To plant grass seed successfully in spring, follow these expert steps:
Preparing the Soil and Site
- Remove any debris, weeds, stones, and old grass clippings from the area.
- For new lawns, till or cultivate the soil to loosen it and remove weeds. Let the soil rest for 10-14 days, removing any returning weeds during this period.
- For overseeding an existing lawn, mow the grass shorter than usual (around 25mm), then scarify or rake to remove moss and loosen the soil surface.
- Optionally, apply a quick-release pre-seed fertilizer to enrich the soil before seeding
Choosing the Right Time and Seed
- Aim to sow grass seed when soil temperatures are around 6-8°C (about 43-46°F), typically when air temperatures reach about 10°C (50°F). This usually occurs in early to mid-spring.
- Use a seed mix appropriate for your region and lawn type (cool-season grasses in northern areas).
- Spring seeding is second best to fall but can be successful if done early to avoid competition from weeds and heat stress
Sowing the Seed
- Divide the lawn into sections to avoid running out of seed.
- Sow seed evenly by hand, with a spreader, or seed drill at about 35-50 grams per square meter depending on whether you are overseeding or planting a new lawn.
- For new lawns, lightly rake the soil to cover seeds 5-10mm deep, then lightly tread to firm the soil without compacting it too much. For overseeding, sprinkle seed on the surface and lightly rake or roll to ensure good seed-to-soil contact
Watering and Maintenance
- Water the seeded area immediately after planting to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Continue watering lightly 3-4 times daily initially until seeds germinate, then gradually reduce frequency while increasing watering duration to encourage deep root growth.
- Keep the soil consistently moist during germination and early growth to prevent seeds from drying out.
- Mow the grass when seedlings reach about 7-8 cm high, starting with a higher mower setting and gradually lowering it as the lawn establishes
Additional Tips
- Avoid compacting the soil too tightly to allow air circulation around the seeds.
- Control weeds to reduce competition for the young grass.
- Rolling the lawn after seeding can improve seed-to-soil contact but is optional
By following these steps-preparing the soil well, sowing at the right time and rate, ensuring good seed-to-soil contact, and maintaining moisture-you can establish a healthy lawn from seed in spring.
