Best Time To Plant Grass Seed
For cool season grass seeds, either spring or fall are the preferred times, since these northern varieties of grass prefer warm soil and cool air.
In the South, warm-season grasses can be planted from late spring to mid-summer. Wait until the last chance of a late frost has passed, and the daytime temperature is in the 80s.
One of the biggest keys to success is picking a high-quality seed that is right for your climate.
Once The Grass Sprouts
Cool-weather grasses usually sprout within two weeks. If its been more than two weeks and there are few or no grass sprouts, youll need to reseed and try again.
Once seedlings are visible, continue your daily watering schedule until the grass is about a half-inch high.
Once the grass it tall enough to mow, reduce the watering to a rate of 1 inch per week. At this stage, its more important to water deeply and less frequently than to water every day. This will help the roots establish, so your grass will be ready to survive the coming winter.
If you have questions or would like help with your fall grass planting, contact the experts at Reddi Lawn Care at 316-858-0736 today.
Resources found on our website are provided as general guidelines, and Reddi Industries does not assume any liability resulting from the provided information.
Do A Soil Test Then Add Amendments
Once you have renovated your lawn exposed and leveled the planting surface youll need to test your soil for the best grass germination and growth. Test the soil as soon as you can. There can be a wait of up to two weeks for results and you could miss your ideal planting window.
At a minimum, you should test for pH. This is a measurement of the acidity or alkalinity of your soil. Most grasses like slightly acidic soil, with a pH of 6.2 to 7.
A simple moisture and pH tester can be found for $10. For about $20, you could test for the major nutrients in your soil. Your results will show the N, P, and K: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash.
The best soil tests include major and minor nutrients. Your state Extension service and private labs offer these services. Keep in mind your local Extension office can also provide great information and insight that private labs cant, and usually at a lower cost.
Here are four very good soil tests you can buy on Amazon.
The test results should give you a plan and shopping list for your local garden shop. Follow application instructions carefully and add soil amendments to restore what it lacks. Again, use a tiller or hand tools to work the amendments in to a depth of 1-4 inches.
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Reseed To Freshen Up A Sparse Lawn
Shaping your lawn from seed is inexpensive and straightforward. Whether you are sowing seed to start from scratch or fill in patchy areas on an existing lawn, sowing is a much cheaper option for larger spaces just dont get expect instant results.
The right watering strategy is key: water your existing lawn well, sow your seeds and dont water again until you begin to see the shoots coming through. Watering too early risks washing the seeds away and increases the chance of mould setting in.
Mulches For Moisture Retention
Make sure to keep the seeded area moist throughout establishment. In many cases, this may require watering several times a day. A good mulch cover will help the area stay moist so the site may be watered less frequently. Water lightly when irrigating there is no need to see water puddling or running off the site.
Dr. Frank’s work is funded in part by MSU’s AgBioResearch.
This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit . To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit . To contact an expert in your area, visit , or call 888-MSUE4MI .
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Technique : Use Organic Methods
There are several organic methods that you can use to help regrow your grass. These include using things like vinegar, baking soda, and Borax. Before using them, research to ensure they wont harm your grass. You can also talk to a professional landscape company about organic options for weed control. Otherwise, pulling weeds by hand is always an option, though it may be time-consuming.
What Do You Need To Know About New Grass And Lawn Care
Most homeowners will need to plant or reseed grass at some point or another.
One of the best ways to repair your grass is by seeding rough patches in an inch of soil and applying a slow-release starter fertilizer rich in calcium.
The most important thing to know is that once your lawn has been planted, fertilized, and filled in with solid growth, it can begin to regrow fairly quickly. Just keep the new grass watered and lightly fed with fertilizer and that area should settle in and grow back nicely.
When you need to fill in rough areas or make substantial changes to your lawn the uniformity of grass coverage can become a little frustrating.
Just remember that almost all plants need just three things to grow, light, water, and a substrate or growing medium. If youve covered these bases and are paying attention, then patience and care are the final pieces of the puzzle.
Heres an excellent video that will demonstrate the process of repairing your lawn after youve removed a tree.
