To properly water new grass seed, the key is to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Here are detailed guidelines:
- Before planting: Water the soil deeply to a depth of about 6 to 8 inches several days before seeding to prepare a hospitable environment for the seeds
- Immediately after planting: Water lightly but frequently to keep the top 1 to 2 inches of soil moist. Typically, this means watering 2 to 4 times per day for about 5 to 10 minutes each session
- During germination (first 1-2 weeks): Continue watering 2 to 3 times daily for 5 to 10 minutes per session to prevent the soil surface from drying out. This frequent watering prevents seed drying and promotes germination
- After germination (weeks 3-4): Gradually reduce watering frequency but increase the duration per session to encourage deeper root growth. Water once daily for about 20 to 30 minutes, or every other day with a longer soak
- Established seedlings (weeks 5+): Transition to watering 2 to 3 times per week with deeper watering sessions (about 20-30 minutes) to maintain soil moisture at 4 to 6 inches depth and promote strong root development
- Weekly water amount: Aim for about 3 to 4 inches of water per week during the initial stages, then about 1 inch per week once the lawn is established
- Best time to water: Early morning and late afternoon are ideal to minimize evaporation. Avoid watering at night to prevent mold growth
- Additional tips: Use straw mulch to reduce evaporation immediately after seeding, and adjust watering based on rainfall to avoid overwatering
In summary, new grass seed requires frequent, light watering initially (2-4 times daily for 5-10 minutes), gradually shifting to less frequent but deeper watering as the grass matures, aiming for a total of 3-4 inches of water per week early on, then about 1 inch weekly for established grass
