Have you ever tried to plant grass seed in your yard, only to have little to no success? Here are the top five tips on planting grass seed.
1. Loosen the Soil.
Loosening the soil will allow the grass seeds to get find clear access to the nutrients deeper in the soil. If tilling the soil is too much labor for you, try spreading a bit of topsoil on top of the area you want to plant.
2. Spread Fertilizer.
Using fertilizer at the beginning of your planting will give the seeds a boost and better facilitate their growth. A small amount should suffice: too much and the seeds won’t be able to get a hold on the soil beneath. Once the process has begun, you can spread some compost once in a while, and even leave grass clippings behind, to add to the nutritional pool available for you grass.
3. Spread the Seed.
It’s suggested that you use quality seed, in order to ensure the success of your project. Using grass seed of a poor quality will doom your project before it even really begins. Once you’re ready to lay the seed, spread it evenly over the area. You don’t want to have too much density, because the new plants will have to compete with each other for resources. The back of the bag of seed should provide details and illustrations about the optimal density.
4. Water.
Once you have your lawn seeded, you can begin the process of caring for the grass. Water often, to ensure that the first inch or so of soil remains moist. Avoid creating pools, however; watering too frequently can drown your new grass seed or even wash it away.
5. Trim.
Before your grass is old enough to mow, make sure to pluck weeds to prevent the competition from killing your grass. This is most crucial in the beginning, and once your lawn is well established, feel free to let your preferences guide you. Some homeowners regard dandelions as pests, while otherwise enjoy their presence. Regardless, pull any weeds that appear before your grass reaches typical mowing height.