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Planting New Grass And Reviving A Dead Lawn
There are two ways of planting new grass and reviving a dead lawn. The first is to lay down seed. Use a high-quality grass seed and spread it evenly over your prepared lawn. For a larger lawn, you can rent seed spreaders from your local garden store. After the seed is laid down, cover it with a thin layer of soil.
The second method is to lay down sod. Sod is grass that is already growing and comes in rolls or squares with the roots and soil attached. To lay down sod, place it over the soil, making sure each section is set tightly against the one next to it to avoid empty patches. If you are only filling in dead spots, you can use plugs to fill in wherever you need new grass.
Whether you use seed or sod, follow up planting by rolling. Rolling sod helps press it down into the soil so the roots can attach to the ground. Rolling seed helps push the seed down into the earth so it can take root and grow strong.
Aerate By Tilling The Soil
Your next step is tilling the soil to about five to six inches in depth. This process makes good use of all existing vegetation. If youre dealing with sandy or clay soil, then consider adding a four to six inch layer of compost as you till the vegetation. Organic matter will help sandy soil hold water more effectively. It also makes clay soil less bulky.
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When Do I Reseed My Lawn
For cool season grass, the besttime of year to reseed your lawn is spring or fall. Both seasons offer benefitsfor perfect results.
Reseeding at the end of springensures that cool season grass seed will have enough time to establish beforethe cold weather sets in. Reseeding in the fall means less risk of weeds, butthe soil will still be warm.
Rake & Till Your Lawn
Prepare your lawn for re-seeding by gently removing dead grass and weeds with a garden rake. You must make sure every bit of dead grass is removed, so use those muscles!
Then using a tiller, spread turf builder across the entire area you plan on re-seeding. Till them into the soil about 5 inches deep.
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
Using the other side of the rake, drag the prongs across the soil to create furrows. Spread the grass seed with a spreader or by hand, and then, using the rake, gently cover the seeds with surrounding soil.
Prepare Add Mulch
Add a thin layer of cedar mulch to help the soil retain moisture and help the seeds set. This also prevents any seeds from washing or blowing away.
Should You Be Plant Grass In The Fall Or In The Spring
The answer depends on the type of grass seed youre planting. Early fall is the best time to plant cool-season grasses, such as Fescue, Rye and Bluegrass. These grasses grow best when the temperature is between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit, and benefit from the shorter days and cooler nights. There is also less competition from crabgrass and foxtails.
Warm-season grasses, on the other hand, are best planted in late spring/early summer, after the last frost date. These include Bermuda, St. Augustine and Zoysia.
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How To Repair A Lawn With Seed
If your lawn seems thin all over, try overseeding it. The basics are the same as patching.
Technique : Use Herbicides Carefully
If you do decide to use herbicides, be sure to use them carefully. Read and follow the label directions closely. Only use herbicides that are labeled for use on your particular grass species. And always remember that herbicides can harm people and pets, so use them with caution. If you dont feel comfortable using herbicides, there are other ways to control weeds .
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How To Treat For Grubs And Other Pests:
If your grass is still growing but has dead patches in it, this could be caused by pests like grubs! If you think that might be the culprit, then call a professional pest control company to kill the grubs and treat your lawn.
If you have a problem with other insects, like ants or mosquitoes, then try using an insecticide spray on your grassyou can find these at any big box hardware store!
Treatment And Ongoing Care
There are a number of fast acting chemical pesticides, but if you use the lawn frequently or have kids or pets, it is safer to use neem oil or use biological control with nematodes or milky spore available in garden centers. A general fungicide will take care of most fungal infections, but they are toxic. Avoiding over-watering and keeping the thatch to a minimum may help avoid fungal diseases.
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How To Get Rid Of A Lawn Full Of Weeds And Renovate It
A radiant and lush lawn is not possible if its nothing but weed in there. Thats why you must know how to get rid of a lawn full of weeds if you want to enjoy the true beauty of a lawn.
If your lawn is full of weeds and dead grass, the most plausible reason is that you have skipped some reasons taking care of it. Or the previous owners did.
Nothing to be scared. Killing lawn weeds without harming the grass is possible. All you need is the right guide to follow. And in this article, you will learn how to get rid of weeds without killing grass.
