Grass Seed

[RC]

Just moved into a new house on a half acre lot. The front yard is mostly grass (actually mostly weeds!) I'd like to thicken it up a bit and fill in some bare areas with some real grass. If I just spread grass seed by hand will that be enough for it to germinate? Or does the ground really need to be stirred up a bit and the seeds covered with some topsoil. Never had this much lawn before and need some advice.

Thanks!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Grass Seed

Laughing a bit - it's 15 outside and I have not seen my lawn in quite a long time. It probably will not even consider growing for a few months.

My advice..... call a local lawn and garden shop and ask what works best in your area. (I like zoysia but it will not grow here in VT). I would concentrate on killing the weeds and starting from there. Depending on how big the lawn is it just might need a good thatching to stir it up and let it breath.

Just be careful for what you wish for!! I have some friends who fertilized and have great looking lawns..... which also occupies WAY TOO MUCH time in maintaining it.

 

[imported_HammerHead1]

Re: Grass Seed

just throw hands full of Kentucky blue grass wherever you need it wet it and let it grow

 

[Kenneth Brown]

Re: Grass Seed

Seeds need to be covered with dirt to the equivelent amount of their size ie abput 1/16 of an inch. If your ground is not rock hard ssimply sprinkling them out and watering will usually get the job done. They need to make contact with the ground to grow.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Grass Seed

Starter fertilizers help. Grass seeds really need to stay wet till they germinate. Our sprinkler system had a setting for new lawn and would come on three times a day to keep them wet. Depending on the ground temp this could take between one to two weeks.

 

[i386]

Re: Grass Seed

^^ Yup and if you can throw out some straw that'll slow down the evaporation which goes toward keeping the seeds moist. Don't quote me on this, but I think the ground temp needs to be about 60 degrees or higher for the seeds to germinate.

 

[RC]

Re: Grass Seed

Thanks for your opinions. I think I'll wait till March when the weather starts to warm a bit and just start throwin' seeds!

 

[BOBPELL]

Re: Grass Seed

Thanks for your opinions. I think I'll wait till March when the weather starts to warm a bit and just start throwin' seeds!

Throwin' seeds will not cut it -
Although this sounds difficult it is quite easy.
First - If possible (and only if you can do it without a herioc effort) remove any thatch (dead grass and weeds that accumulate as a mat like area on the lawn).
When you look down you should see soil not a bunch of crap.
Second - rent an aerator - what this will do is make thousands of holes in the lawn (into which your new seeds will fall) and allow oxygen into the root area which is vital for the lawn to do well. Do it right after it has rained so the ground is soft.
If you can't get an aerator use any system available to make a load of holes, this could be walking around for a while in golf shoes (everybody in CA has golf shoes) or whatever - I think you know what were trying to achieve.
Third Seeds - annual rye grass sprouts in 7-10 days so mix a good amount of cheap, inexpensive rye grass seeds with your permanent grass seed. As the rye grows is will protect the other seeds and also loosen the soil in the process. Come summer the rye will dye as your permanent seed has gotten a great start.
Fourth Fertilizer - use what works best in your area BUT use 1/2 strength at the time you seed wit hyour mix. Full strength will burn the seedlings as they begin to sprout.
Fifth Don't be cheap with the H20 - water 2-3 times per week, enough to keep all new seeds moist NOT DROWNING

Cutting - as the temp increases so should the height of your mower. Taller grass creates shade at the soil level so you will use less water, produce less weeds and makes you lawn look great.

I always had the tallest grass around and the most beautiful with the least amount of work.

Good Luck

 

[i386]

Re: Grass Seed

^^^ Sage advice

 

[imported_Boatbuoy]

Re: Grass Seed

Thanks for your opinions. I think I'll wait till March when the weather starts to warm a bit and just start throwin' seeds!

That's not the best time. Yea, it germinates quickly and grows quickly but then the summer sun and dry conditions take their toll. Most places, the best time is late summer/early fall. That way it can develop a root system before the next summer. Check with your county ag. agent or extension service for the best time in your area. If you can't find them, check with your local farmers supply.