To properly water grass seed for optimal germination and growth, follow these guidelines:
- Frequency and Duration During Germination (Weeks 1-2): Water new grass seed 2 to 4 times daily for about 5 to 10 minutes each session. This keeps the top 1.5 to 2 inches of soil consistently moist without overwatering, which can wash away seeds or cause pooling
- Best Time to Water: Early morning and late afternoon are ideal watering times. Morning watering helps moisture soak into the soil before heat causes evaporation, while late afternoon watering provides moisture for overnight. Avoid watering late in the evening to reduce fungal growth risk
- Adjusting Watering as Grass Grows (Weeks 3-4): As seedlings develop, extend watering duration to 20-30 minutes per session, twice daily, to encourage deeper root growth. Then, from weeks 5-8, water every other day for 20-30 minutes, adjusting for weather conditions
- Long-Term Watering: After about 8 weeks, transition to a typical lawn watering schedule-usually about 1 inch of water per week, applied in 2-3 sessions to promote healthy mature roots
- Avoid Overwatering: Do not let water pool on the soil surface, as this can displace seeds. The goal is to keep soil moist but not saturated
- Soil Moisture Check: Use a tool like a screwdriver to check water penetration; it should reach 6-8 inches into the soil to ensure adequate moisture for root development
In summary, start with frequent, short watering sessions (5-10 minutes, 2-4 times daily) during the first 1-2 weeks, then gradually reduce frequency and increase duration as grass establishes, aiming to keep soil moist but not waterlogged throughout the process
