Do you have a patch of dirt where you have always wanted grass to be and just can't seem to get it to grow? Don't worry, you can fix it! In this blog post, we will discuss some easy ways to plant grass seed and get your lawn back in shape. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced gardener, we have the perfect solution for you. So read on and learn how to plant grass seed like a pro!
Soil Prepping
The first step to preparing your soil is to determine whether your soil is suitable for grass seed. If you are not sure, it is best to test the pH of your soil. The pH should be between about six and seven for grass to grow well. You can buy a pH kit right here at Standish Milling.
If you find your soil is not ready for grass seed, you can amend it by adding some organic matter. This can be done by mixing in compost, grass clippings, leaves, or manure. Be sure to mix it in well so that the amendments are evenly distributed. Standish Milling carries many soil amendments.
Planning is important, even for a small area. Preparing the area to plant is important. You must take into consideration the current condition. Are there moss or heavily shaded areas that have completely bare spots? Are there any bare spots from damage such as pet damage or traffic? Problem areas need to be tended to prior to planting. Once the problem areas are tended, you should loosen the soil with a rake or other garden tool that can make the soil loose enough for the seeds to have a chance to germinate.
Ready to Plant the Grass Seed
Now that your soil is ready, it is time to choose the right grass seed for your needs. There are many different options of grass seed. You can find grass seed for sun or shade, for areas with a lot of traffic, or even for wetlands. It is important to choose the right grass seed for your situation so that you get the best results.Choose the Best Grass Seed
One of the most important things to consider when choosing grass seed is the shade. Not all grasses grow well in shade. If you have a shady area, be sure to select a shade-tolerant grass seed. There are many different types of shade-tolerant grasses available such as Tall Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass and RyeGrass, keeping in mind that cool weather grasses tend to tolerate more shade.
Grass seed that can tolerate full sun or heat such as St Augustine, Centipede, or Zoysia. All grasses have different characteristics. Some are more durable with wider blades in comparison to softer thin bladed grass and even others are creeping grasses that cover areas quicker and tolerant of poorer soil conditions.
Planting Seed Strategies
Once you have chosen your grass seed, it is time to plant it. You can either use a hand-held broadcaster or a mechanical seeder. If you are using a hand-held broadcaster, just be sure to evenly distribute the seed across the area that you want to cover. For larger areas, you may want to use a walk behind spreader which broadcasts seeds evenly across a larger radius.
If you are using a mechanical seeder, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, be sure to calibrate the seeder according to the instructions. Next, make sure that you are going over the area multiple times in different directions in order to ensure even coverage. Finally, don't forget to tamp down the soil after seeding to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Protecting the Grass Seed and Future Seedlings
Once the seed is settled into the dirt. It is also beneficial to spread an organic material such as straw. This will protect the grass seedlings from birds or other critters that are looking for a snack and to keep the seed from washing or blowing away while the grass seed germinates. Many people complain about the clean up of straw after their grass is growing well. At Standish Milling we sell chopped straw which can be left as a compost without any clean up!
After Planting Care
One of the most important things to remember after planting grass seed is to keep the area moist, but not wet. A light misting every day should be sufficient. If you are having a hard time keeping the moisture levels up, try using a soaker hose. This will help to keep the soil moist without over watering and drowning out the grass seed.
Be sure to keep an eye on the area for the first few weeks after planting to make sure that no pests or diseases have taken hold. If you do see any problems, be sure to take action right away. A healthy lawn starts with a healthy foundation and by planting your grass seed correctly, you are setting your lawn up for success.
FAQs About Grass Seed Success
What is the best way to prepare soil for planting grass seed?
Loosen the soil with a rake or other garden tool that can make the soil loose enough for the seeds to have a chance to germinate.
What is the best time of year to plant grass seed?
The best time of year to plant grass seed will vary depending on your location. In general, the best time to plant is in the spring or fall when the temperatures are moderate. Avoid planting during extended periods of sun and heat.
What is the difference between shade tolerant grasses and full sun grasses?
Shade tolerant grasses are designed to grow in areas that receive less sunlight. They may not be as lush or as green as full sun grasses, but they will tolerate shady conditions. Full sun grasses are designed to grow in areas that receive more than 5 hours of direct sunlight.
How do I know how much seed to purchase?
The amount of seed you will need will vary depending on the size of the area you are planting. You can always err on the side of too much rather than too little. If you have a large area to cover, it may be helpful to purchase a bulk bag. Standish Milling can help you determine the best amount to buy.
I planted grass seed, but there is no germination. What am I doing wrong?
There are a few things you can do to increase the chances of your grass seed germinating. Make sure that you have loosened the soil and removed any debris before planting. You should also water the area regularly and keep it protected from pests. If after a few weeks there is still no germination, you may need to reseed the area.
I have a lot of weeds in my lawn. Can I plant grass seed over the top of them?
It is not recommended to plant grass seed overtop of existing weeds. The best way to get rid of weeds is to remove them by hand or with a weed killer. Once the weeds are gone, you can then plant your grass seed. But be careful to select a weed killer that is not intended to stop all plant growth. That mistake will seriously delay the development of a lush lawn.
I have a dog that likes to pee in one spot on my lawn. Can I still plant grass seed?
Yes, you can still plant grass seed in areas where your dog likes to pee. However, you may need to take some extra steps to ensure that the seed germinates and takes hold. One way to do this is to place a temporary fence or other objects over the area until the grass has had a chance to take root. This will help to keep the soil moist and encourage new growth.
