How to Successfully Grow a Lawn from Seeds
Starting a lawn from grass seeds is a great and inexpensive way to have that dream lawn that you always wanted. However though inexpensive may call for more attention to ensure that grass seeds germinate and grow into a healthy lawn.
But the good news is that the transformation that takes place by turning a bear or undeveloped spot into a work of art with a lawn that’s growing lush and green is worth the investment.
The right time
Before installing your grass type by seeding ensure that the timing is right. Cool-season grass seeds should be installed during this time of the year and so is the same when installing seeds for warm-season grass. In other words, install grass seeds based on their preferred season.
Removing debris from the seeding area
Before seeds can be sowed the area must be prepared, remove all vegetation, plants, weeds, rocks, etc… This first step is getting the ball rolling in the right direction for your grass seedbed.
The soil ph
The soil ph really does matter, therefore, have a ph test done, this test will tell you what your soil is lacking and what it needs in order for your grass to flourish. Remove soil from several spots, place this soil in a plastic bag and send it to a lab for testing or if you prefer there are soil ph test kits that can be brought from your garden center to do the test yourself. Most grass types prefer a soil ph of 6.0-7.5
Soil amendments
Amending the soil is so important because this process will help your grass seeds to perform well. Soil amendments such as compost, peat moss, good garden weed-free topsoil, etc… are ideal for your newly installed lawn.
With a tiller machine, that can be rented begin to loosen the soil as you mix in your soil amendments. Base on the size of the seedbed and to save a few dollars you can work the soil amendment in by turning the soil with a spade shovel. This may be a bit laborious but besides saving a few bucks you will get in that much-needed exercise. Once the amendment has been added in level the soil with the back of a straight edge hard rake or a rented lawn roller with a water-filled drum that can also work in leveling the soil.
Also if you prefer a starter fertilizer that can be placed down at this time also, a starter fertilizer will provide your seeds with the nutrients they need getting them off to a great start.
Applying water to the seeded area
Water the seeded area lightly, this light watering will further prepare the seeded area for when it’s time to install grass seeds.
Applying your grass seeds
Grass seeds can be applied with the help of a seed spreader, the seeds should be spread base on the recommendations that are on the seed bag. When spreading the seeds fill half of the spreader with seeds and walk in one direction.
Once this is done fill half on the spreader with more grass seed and walk in the opposite direction in a crisscross pattern. This method or technique will ensure that you get full coverage of the planting area.
Empty the drum and roll the seeded area, this will help not only in further leveling the area but will lightly press the seeds into the soil.
More soil
Now your seeds are down and you are almost there, once the grass seeds are down, apply a thin layer of soil over the seeded area and lightly rake. In my last article, we discussed how to keep birds from eating your grass seeds. For more on how this is done follow this link that has been provided for you. How to keep birds from eating grass seed.
Let’s give our grass seeds some water
This is the most crucial part, at this stage, your grass seeds need the right amount of water in order to not only germinate but to grow healthy. When watering the seeded area ensure that the water comes out like a gentle shower.
Strong sprays of water will wash away seed and soil. Don’t flood the area that will encourage rot, the soil should be moist at all times and not allowed to dry out. If rain falls then discontinue watering but once the rain holds up check the soil and if there are signs of dryness then go ahead and begin to water again.
Keep the seeded area protected
Keep all traffic out of this area (children and pets) if your seeds are to germinate and not having some areas that are bare because the seeds die of being disturbed or trampled.
Grass seed germination
Your grass seeds should germinate in about 1-2 weeks’ time.
Grass maintenance
Once your grass seeds have germinated and the entire area is covered with a lawn that’s growing nice and healthy wait until the grass reaches about 4 inches and then cut according to the recommended height that is found on the seed package.
Keeping your grass mowed at the right height along with applying the right amount of water and a good fertilizer program will have your grass in tip-top shape. For more or grass and their care refer to the category section.
The final word on how to start a lawn from seeds
Starting a lawn from seeds is a great and inexpensive way of constructing your dream lawn. This method of lawn installation may call for a bit more but the end results are all the seem which is a lawn that is growing healthy. Following these steps as discussed will give you that dream lawn doing it the inexpensive way.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.