The soil is ready, the site is level, and the watering system is in place — now you can plant the seed.
Seven Simple Steps
- Spread the seed at a rate of 4-6 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft.
- Make sure that you properly set your spreader rate for sowing seed. (You can check the manufacturer’s instructions, but many times, the spreader has the necessary information printed on it.) Put half the grass seed in the spreader. Spread the first half of the seed by walking in one direction and then spread the second half crisscross to the first direction. This pattern ensures even coverage. Don’t forget to use a starter fertilizer.
- Lightly rake the surface of the soil to barely cover the grass seed.
- To ensure good contact between seed and soil, roll the entire area with a roller that you’ve filled onlyhalfway with water. Roll the perimeter first and then finish the entire area.
- Apply the water gently so that you don’t wash the seed away or create puddles. Best time to water is morning and evening. Keep soil moist, if soils dry out germination will be reduced or young seedlings will die. Depending on soil temperatures and seed mixture germination is generally between 7 to 21 days.
- Mowing can be done when the grass is 3-4 inches high, cut with the mower blades set as high as possi- ble. Close mowing should be avoided through the first season. Removing too much leaf area at one time can stress the new seedlings. Make sure to cut when it is dry and clippings should be mulched or re- moved.
- Protect the seedbed. Stay off until lawn is established.