Planting grass seed is more complicated than it sounds at first. First-time gardeners and landscapers usually have a lot of questions about grass seed – when to plant it, what type to use, which weather circumstances influence the timing, and much more. Below, we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about grass seed that professionals answer all of the time.
We Answer 8 Burning Questions About Grass Seed
Planting grass seed sounds like it should be simple, but it isn’t. While it certainly isn’t the most complex landscaping endeavor you could ever take on, there is a certain expertise and finesse that must go into it to plant your grass right.
I Planted My Seeds and They Didn’t Grow! What’s Going On?
There is a multitude of circumstances that can impede grass seed growth. Poor weather conditions, inadequate hydration, over hydration, weed-killing chemicals, and much more can keep your seeds from growing. If you don’t know what affected your seed growth, it is in your best interest to talk with a local landscaper who is schooled on the matter and is familiar with the local weather patterns (and how they relate to grass growth).
What are Cool Season and Warm Season Grasses?
Whether you have cool season or warm season grasses depends mostly on where you live. Cool season grasses are indigenous to the northern areas of the world, whereas warm season grasses are native to the southern parts of the globe.
What is Over Seeding?
“Over seeding” might sound like a problematic thing at first, but it is a common practice that many use to thicken up their existing turf. This is a great solution for those dealing with sparse and patchy grass areas. Drought, for example, can severely damage grasses and make a lawn look less than appealing. Over seeding is a solution to such issues, rather than a problem.
How Do I Over Seed My Lawn?
- Mow your lawn shorter than usual. Make sure to bag the trimmings.
- Rake the lawn. This turns the soil and helps to expose debris that could impact the growth of new grass seed. Raking will make sure that the new grass seed has ample opportunity to thrive.
- If you live in a climate with warm season grasses, use a spreader to lay down a seed product designed specifically for thickening lawns. If your climate is cool season, use a regular grass seed.
How Does Over Seeding Differ from Reseeding?
Over seeding, as we said above, thickens the existing landscape. Reseeding, on the other hand, is a total overhaul of the lawn. Reseeding is appropriate when there are more sparse patches and weeds in your yard than there is grass. If you’re only dealing with a few sparse spots, over seeding is an effective and more cost-efficient method of restoring your lawn. Reseeding essentially entails the installation of an entirely new yard.
How Should I Seed a Sparse Spot in My Lawn?
You can fill a single sparse or thin spot in your yard without going through the trouble of over seeding. There are many seeding “patch and repair” options available on the market today, and we recommend making use of one of these powerful seeding agents. This seed is super fast-growing and fashioned from fast-growing material.
- Remove any dead grass.
- Use a rake to loosen up the soil.
- Apply the seed evenly to the affected area. Do not apply it so densely that the ground beneath cannot show through but do apply it with a heavy hand.
- Water the product until it will no longer absorb any more water.
- Water again when the seed appears to turn brown.
After seeding, you should make sure to keep children and pets away from the area until the new grass is about three inches in height. This helps to ensure that the grass has had adequate time to lay down roots and grow strong.
When Does Grass Seed Expire?
If you store your grass seed in a cool, dry area (and preferably in an airtight container), the seed can be good for as long as three years. However, seed stored even in the best of circumstances can become reduced in their germination rates. If you allow seed to sit for 2-3 years, you might see less than ideal results when you actually plant it.
Can I Plant Grass Right After Using a Weed Killing Agent?
It is considered bad practice to plant seed after using a weed preventer/weed killer. Grass grows much like weeds do, so the use of weed killer can severely hinder the growth of new grass seed. It is not recommended to use grass seed in the four months following the application of a weed killer. However, there are some products on the market that are designed to be used while seeding. Make sure to read the instructions on the weed killer and seed thoroughly and plant accordingly.
We know that this is nowhere near an exhaustive list of questions that you might have. Don’t be afraid to ask a local landscaper or other gardening expert if you need further outside input!