Spring is also a good time to sow grass, but it’s important to sow in early spring, before the weather becomes too hot and before people and pets start walking on the lawn. [1] X Research source
If you’re planting in the spring, opt for a warm-season grass, such as Bermuda, centipede, or carpetgrass. If you’re planting in the fall, choose a cool-season grass, such as bentgrass, bluegrass, or ryegrass. You need to visit a local garden store and talk to a specialist about the best grasses for your region. It is very important to make sure the grass you pick will do well in your climate. You can also check the seed packages for information.
The purpose of tilling or digging is to loosen the soil, aerate the land, and break up clumps. Make sure there are no clumps of soil larger than a quarter.
Amending the soil with organic matter will also provide the ideal soil structure. It doesn’t matter if your soil is too sandy or too clay-like to start, because the matter will make sandy soil more moisture-retentive, and will loosen clay-like soils. The ideal soil pH for grass is between 6. 0 and 7. 5. You can purchase pH testing kits for soil at most garden and home stores. To lower the pH, add some sulfur to the soil as you rake. Granular sulfur is easy to find and used regularly for soil amendment. Depending on the original pH of your soil, you may need anywhere from one to seven pounds (two to seven kg) of sulfur per 100 square feet. Check the directions for specific quantities. To increase the pH, amend the soil with lime. [2] X Research source Granular limestone is widely accessible and easy to use. Depending on the original pH reading, you could need anywhere between 20 and 100 pounds (9 to 45 kg) of limestone per 1,000 square feet. Check the instructions for specific amounts.
Lawn rollers can be rented or purchased from most garden and home stores. You can also use your own body weight to firm the soil. Simply walk over the entire surface of the garden where you’ll be planting. Walk with one foot directly in front of the other to make sure you pack down every inch of soil. [3] X Research source
You can either spread the fertilizer by hand for small areas, or with a spreader for larger areas. Check the manufacturer’s instructions regarding how much fertilizer to use based on the amount of land you’re sowing.
To sew by hand, spread half the seed in one direction (horizontally) and the other half of the seed in the opposite direction (vertically) to ensure full coverage. If you’re using a spreader, set the equipment to the proper rate for sowing seeds.
Don’t bury the seeds more than one-quarter inch (6. 4 mm) deep, or they won’t germinate. [7] X Research source
The roller only needs to be one-fourth full to provide enough weight to pack the seeds. [8] X Research source
Good options include peat moss, straw, compost, or steer manure. Make sure the mulch is a weed-free variety.
When you first plant, water the seeds three times daily with a light misting of water. Don’t allow the soil to become so wet that puddles form. After the seeds germinate, water only twice a day. When the grass reaches the height of one inch (2. 5 cm), reduce watering to once a day. When the grass is fully established and you’ve started mowing regularly, reduce the watering schedule to one inch (2. 5 cm) per week. [9] X Research source
Don’t fertilize the grass after November, as it should be entering a dormant state during late fall and winter. If you planted too late in the season, wait until next spring to fertilize. After the first year, fertilize the grass once every spring and again in the fall. [10] X Research source
Depending on when you planted your grass, you may not have to mow until the following growing season. For the first few times that you mow, don’t cut the grass down by more than one-third of its height. Mow the lawn when the grass and soil are dry to avoid tearing up the turf.
Using a chemical weed control on grass that’s too young can kill the grass as well as the weeds.
Don’t let animals, kids, or adults play in the area with the newly planted grass until the following spring and summer season.
