Lawn Care:
Easy Steps for Seeding a Healthy Yard
August
September
September is typically the best month for seeding. Air temperature is cool, but the soil temperature is still warm, guaranteeing good germination. You can still seed after September, but you never know when the weather will turn. Also, if seeding under trees you want to get the grass established before leaf drop.
Prepare soil for seeding.
The end of September, October and November is the best time to feed your lawn and K-State recommends 3 feedings. Fall feeding encourages more spreading root growth without much top growth to be mowed off.
It can take a few years to get your yard looking the way you want it. Do what you can with what you have. If you only have the time or resources for the front yard, do it right and work on the back the following year.
- Kill Weeds. This is really an ongoing process during summer months. Stop using any weed killers 4 weeks before you plant or seed, so it does not interfere with germination.
- Get a Soil Test. Most extension agencies will test your soil and tell you any problems or deficiencies your yard might have. Have soil tested every 3 years. DO NOT add anything to your yard, including Lime, without a soil test.
- Measure the Area. You cannot possibly know how much seed to purchase if you do not know how much ground you are covering.
- Note the sunlight. The amount of sunlight you get will factor into what type of seed you should purchase and plant.
- Spray Earth-Right. Earth-Right helps to aerate and loosen compacted soil.
September
September is typically the best month for seeding. Air temperature is cool, but the soil temperature is still warm, guaranteeing good germination. You can still seed after September, but you never know when the weather will turn. Also, if seeding under trees you want to get the grass established before leaf drop.
Prepare soil for seeding.
- Mow the lawn and bag clippings.
- Verticut or rake out dead grass. It is important that the seed makes contact with the soil. Verticut machines cut thin grooves in the soil and lift thatch and debris to be raked up or mowed and bagged. Go over the turf in two directions for best results. Seed the lawn.
- Put down grass seed along with a seed starter fertilizer and then top dress seed with fine compost, strawnet or topsoil.
- Water! Water! Water! Once the seed is wet it is turned on – IT CAN NOT DRY OUT!
- Once seed germinates water less often but longer. Deep, thorough soakings encourage good root development.
- Mow as soon as the new grass needs it.
- Apply 3 applications of Winterizer.
The end of September, October and November is the best time to feed your lawn and K-State recommends 3 feedings. Fall feeding encourages more spreading root growth without much top growth to be mowed off.
It can take a few years to get your yard looking the way you want it. Do what you can with what you have. If you only have the time or resources for the front yard, do it right and work on the back the following year.
How Much Grass Seed Do I Use?
Bluegrass:
Fescue:
Fescue/Blue Mix:
Sow the seed with a Rotary or Drop Spreader for an even application.
- 1# per M over seeding
- 2# per M bare soil
Fescue:
- 5# per M over seeding
- 10# per M bare soil
Fescue/Blue Mix:
- 5# per M over seeding
- 10# per M bare soil
Sow the seed with a Rotary or Drop Spreader for an even application.