To properly water new grass seed and ensure healthy germination and growth, follow these guidelines:
- Frequency: Water new grass seed 2 to 4 times daily during the germination period to keep the top 1.5 to 2 inches of soil consistently moist. This usually means watering in the morning and evening at minimum, with additional watering during the day if needed, especially in dry conditions
- Duration: Each watering session should last about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on your sprinkler system and soil type. This amount typically moistens the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches, which is ideal for seed germination and root development
- Length of watering period: Continue this frequent watering schedule for about 10 to 14 days or until most of the grass seeds have sprouted. Germination time varies by grass type, ranging from about 5 days for ryegrass to up to 30 days for Kentucky bluegrass or bermudagrass
- Adjusting watering after germination: Once the grass seedlings emerge, gradually reduce watering frequency but increase the duration to encourage deeper root growth. Eventually, water less often but more deeply, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week including rainfall
- Best times to water: Early morning and late afternoon are ideal to minimize evaporation and allow water to soak into the soil effectively. Avoid watering at night to prevent mold growth
In summary, water new grass seed lightly and frequently (5-10 minutes, 2-4 times daily) for about 1-2 weeks until germination, then transition to deeper, less frequent watering to develop strong roots and a healthy lawn