How Do You Revive Dead Grass Quickly
There is no way to revive dead grass, but you can keep brown or yellowing grass from dying out. The best way to revive dehydrated grass is to offer moisture as needed. To revive a lawn that has spots of dead grass mixed in with dying grass, we have some tips. Start by raking dead grass spots to loosen the soil and remove the expired blades. Lightly rake the healthy areas to get rid of dying grass and aerate the soil for root stimulation. Once you have the land prepared, take a rotary seed spreader and lay down new grass seed over the dead spots. Using a lawn roller, gently press the seeds into the soil of the dead spots. Moisten the soil at regular intervals to support healthy growth. Make sure you also use a high-phosphorus fertilizer to give the grass seeds an extra boost.
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Federal Seed Act Ensures Proper Labeling
When it comes to selecting seeds, the Federal Seed Act requires seed sellers to provide consumers with valuable information on the seeds label.
Under the law, the label must tell you:
- The name of the grass variety .
- Its purity, that is, the weight by percentage of each type of seed.
- Germination percentage. The percentage of the seeds that you can expect to germinate. This is not a number the seed companies can fudge. The federal government expects seed producers to run regular germination tests and keep careful records.
- Weed seed percentage. Look for a seed that has less than 0.5 percent weeds.
Train Your Dog To Stop Digging
Is this possible? While it may seem like its within a dogs nature to dig around whenever theres an opportunity, with a little patience and training, you can put a stop to it. Youll notice that your dog may start digging a certain spot. You can add temporarily cover it with chicken wire or rocks.
When they start to dig, make a loud noise or say no. Eventually, theyll make the connection that digging in that spot isnt allowed.
Alternatively, you can also designate a digging area. You can fill one area with dirt or sand. Make sure to reward and praise your dog whenever they do it in the designated area. This way, theyll know that its okay to dig there.
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When Can You Seed After Using Roundup
The best time to seed your lawn is in the early fall, but you can seed the ground anytime it isnt frozen. If youve used Roundup Weed & Grass Killer products and need to replant grass in the treated area, wait at least two days after application before seeding. Be sure to follow all product instructions and always read the product label before use.
Select A Proper Herbicide
Next, its time to select the proper weed treatment based on both weed classification and the stage in their life cycle. Pre-emergent herbicides tackle weed issues before they spring up. Post-emergent herbicides target established weeds.
Keep in mind that herbicides can kill whatever plant life they come into contact witheven if the label says otherwiseso handle with care. If your aim is to re-establish your lawn, as we recommend, killing your existing, thinning grass isnt a big deal, since you will need to start fresh anyway.
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Does Roundup Poison The Soil
The good news is that Roundup does not poison the soil, so your grass should be able to grow back once the herbicide has dissipated. However, it is essential to note that Roundup will remain active in the soil for several weeks, so you will need to be careful not to replant anything during this time.
Once the herbicide has dissipated, you can help your grass to regrow by fertilizing and watering regularly. If the grass was ultimately killed off, you might also need to reseed your lawn. However, with a bit of care and attention, your lawn will be back to normal in no time!
Can Brown Grass Be Revived
There is no way to revive dead grass, but you can nurture brown or even yellowing grass back to health. If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, then you can let mother nature hydrate the lawn on your behalf. For properties in dryer climates, the best way to revive brown grass is to upgrade the irrigation system.
Either water your grass manually once or twice daily or set up a sprinkler system to water the lawn at set intervals. If your grass is brown due to pests, diseases, or poor soil quality, it is a good idea to have a lawn care service evaluate your lawn. They will be able to pinpoint exactly what is wrong and create a customized solution that will bring your lawn back to life.
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How To Grow Grass Fast
Theres no secret trick to get grass to grow overnight, but here are the top tips to get your grass to grow in thick and lush as fast as it can.
If you wish your lawn would spring up thick, green, and vibrant overnight, youre not alone, but theres simply no secret method of ultra-accelerating grass growth. However, by following a proper process, you can minimize the time it takes to establish your lawn. Choosing the optimal grass type and planting at the ideal time go a long way toward getting the lawn you want.
Whether you choose seed or sod, This Old House has all the tips right here for you. Read on to discover how to grow grass as fast as you can.
To maintain your lawn, we recommend hiring a lawn care company like TruGreen to handle your routine fertilization, weed control, and more. To get a free quote, call 1-866-817-2287 or fill out this simple form.
