How To Add Grass Seed To Your Lawn

Research And Choose The Right Seed

It might surprise you to know that there are dozens of different types of grass seeds. Some grow better in shaded areas, while others thrive in drier and hotter climates. You may already know what type of grass makes up your lawn, but if youre not sure its best to consult with neighbors or a local home improvement store to find out what type of grass seed does best in your area.

How To Plant Grass Seeds On An Existing Lawn

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A lush and healthy lawn requires an investment of time and effort. Spring and summer months involve a variety of activities, including fertilizing and mowing, to maintain a good-looking lawn. However, late summer and early fall can be just as busy. This is the optimal time to begin working toward a healthy stand of grass for next season by planting seed in an established lawn by overseeding.

Things You Will Need

Can I Overseed Without Aerating First

Aeration is a super important step in the processdon’t skip it!

Lawn soil thats been sitting awhile can firm up quite a bit. Also, each time you mow, a layer of dead grasscalled thatchbuilds up between the soil and live grass blades. So overseeding a lawn as-is means youll be dropping seeds overtop dead grass and packed soil. Nine times out of ten, those seeds wont sprout. Thats where aeration comes in handyit loosens up the soil, removes thatch and helps air and water flow in so seeds have the perfect growing environment.

If you cant get your hands on an aerator, the next best option is to rake your lawn with a metal rake to remove mild thatch and loosen soil. For heavy thatch use a dethatcher.

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Grasses That Benefit From Overseeding

The practice of overseeding lawns is really nothing more than spreading grass seed over an existing lawn. The golf industry has been doing it since the sport began and is an important step in maintaining quality turf. Knowing how to do it correctly is the key. There is no need to invest in expensive equipment, just what is needed to do it correctly.

Not every grass type requires overseeding. The practice of overseeding lawns is primarily reserved for cool season bunch type grasses such as tall fescue, fine fescue, perennial and annual ryegrass and occasionally bluegrass. There are exceptions, but for most home lawns, grass types that spread by the production of “runners” are not generally overseeded unless it is damaged or diseased. This includes most warm season grass varieties. An exception is bermudagrass that is occasionally overseeded in the fall using a cool season variety.

Understanding Grass Growth

Mow The Lawn Lower Than 2 Inches

The first thing to do when overseeding without aerating is to mow the grass. Cut the grass lower than you usually do. The rule of thumb here is to mow lower than 2 inches, preferably as low as 1-1/2 inches.

• Mowing short before overseeding prevents weeds and established grass from competing with new seedlings.
• It also allows sunlight to reach the soil for the much needed warmth for germination.
• Mowing also prevents grass seed wastage .

Pro tip: For this type of mowing, ensure that you use a grass catcher to bag the clippings. You dont want to mulch the lawn because it will prevent grass seed from being in contact with soil for proper germination.

Depending on the turfgrass you have, you may want to cut the grass much lower than that. This is true for dense and tall grasses such as Bermuda grass which can form a very dense canopy.

The reason for mowing low is to make sure as much of the grass seed as possible gets into contact with soil. In addition, mowing low makes sure the grass gets enough sunlight for growth soon after germination.

Some grass types such as Bermuda grass require full sunlight all day for optimal growth. Therefore, do not be afraid to mow low just before overseeding, but be careful not to scalp the lawn.

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When Do I Reseed My Lawn

For cool season grass, the best time of year to reseed your lawn is spring or fall. Both seasons offer benefits for perfect results.Reseeding at the end of spring ensures that cool season grass seed will have enough time to establish before the cold weather sets in. Reseeding in the fall means less risk of weeds, but the soil will still be warm.

Rake & Till Your Lawn

Fertilize

Using a spreader, fertilize what remains of the lawn. It is best to use a starter fertilizer because it has the proper nutrients that grass seeds need to germinate and grow quickly.

Note: Always follow the manufacturers instructions for proper spread rate for a new lawn.

