardier turfgrass. Light, shallow sprinklings evaporate before water is able to saturate the soil where it's needed.
• Remove lawn thatch and aerate when needed to increase the soil's water absorption.
• If you have an underground sprinkler system, keep it adjusted and well-maintained.
• Locate and remedy any spots that are prone to runoff and erosion.

Understanding Grass Seed Labels

State laws require labeling on grass seed. The label on the grass seed package tells the consumer:

• The amount of the named variety by percent of weight
• Other crop seeds in the package by percent of weight
• Any inert ingredients in the package by percent of weight
• Percent of weed seed in the mixture (if any)
• Lot number
• Weight of the package
• Germination rate of the seed. The higher the number, the better. 85% is the industry standard
• Place of origin
• Test date — all seed varieties are tested for purity and germination rate
• Identification number of the producer / packager
• Name and address of the producer

In addition to planting pure seed, blends and mixes are also available. A blend is a combination of two or more cultivars of the same species — for example two types of fescue. A mix is a combination of different species of grasses. Both blends and mixes are formulated for specific regions and needs, using the most desirable traits of each grass type to improve the lawn.

Apply the seed with a broadcast spreader or hand spreader. The coverage rates vary based on the type of seed you choose. Buy the best seed you feel you can afford; this is a long-term investment.

Read the label carefully on all lawn-care products. Make sure that the pre- or post- emergent herbicides and fertilizers you purchase are approved for use on your type of grass.