Fescue is a grass that grows well in the summer.New fescue seeds can be planted after clearing an area of vegetation.The soil can be tilled and fertilized.fescue lawns can be reseeded.Aerating the soil will give it new growth.
Step 1: Wait for the spring or fall.
Fescue thrives when the soil temperature is over 60 F.The temperature in the air will be between 70 and 80 F.The ideal climate occurs in the spring.As temperatures fall, it occurs again.The best time to plant fescue is in the fall.
Step 2: The soil is acidic.
Fescue does well in acidic soil.Before planting time, get a testing kit from a garden center.You don't want to waste time and money on a disappointing growth if you perform the test before planting.The fescue soil has a pH between 6 and 7.Garden lime can be used to treat acidic soil.Compost or other soil conditioners can be used to treat alkaline soil.
Step 3: Before planting, kill weeds.
Unless you are going to replant a fescue lawn, you should get a weed killer that says "glyphosate" on the label.All plants will be killed by glyphosate.The area should be sprayed with the weed killer once or twice.The World Health Organization considersGlyphosate to be a probable human carcinogen.It is not allowed in some states and countries.If handling this chemical, please check with your local laws.If you re-seed, you may be able to use a gentler herbicide.If you want to protect the fescue, you should mow or pull out the weeds by hand.
Step 4: Don't leave the area.
You can get a garden tiller.From one side of the planting area to the other, move back and forth.You may want to go back over the area a second time to make sure the soil is turned enough.The soil should be leveled with a rake.If you don't have a tiller, rent one from a home improvement store.
Step 5: The area needs to be fertilized.
You can addfertilizer after you lay the seeds.A starterfertilizer provides a balance of nutrients for a new lawn.It is a good idea to look for a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.There are a number of numbers on the bags.The NPK value is the amount of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium in thefertilizer.The NPK value is 16-4-8.
Step 6: You can plant seeds.
Five pounds of fescue seed is needed for every 1,000 square feet.Spread the seeds evenly by hand or use a seeding device.Don't be afraid to spread a lot of seeds.The lawn will look full once the fescue has grown.
Step 7: Rake over the seeds.
Go back with a rake.To mix in the seeds, drag the rake over the entire surface of the soil.You can use a hand roller to smooth the area.
Step 8: Water the area.
To cover large areas of fescue seed, use an irrigation system or a hose.To keep the top inch or two of the soil moist, apply about an inch of water.This should be done once a week to keep the soil moist.
Step 9: Spread mulch around the area.
A certified weed-free mulch is wheat straw or paper straw.You will need about 5 to 6 pounds per 1,000 square feet.The mulch will form a light covering over the soil.The fescue grows faster when the soil is mulched.
Step 10: The lawn needs to be mowed.
Cut the fescue in half so that the new seed can get to the soil.The grass should be cut one to two inches high.The lawn clippings need to be removed with a rake.
Step 11: The soil should be aerate.
A core aerator can be rented from a garden center.The aerator should be applied every step or two.Pass the area from one side to the other.When you pull up the soil, make sure you have at least ten holes for every square foot.
Step 12: New seed to sow.
You will need about three to five pounds of fescue seed per 1,000 square feet.Make sure to cover the areas that look thin by spreading the seed over the lawn.Over seeding or planting too many seeds can be costly.Too much competition between plants will cause weak seedlings.
Step 13: Put the seeds in the soil.
Raking the area will help get the seeds in the soil.A hand roller can be used to even out the soil without damaging the grass.A piece of carpeting or a chain-link fence can be used in a pinch.To smooth the soil, drag it along the area.
Step 14: The lawn should be treated as normal.
Continue mowing the lawn until it is three inches (8 cm) tall.Nitrogen-richfertilizer is needed to encourage growth.The soil should be moist.Give the fescue at least an inch of water a week.