Getting Grass Seed to Grow

Not everyone knows how to plant grass seed the right way. If you follow a few simple rules you can plant seed successfully, and in a short time you’ll have a lush growth of grass. Here are some tips for how to plant grass seed the right way.

• Buy the correct seed. There are hundreds of varieties of grass on the market, each one adapted for different types of soil and water conditions, climate, and other factors. It’s important to buy the right type of seed for your growing conditions and needs. Do you want a grass that requires less mowing? Less watering? A grass that can withstand droughts? Research what’s available for your region, and find the right grass for your lawn.
• Prepare the soil. This is different depending on if you’re planting a new lawn or overseeding an existing one. In both cases you want to remove debris from the area you’re seeding and level any areas where excess water may collect. For new lawns, you should loosen the soil to a depth of two or three inches. For overseeding, loosen only about a quarter of an inch of soil.
• Plant correctly. Distribute the seed so that there is not too much or too little in any one area. There should be about sixteen seeds per square inch, for optimum growth. For small areas you can apply the seed by hand, but for larger areas you should use a spreader or mechanical seeder.
• Fertilize. After seeding, apply a starter fertilizer. Do not use any weed killer until after at least three mowings.
• Cover the seeds with soil. Seeds should be covered with about a quarter inch of soil to keep them in place.
• Water. The proper amount of moisture is important for seed germination. Water grass seeds at least once a day until the new grass is two inches high, but be careful not to over-water. Light but frequent watering is best.

The best time to plant grass seed is in spring or fall. Have the patience and dedication to do the job right, and you will be rewarded with a lush, green lawn. A lawn care professional can also be a great source for learning how to plant grass seed successfully.