So you’ve finally done away with the weed patch in your yard, and it’s time to go to “dream patch” – you’ve decided to seed your lawn! Good choice, by the way. While sod can give you that nice “instant green,” it’s far more expensive. And you’ll be enjoying your newly seeded lawn in a matter of a few weeks anyway. (You just need to be a little patient before you can see the green at the end of your new-lawn tunnel.) Seeded lawns can also be customized to your site – this means you’ll have more grass types and varieties to choose from than if you were to use sod.
Not sure what type of seed to buy? Ask the garden center professional for help.
Photo Credit: Donna W. Moramarco
Water your seedbed as needed to keep it moist so seeds will germinate.
Photo Credit: Donna W. Moramarco
In addition to a spreader, these tools come in handy for seeding a lawn too.
Photo Credit: Bosh Bruening
Before you buy any grass seed, though, it’s important to do some site assessment. Ask yourself a very simple question about the area you want to seed: What kind of sun does that section get (full sun, part sun/part shade or full shade)? And ask yourself that question now, while the trees still have their leaves. If the area’s sunny, it’s important that you select seed that’ll perform well under full-sun conditions. The same can be said for shady areas. Remember, even though you’re planting grass, the name of the game still (and always should be) “right plant, right place!” (See what I mean about seed being “customized?” You select the seed to match the site, not the other way around.)
So okay – you know what kind of sun your particular area gets. It’s time to buy the seed. Where do you begin? For starters, always buy quality seed. You’ve put a lot of sweat (hopefully no tears) and elbow grease into preparing your seedbed – please don’t blow it with cheap seed! And whenever possible, avoid using just one type of grass (sometimes referred to as a “blend”). Why, you ask? Let’s say you have a pure stand of Kentucky bluegrass that’s attacked by a fungus. You could literally kiss your lawn good-bye – in some cases, in a matter of hours! It’s just wise to look for a mixture that contains cool-season grasses like perennial rye, Kentucky bluegrass and/or fescue. (It’s all on the label.) And a visit to your local garden center or big box store should provide you with ample choices. If in doubt, ask for assistance to make the right selection.
While we’re talking about grass seed labels, here are some things that, by law, must appear on it:
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The origin of the seed
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Seed lot
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Percent of germination
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Percent of pure seed
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The variety/kind
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Date tested
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Date to sell by
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Other seeds (noxious, weed)
The packaging will have additional valuable information on it like “rate of application.” Read that information – it’ll generally give you two rates: seeding or overseeding. It’s now time to do the math! Make sure you buy enough seed (plus some extra) to cover your entire desired area. (The package will also tell you how many square feet the one bag will cover.) And don’t be afraid to buy extra seed, because if you end up with some bare patches to fill in at a later date, your lawn will stay uniform with the same stand of grass throughout. If you have any leftover seed, just close up the bag and keep it away from moisture, which can cause seed to get moldy.
Are you ready? It’s time to seed! Again, rely on the package – follow the directions on it and set your spreader. You’ll want to spread the seed in two steps, each at half-rate, in perpendicular directions. This way you’re spreading for the most uniform coverage of seed – no bare spots or stripes of missing grass.
Now, don’t depend on Mother Nature to handle all the watering. It’s critical that your seedbed be kept moist (not soggy) to ensure germination, and it’s all up to you! Check your seeded area daily to see if you need to water it. And when you do water, a gentle application is best – avoid those jet streams that create puddles or cause runoff.
And voilà! Let the grass growing begin! Within days you should see a faint haze of green appear (and then it’ll be time to rev up the lawn mower). Take heart – you’ll be rewarded for all your hard work. A lush and healthy lawn adds more than beauty and value to your home – it also gives you a great space for you and your family to enjoy. (And then you can prove to the neighbors that, indeed, the grass truly is greener on your side of the fence!)
