How to Ensure a Successful Grass Seeding

August 2, 2021 | By: Larry Coriell

grass seeding

Mid-August to the end of September is typically the best time to seed. Soils in the Fall have been heated by the summer sun. They are at their warmest levels of the entire year, plus competition from annual grasses and broadleaf weeds is lower than usual. As long as proper irrigation can be maintained, the seed will germinate quickly. So how do you ensure a successful grass seeding?

How quickly will properly watered seed germinate?

  • Perennial Ryegrass will germinate in 5-7 days
  • Turf Type Tall Fescue will germinate in 7-10 days
  • Kentucky Bluegrass will germinate in 14-21 days

Step 1: Pick the Right Grass Seed Blend or Mix

A successful grass seeding starts by selecting the right blend or mix for your unique needs. When you seed, you’ll need to ensure there’s seed to soil contact. If you’re seeding on bare ground, loosely rake the soil before broadcast spreading the grass seed. If you’re overseeding into existing turf, core aerating your turf first will ensure when you go out and spread the grass seed, it is making seed to soil contact.

How much seed will I need?

  • Perennial Ryegrass 8lbs per 1000 sq ft of bare ground & 6 to 7lbs per 1000 sq ft of overseeding*
  • Turf Type Tall Fescue 10lbs per 1000 sq ft of bare ground & 6 to 8lbs per 1000 sq ft of overseeding*
  • Kentucky Bluegrass 2lbs per 1000 sq ft of bare ground & 1lb per 1000 sq ft of overseeding*

*Please note the above are approximate rates. Exact rates vary depending on which particular blend or seed mix you choose.*

Step 2: Put Down Starter Fertilizer

Make sure to apply starter fertilizer immediately after seeding to give your turf a nutritional boost. You’ll also want to make another application of starter fertilizer four weeks after your initial seeding.

Step 3: Water it All In

Finally, water it all in. Water is arguably the most important part of seeding, without water your grass seed won’t be able to germinate & grow.

Watering tips

  • It’s best to water a few times a day for less time than one application of water all at once
  • Water in the early morning before the sunrises or just after sunrise; this is when evaporation loss & the impact of the wind are at their lowest.
  • Avoid nighttime watering unless it is the ONLY time possible because it greatly increases the chances of fungal disease by keeping the leaf blades wet for hours.
  • There is such a thing as too much water
    • Do not soak to the point the ground “squishes” when you walk on it
    • Do not water to the point there are standing puddles of water

Bonus: Make every drop of water go farther

  • Utilize Pennmulch or Covergrow to help to retain moisture and promote better germination
    • An application of either product will help with erosion control and will not blow off like straw
    • Plus, they will give the area a finished look
  • Use Hydretain to reduce your new seeds watering needs
    • You’ll still need to water your seed in, but you’ll need significantly less water and save time and effort, all while producing an outstanding stand of turf.
    • Why Hydretain works:
      • Reduces your new seeds watering needs by up to 50%
      • Hydretain attracts water molecules that would otherwise evaporate
      • Delays wilting & stress
    • How Hydretain works:
      • Place your grass seed down
      • Put your starter fertilizer down
      • Put hydretain on top
      • Water it all in

You’re ready to go seed!

Everything mentioned above (except the water) is available here at Green Velvet. If you have any questions or need help selecting the best grass seed blend or mix for your turf needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts here at Green Velvet. With our premium grass seed, starter fertilizer & more you can rest assured your turfs future is in good hands.

By using these tips, your next seeding project will be a success & you’ll be enjoying your grass for years to come!

P.S.

Seeding is just the beginning for your new turf; once your turf is established, be sure to give it the proper nutrition & care it needs year-round. Not a turf care pro? No problem, we made it simple with our easy-to-follow 5-Step Homeowner Lawncare Program.