Grass seed is sown to produce lawns and to repopulate bare patches, gardens and parks. Not all seeds are created equal, and they thrive under various weather, soil, and sun conditions.
Types of Grass Seed
Not all grasses thrive in all climates. They are generally known as cool-season grasses or warm-season grasses.
Cool-Season Grasses
Places with cold winters and cool summers are best for cool-season grasses. They remain green in spring and fall.
- Kentucky Bluegrass: It spreads well and has the appearance of soft, dark green grass.
- Tall Fescue: Tough and rugged, it can withstand foot traffic and drought.
- Perennial Ryegrass: Fast growing and great if in need of quick results, this variety often involves recurring seeding.
Warm-Season Grasses
Warm-season grasses thrive in hot summers but don’t grow as well in the cooler months.
- Bermudagrass: Best for southern locations, it grows quickly and is tolerant of high heat.
- Zoysia grass produces a thick, low-maintenance lawn and is a great option for high-traffic spots, but it grows slowly when first establishing itself.
- St. Augustinegrass: Does well in warm, in humid locations and by the coast.
How to Choose the Right Grass Seed
When it comes to picking grass seed, it’s essential to consider the local climate, type of soil, amount of sunlight and how the lawn will be used.
- Cool-season grasses are more successful in the north and warm-season grasses do better in the south.
- Some types of grasses need full sun, and others that can tolerate shade.
- The seed of grass will only grow well in soil with the right pH and good drainage.
- If the lawn will receive a lot of foot traffic, choose a tough-seeded, traffic-tolerant mix.
Some seed mixes include various grasses to achieve better results in different parts of the yard.
Getting the Ground Ready
Some things must be done before laying grass seed. This benefits the seed as it grows faster and stronger.
- Rake up all the dead grass, weeds, and rocks.
- Dig or hoe the soil to a depth of 5 to 8 cm.
- Incorporate compost or starter fertilizer if needed.
- Rake the topsoil smooth, then push and tamp it down to cover the seed.
How to Plant Grass Seed
Planting grass seed correctly helps ensure that a lawn gets off to a strong start. Just be sure to follow these steps to ensure even coverage.
- Use a spreader or thyourands to distribute the seed uniformly.
- For a new lawn, one will need approximately 1 – 1.5 kg per 100 m². Less if patching only.
- Rake the soil lightly so that the seed is buried at a depth of approximately 0.5 cm below the surface.
- Mulch, like straw or anything else around, can help to shield seeds from the wind, allowing water to stay with the seed.
Water is a necessary ingredient when planting grass seed. The target is moist, but not too wet or too dry.
- Water lightly daily to ensure the top 2 cm of the soil is humid.
- When the grass is about 5 cm tall, water more deeply, but not as often, perhaps only one or two times a week.
Lawn Care After Planting
As soon as grass begins to grow, it requires the right care to maintain its health and a pleasing green color.
Mowing
Begin mowing once the grass is 8-10 cm tall. Do not remove more than one-third of the height at a time. Make rows as wide as the lawnmower blade to prevent hitting the grass as it shudders.
Feeding the Lawn
Grass requires food to grow. Apply a starter fertilizer after planting and then feed the lawn periodically according to the type of grass.
- Cool-season grasses: Feed in spring and early autumn.
- Warm-season grasses: In late spring through summer.
Overseeding and Aeration
Grass can begin to thin out over time. Overseeding involves adding some extra seed to fill in those thin spots. Aerating the soil once a year promotes and enhances root growth by allowing air and water to move through the soil more freely.
Fixing Common Grass Problems
Even with good care, grass seed sometimes faces problems. Here's how to solve the most common ones.
Seeds Not Growing
This can occur if the weather is too hot or too cold, or if the soil is too dry or too wet. Ensure that the seed has enough moisture and that the soil temperature is correct:
- Cool-season grass: Ideal between 10°C and 18°C.
- Warm-season grass: Requires a temperature of at least 20°C for growth.
Poor Soil or Drainage
Roots may also have a difficult time growing well when the soil is clay or compacted. Break up the soil, and add compost or sand to promote drainage.
Too Many Weeds
Weeds might challenge the new grass. Once the grass is established (about 2 months old), then put down weed control products if necessary. Don’t apply strong weed killers to new grass.
Old or Bad Seed
Grass seed has a shelf life. Look on the label for a packaged date and keep the seed cool and dry.
When to Plant Grass Seed
Timing is important. The best time, of course, will depend on what type of grass one is growing.
- Cool-season grass: Sow in early fall or early spring for best results.
- Warm season grass: Sow in late spring or early summer.
Planting at the right time gets the seed off to a strong start before harsher weather comes.
Tips for Success
A few extra measures can make a big difference in how the lawn ends up.
- Use of spreaders and rakes as well as hose-end sprays with nozzles that produce fine spray droplets can make the job easier.
- Don’t plant ahead of very heavy rain or a heatwave.
- Some grass is slow to fill in. Continually water and limit heavy traffic on the new grass.
Conclusion
Grass seed is the first step to a beautiful lawn. By selecting the right type and tackling how to plant and care for the seed, anyone can grow thick, green grass. With some patience and some hard work, the results will be fantastic.