Spread Grass Seeds

Add Mulch

Water Your New Lawn

Will Grass Seed Grow If Not Covered

All grass types will struggle if they are seeded and left uncovered. Sowing seed without proper lawn preparation and leaving it without protection results in poor germination due to lack of soil contact and exposure to scavengers. To prepare your lawn and seed properly, follow these steps:

• Use the right type of seed depending on your region.
• Seed at the right time for your grass seed type.
• Mow existing grass low and bag the clippings, so the seed can reach the soil.
• Rake your lawn to loosen soil and remove thatch.
• Cast seed by hand or with a seed spreader.
• Cover seed with 1/4 inch of soil or top dressing.
• Use a starter fertilizer to provide new lawn nutrients.
• Implement a grass seed watering plan to keep the soil moist until the seeds sprout.

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Rake In The Grass Seed

Take a plastic leaf rake, turn it upside down, and use the back of the tines to gently work the seeds into the soil.

Make short, light strokes. Avoid long sweeping motions, which can redistribute the seeds and cause the grass to grow in uneven patches.

Tip: Don’t compact the seeds with a weighted roller because it will create depressions that collect water.

Step 9

How To Overseed A Lawn Without Aerating

Overseeding the one activity we do a lot in the fall to fill in the bare spots and choke out weeds. The standard procedure usually starts with aerating and probably dethatching, but when you dont want to do these, how do you overseed a lawn without aerating?

To overseed a lawn without aerating, start by mowing it lower than 2 inches and follow it up with raking to remove debris and loosen up the topsoil. Spread the grass seed and then rake over it gently. Fertilize with a starter fertilizer and then water the lawn lightly until the grass grows to a good mowing height.

Recommended Fertilizer: Use the Lawnify Lawn Starter Fertilizer Box

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Tips For Reseeding Bare Spots In Your Lawn This Spring

Posted byScott Stueber on May 28, 2019 10:10:41 AM

Are you disappointed with how your lawn looks this spring? Do you have bare spots? Harsh winters, insects, animals, and disease can wreak havoc on your lawn. While Im not striving for the perfect lawn, I do take pride in having a nice, healthy one.

If youre frustrated with how your lawn looks and you want to fix the bare spots, you can! For existing lawns, lawncare professionals recommend core aeration and over seeding in the fall. This process promotes overall healthy growth and can help thicken it. However, you can add seed to your lawn in the spring and experience good results.

Here are some tips for fixing your lawn.

1. Determine the best time to plant.Depending on where you live, certain times of the year will generate better results. In the Midwest, cool-season grass seeds will germinate when soil temperatures consistently range between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in southern states, warm-season grass seed will germinate when soil temperatures are between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

If the soil temperatures are confusing, a less technical rule of thumb is grass seed germinates when the air temperature is consistently between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lastly, if you experience a cool spring or summer, germination may take longer, or it may fail.

• Does your lawn get full or partial sun?
• Do you have pets?
• Does your lawn get light, moderate, or heavy foot traffic?

How To Plant Grass Seed: A Simple Guide To Success

by Jessica Walliser

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find our full disclosure here.

Lawns are everywhere. Some are highly tended others, not so much. My own lawn is a mixed planting of three types of turf grass , clover, violets, ground ivy, and various other weeds, which is exactly how I like it . Regardless of how perfectionistic you are about your lawn, at one point or another, youll find yourself needing to plant grass seed. Whether its to fill in a bare spot left behind by Fido or a wayward snowplow, or to install a brand-new lawn after a construction project, learning how to plant grass seed is a necessity for most homeowners. This article offers a simple guide to success, no matter the reason for your reseeding efforts.

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Choose The Correct Grass Seed

Choose a grass that is right for your lifestyle, budget, and location. Start by thinking about the type of lawn you want and the growing conditions in your area. Will the lawn get full sun or partial? Will it get a lot of foot traffic or be used by pets? If youre unsure what type of grass you should grow, check out our Grass Seed Identifier article, which will help you find a grass type that matches your growing conditions.

How To Get Grass Seed To Grow The Basics

Before we get to the helpful little trick, it goes without saying that to get grass seed to take, there are a few must-haves right from the start. Unfortunately, with or without a secret trick or tip, if you dont have the must-haves the grass isnt going to grow well under any circumstances.

The Must-Haves Of Getting Grass To Grow

First and foremost, starting with a high quality seed mix is a must. As is selecting a seed mix that is suitable to grow in your area.

It is hard to believe this entire section of lawn was torn up a little over 18 months back. But by using a good quality grass seed, and mixing in a little annual rye to help the seed get started, the lawn filled in thick and lush.

