To properly water grass seed for successful germination and establishment, follow these guidelines:
- Initial watering frequency: Water new grass seed at least twice a day (morning and late afternoon or evening) to keep the top 1 to 1.5 inches of soil consistently moist. This usually means watering two to four times daily for 5 to 10 minutes per session during the germination period, which typically lasts 1 to 2 weeks depending on grass type and environmental conditions
- Adjusting watering after germination: Once the seeds have sprouted evenly and shoots reach a couple of inches tall, reduce watering to every second or third day with lighter watering. By the time grass grows to about 4 inches high and is ready for the first mowing, watering can be reduced to once or twice a week depending on the weather
- Watering duration: Start with short watering sessions of about 5 to 10 minutes to avoid overwatering and seed displacement. As seedlings grow (weeks 3 and 4), increase watering duration to 20 to 30 minutes per session twice daily to encourage deeper root growth. After about 5 to 8 weeks, water every other day, then transition to a regular lawn watering schedule (about 1 inch of water per week) as the lawn matures
- Weather considerations: On hot, sunny, or windy days, increase watering frequency to keep the seedbed moist, potentially watering up to three times a day. Rainfall can supplement watering but ensure the soil does not dry out during the day
- Best times to water: Early morning and evening are ideal watering times to minimize evaporation and allow water to soak into the soil
In summary, keep the soil consistently moist with frequent, light watering multiple times daily during the first 1 to 2 weeks until germination, then gradually reduce frequency and increase watering depth as the grass establishes
