Tips for Seeding

To be successful, there are several basic steps that need to be followed before any type of seeding is done. Following our seeding instructions that help you be more successful.

SEEDING INSTRUCTIONS

To be successful, there are several basic steps that need to be followed before any type of seeding is done. The following steps will help you be more successful.

NEW SEEDING

1. If there are any perennial weeds present, be sure to spray a product such as Roundup to kill these and other existing weeds.
2. After spraying, remove any existing sod, alive or dead, in the area to be seeded.
3. Now is the best time to add topsoil or a soil additive, such as peat moss.
4. Apply a quality starter fertilizer such as GreenYard Starter (follow rate on bag).
5. Remove any stones, sticks or other debris.
6. Finish surface grade by raking, rolling or lightly dragging to level high spots and fill in low spots.
7. Spread seed mixture at recommended rates. For best results, spread seed with mechanical spreader at 1/2 rate in one direction and spread 1/2 rate again at 900 angle to the first seeding.
8. Lightly roll or drag seed to get good seed to soil contact. Do not cover seed deeper than 1/8 inch (20% of seed remaining on surface is okay).
9. Lightly adding an organic mulch, such as GreenYard Mulch, will keep the surface from drying. If no seed or soil is visible, then mulch is too heavy.
10. Water frequently so soil stays moist. Seed will not come up if you let the ground dry out. Water every day until seedlings are 2-3′ tall. (You may need to water more than once daily if weather is hot and dry).
11. After grass is growing and has been mowed 2 times, use GreenYard Lawn Food.
     

OVERSEEDING

1. The best time to overseed is early spring or early fall, avoiding extreme hot and dry conditions.
2. For best results, aerate or spike to open up soil to allow more moisture, nutrients and seed into the soil.
3. Seed at recommended rates.
4. If 4-8″ areas are bare, tear up at least a 12″ square area then seed and mulch. Firm surface with foot to get good seed to soil contact.
5. After new grass is growing and mowed 4-5 times, use your regular lawn food application.

Check this site for the GreenYard variety which is the best for your lawn, along with recommended seeding rates.

BE PATIENT – DON’T EXPECT GRASS OVERNIGHT!

First 2 weeks: You won’t see much. At the end of the second week, you may be able to see a green sheen, indicating the appearance of the first seedlings. A few weeds can be expected since all soils contain weeds.

Weeks 3 and 4: Some newly seeded lawns may be ready for cutting if the mixes contain ryegrasses and fescues. Straight bluegrasses seeded after the 4th week may just be starting to be visible.

Don’t become discouraged. Many times lawns will look thin 6-0 weeks after seeding, but will develop into healthy, beautiful lawns.

SEEDING RATES

Conversion Charts & Measurement Tables