Lets face it, if you live in the middle of Florida, you cant sow a cool season grass that is best suited for growing in a northern state. Nor will a warm season grass grow well in a cooler climate. Not at least if you would like your grass seed to germinate and grow!

But in addition to selecting a good seed that is well-suited for your location, it is also vital to select a blend of grass seed versus a single type of seed. Case in point, Kentucky Blue Grass seed.

Why Grass Seed Blends Are The Best Choice How To Get Grass Seed To Grow

Many lawn aficionados consider Kentucky Blue grass to be the best when it comes to creating a beautiful lawn. But entirely on its own, Kentucky Blue is hard to grow and maintain. And without constant attention, it can fail quickly.

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Think About What You Want To Accomplish With Overseeding

Most people, when they think about overseeding, think about doing it to help out a lawn that has thinned.

However, it can be best to think about overseeding as a preventative measure. Overseeding can help prevent weeds from taking over your lawn.

No matter why youre overseeding your lawn, once you have your goals straight, then you can think about how to overseed properly.

How To Plant Grass Seed On Existing Lawns

How to Plant Grass Seed on Existing Lawns

Your yard takes a beating, day in and day out. It is exposed to the worst of the elements 24/7 and suffers relentless abuse from Mother Nature. Its little wonder that it isnt always up to par and may need a little bit of TLC throughout the year.

Over-Seeding: A Quick & Easy Fix

Over-seeding is a relatively quick and easy way to fill any bare or lackluster patches in your yard: An over-seeded lawn can be well-established within eight weeks or less. New growth can have a profound effect on the look, feel and texture of your lawn. Its also an easy and effective way to strengthen your grass without the need of tilling the soil, removing roots or removing old grass. Over-seeding gives your yard the robustness it needs to fend off weeds, pests and fungus, as well as improve drought tolerance.

Follow Fit Turfs four easy steps to over-seeding and youll be enjoying a thick, dramatically full lawn this season in no time at all.

Step 1: Before You Over-Seed

Step 2: Prepare the Area

Before you over-seed your lawn, it is important to properly prepare the area. This includes watering deeply, mowing, bagging the clippings and raking. When mowing your yard, set your mower to the lowest setting. The grass seed must be in contact with the soil in order to grow, and if your grass is too long, it is unable to do so. Remove the clippings and use a rake to loosen the soil.

Step 3: Plant the Seed

Step 4: Water

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Establish A Good Care Routine

You can start mowing on a regular basis when your new grass reaches the height of your existing ones.

It is also important to maintain a good care routine for your newly sprouted grasses. Regular fertilization and weed control is a fundamental action that can increase the health of your yard.

So to plant a seed, you need to first prepare the area using a rake. You must check for the grass type according to your area. Make sure to read the instructions on the packaging of the seeds for the right spread of seeds.

I hope you like my post about how to plant grass seed on existing lawn. So if you have any queries or want to share your opinion then write them down in the comments section. We will be waiting to hear from you. You can also read:

How To Plant Grass Seed On Existing Lawn

In Lawn & Garden, Lawn Care by JamieNovember 4, 2021

When your lawn is patchy or dying, you dont have to tear it up and start over. In most cases, you can spread fresh seeds right over the top, and restore your lawn to its former glory. So, how do you plant grass seed on an existing lawn?

To plant grass seed on an existing lawn, you first need to prepare the lawn by mowing, raking, and aerating. Next, you need to spread the seed according to the instructions on the package. Finally, you should spread a high-phosphorous fertilizer, and water the area twice a day for at least two weeks.

The process of spreading fresh seed over old grass is called overseeding, and its a normal part of healthy lawn maintenance. Here, well talk about the basics of overseeding, as well as some of the nitty-gritty details. By the time were done, youll know what seeds to plant, when to plant them, and how to follow up.

Contents

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Seed Your Lawn At The Right Time Of Year

You may have a bare patch on your lawn that youve been thinking about seeding, but its important to do it at the right time of year if you want your seed to grow and prosper. How do you know when its the right time to seed your lawn? The timing may vary depending on where you live, but as a general rule, its usually best to seed your lawn in the spring and fall if you live in a northern climate or the late spring/early summer if youre in the south. Attempting to add seed outside of these timeframes wont yield great results if you have any success at all. No matter when you seed youll find it challenging, but timing it right can make all the difference in the world.