Planting Guide

Seeding Instructions

To be successful there are several basic steps that need to be followed before any type of seeding is done. These steps will help you be more successful.

New Seeding

1. If there are any perennial weeds present, spray a product such as Roundup to kill these and other existing plants.
2. After spraying, remove any existing sod, alive or dead, in the area to be seeded.
3. Now is the best time to add topsoil or a soil additive, such as peat moss.
4. Apply quality starter fertilizer, such as 16-28-10, 25% XCU, at 50 lb. per 10,000 sq. ft.
5. Remove any stones, sticks or other debris.
6. Finish the surface grade by raking, rolling or lightly dragging to level high spots and fill in low spots.
7. Spread seed mixtures at recommended rates. For best results, spread seed with a mechanical spreader at 1/2 rate in one direction, then spread at 1/2 rate again at a 90-degree angle to the first seeding.
8. Lightly roll or drag seed to get good seed-to-soil contact. Do not cover seed deeper than 1/8 inch. About 20% of seed remaining on the surface is okay.
9. Lightly adding organic mulch such as CoverGrow will keep the surface from drying. If no seed or soil is visible, the mulch has been applied too heavily.
10. Water frequently so soil stays moist. Seed will not come up if you let the ground dry out. Water every day until seedlings are 2”-3” tall. You may need to water more than once daily if weather is hot and dry.
11. After grass is growing and has been mowed 2 times, use Green Yard Lawn Food.

Over Seeding

1. The best time to overseed is early spring or early fall, avoiding extremely hot and dry conditions.
2. For best results, aerate or spike to open the soil and allow more moisture, nutrients, and seed into the soil.
3. Seed at recommended rates.
4. If 4”-8” areas are bare, tear up at least a 12” square area, then seed and mulch. Firm the surface with your foot to get good seed-to-soil contact.
5. After new grass is growing and has been mowed 4-5 times, use your regular lawn food application.

Water Requirements

All lawn grasses require moisture to maintain growth and keep foliage green. Close to an inch of water a week is needed to replace that used by the turf and lost by the soil through evaporation. At times of the year when natural rainfall accounts for this much water, no additional irrigation is required. When the amount of rainfall averages less than an inch a week, the deficit amount is needed in the form of irrigation. When using the sprinkler, remember that an inch of water over 1000 sq. ft. (50 ft. x 20 ft.) will amount to 625 gal. Over the course of a 3-4 month dry season (12 to 16 weeks), this can amount to a need for 7 to 10 thousand gallons of irrigation water for each 1000 sq. ft. of lawn. Before you start to irrigate, be sure ample water is available and that you are willing to pay for it. The best time to water is early in the morning.