Grass adds life to your yard, it gives kids and pets a soft and comfortable place to play, and it can make your property look more cared for.One of the most cost-effective ways to grow new grass in your yard is by planting seeds.Picking the right type of grass, tilling and preparing the soil, planting the seeds, and covering the newly sown seeds with mulch are some of the major steps involved in sowing grass seed.
Step 1: The right time of the year is important.
The best time to plant grass is in the fall and spring.It's not so hot that the seeds will dry out, so early fall is perfect because there is enough sunlight and the ground is still warm.Freshly sown grass gets more rain in the fall.It is important to sow grass in the early spring before the weather gets too hot and people and pets start walking on the lawn.
Step 2: Pick the right seed.
You can grow thousands of different types of grass in your yard.You have to consider a number of factors, including the time of year you're planting, your climate, and how much precipitation falls where you live.If you're planting in the spring, choose a warm-season grass.If you're planting in the fall, choose a cool-season grass.To find out about the best grasses for your region, you need to visit a local garden store.It's important to make sure the grass you pick is suitable for your climate.You can check the packages for information.
Step 3: It's a good idea to remove the area.
It is important to make sure the area is weed-free before sowing the grass seeds.Take some time to look for weeds and pull them up.
Step 4: It's better to dig or wait in the area.
In the area where you want to grow the grass, use a shovel or tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of three inches.Rocks, roots, sticks, and other debris can be removed.The purpose is to loosen the soil, aerate the land and break up clumps.There should be no clumps of soil larger than a quarter.
Step 5: Rake the soil to make it better.
To smooth the surface of the plot, go over the freshly tilled area with a rake and spread out the soil.You can amend the soil with two inches of aged compost as you rake.The compost can be spread evenly throughout the plot by using the rake.The ideal soil structure can be provided by amending the soil with organic matter.It doesn't matter if your soil is sandy or clay-like, because the matter will make the soil more moist and loosen it.The ideal soil pH for grass is between 6.0 and 7.5.Most garden and home stores sell pH testing kits.Sulfur can be added to the soil as you rake.It is easy to find and use Granular sulfur.Depending on the original pH of your soil, you may need up to seven pounds of sulfur per 100 square feet.You can check the directions for specific quantities.The soil should be amended with lime to increase the pH.The limestone is easy to use.Depending on the original reading, you could need between 20 and 100 pounds of limestone per 1,000 square feet.The instructions for specific amounts should be checked.
Step 6: The soil must be firm.
Before you can sow the grass seeds, you need to pack down the soil so it won't blow away in the wind.Go over the entire area with a weighted lawn roller.You will get a flat and even surface for planting with this, as it will firm down the soil and break up any remaining clumps.Most garden and home stores sell lawn rollers.Your body weight can be used to firm the soil.You can walk over the entire surface of the garden.Make sure you pack down every inch of soil by walking with one foot in front of the other.
Step 7: It's a good idea to spread theFertilizer.
If you want to sow grass on the same day, you need to amend the soil with more vitamins and minerals.There are a lot of starter fertilizers that can be used for grass and turf.You can spread it by hand or with a spreader.The manufacturer's instructions on how much to use depends on the amount of land you're sowing.
Step 8: Make sure the soil is dry.
Before you sow the seeds, the soil needs to be right.It should be moist.If the soil is muddy, you should wait for it to dry out before planting the seeds.If the soil is dry, then you should water it.
Step 9: Take the seeds and spread them.
If you want to spread the seed by hand, use a spreader.The amount of seed you need depends on the size of the area, the type of grass, and your climate, but the average is between 12 and 16 seeds per square inch.To sew by hand, spread half the seed horizontally and the other half vertically to ensure full coverage.If you're sowing seeds with a spreader, make sure it's at the right rate.
Step 10: The seeds should be Raked.
To cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil after you spread them, use a rake to gently go over the surface of the plot.Don't bury the seeds more than a quarter inch deep.
Step 11: You can go over the area with a roller.
To pack down the soil after the seeds have been buried, go over the area with a lawn roller.The seeds should be firmly planted in the soil to prevent them from blowing away.To pack the seeds, the roller needs to be one-fourth full.
Step 12: A layer of mulch is added.
The mulch will protect the grass seeds, prevent them from blowing away, stop weeds from growing in the area, and help keep the soil moist.Spread mulch over the entire area.Peat moss, straw, compost, or steer manure are good options.The mulch should be weed-free.
Step 13: Water is frequently in the beginning and then less as the grass grows.
Provide the grass with enough water to keep it moist, but not wet, when you first plant it.As the seedlings grow, back off on how much water you give.Water the seeds three times a day with a light mist.Puddles form when the soil becomes so wet.Water is only given twice a day after the seeds have sprouted.Water once a day when the grass is less than 2.5 cm.The watering schedule should be reduced to 2.5 cm per week when the grass is fully established.
Step 14: The grass should be fed.
Fertilizing the grass six weeks after sowing will help it grow strong roots.There is a turf buildingfertilizer that is specifically designed for grass.You canfertilize with a spreader or hand.The grass should be in a dormant state during late fall and winter, so don't fertilize it after November.Wait until next spring to fertilize if you planted too late.fertilize the grass in the fall and spring after the first year.
Step 15: The grass needs to be mowed when it's established.
The grass should be mowed when it reaches a height of three inches.Set the blades so they don't take off more than an inch from the top.You may encourage weed growth if you have more.You may not have to mow until the following growing season, depending on when you planted your grass.Don't cut the grass by more than one-third of its height for the first few times.When the grass and soil are dry, mow the lawn.
Step 16: Take care of the area.
Grass does not like to compete with weeds.Most weeds can be weeded by hand.Wait until you've mowed at least four times before treating the lawn if you want to use a chemical weed control.Chemical weed control on grass that is too young can kill the grass and weeds.
Step 17: Avoid walking in foot traffic.
Although the grass will be established about 10 weeks after planting, it will take an entire season before it is strong enough to handle heavy foot traffic.Don't let animals, kids, or adults play in the area with the newly planted grass until the following spring and summer season.