How to Seed a Lawn

Summers are great fun. However, the long days of sunshine coupled with dry hot weather can result in a dry lawn with dying grass. If this is the case for you, all hope isn’t lost. You can spend your summers lying on a lush green lawn of grass. If you’re searching for information on how to seed a lawn, read on to find out how you can prevent your grass seeds from drying out and ensure that you have a lush green lawn in the summer.

An Overview of Seeding

Lawn seeding in fall is the best way to start a lawn and ensure that your lawn will be the envy of the neighborhood come next summer. The cool temperatures of fall will protect the seeds from drying out. Fall offers just enough rain and sunshine to help germinate the seeds before they go into hibernation for winter. While weeds and crabgrass die during this time of year, your seeds will remain and be ready for full growth in the spring.

Step 1: Test the pH of your soil

The first step is to understand the soil you are dealing with. Test the soil to determine its pH. The best soil for grass seed has a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. If your soil is too acidic i.e. below 6.0, you should add lime in step 4. If it is too alkaline i.e. above 7.5, you should add peat moss in step 4.

Step 2: Clear the soil of roots and rocks

Get rid of roots and rocks in the ground using a pointed shovel. Fill out any holes or depressions with topsoil that you have dug out from high spots. You can use a rotary tiller to turn the soil and loosen the earth.

Step 3: Add sand and compost

Cover the area where you will plant the grass with 1 inch of sand. Spread the sand evenly using a shovel. You can use a rotary tiller to mix the sand into the topsoil. Add an inch layer of compost and distribute it in the same way.

Step 4: Adjust the Soil pH

Now that you have established the soil pH in step 1, you can adjust it to ensure that it provides the ideal conditions for seeding a lawn. You can add lime, sulfur or peat moss depending on the pH of the soil. This will help to balance the pH and boost nutrients. Use a shovel to distribute the peat moss. A broadcast spreader is ideal for applying lime or sulfur. Do not spread the peat moss, lime or sulfur mixed together as they are applied at different and specific rates.

Step 5: Rake the Soil

Work the lime, sulfur and peat moss into the top layer of soil using a metal garden rake. Finish off by raking the soil to make it level.

Step 6: Spread the seeds

Your lawn is now ready for grass seeding. Use a walk-behind spreader to spread the seed on the grass if you have a large lawn. If your lawn is small, you can use a handheld broadcast spreader. Be sure to spread the seeds evenly over your entire lawn.

Step 7: Work the seeds into the soil

Use a plastic leaf rake to rake the seeds into the soil. Turn it upside down and use its back to work the seeds into the soil gently. Don’t compact the seeds with a weighted roller as this will result in depressions that will collect water.

Step 8: Water Regularly

Water your lawn lightly immediately after sowing the seeds. You can use an oscillating or fan type sprinkler to avoid washing the seeds away. Stop watering when the entire area is dampened. Water the lawn lightly for about 10 minutes every 2 to 3 days for the first 10 days after sowing. When the grass begins to sprout you should water the lawn once a day for between 15 to 30 minutes.

Work With Our Company for the Best Results

Are you wondering how to seed grass? Work with us, Adam Gorski Landscaping for the best results. We offer landscaping services North Bend residents trust for the best results.