Putting down grass seed might seem simple in theory, and it really isn’t hard when you have the right tools and supplies. But timing is everything – especially in the springtime, when the land begins to warm up after the winter freeze. If you apply your grass seed too early or too late, you might not realize the results you desire.
Whether you’re repairing a browning or dried-out patch of grass, or you want to extend your backyard, Tractor Supply is home to the grass seed and spring lawn care products essential For Life Out Here. We’ve spoken with expert Keven Shanks of Scotts Miracle-Grow to give you the following tips for applying grass seed in the spring.
What to Know Before Planting Grass Seed
Before purchasing grass seed and applying it to your yard, you’ll have some research to do to figure out which seed type to get. “You should consider what type of grass is currently in the lawn, if applicable, so you plant grass types that will match or blend into the existing lawn,” Shanks says. “You will also want to plant grass types that do well in your environment.”
Some grass types grow better in certain environments and areas of the country, depending on the local climate. “Cool season grasses grow well in the North, while warm season grasses grow well in the South,” Shanks states. But if you have a mix of both climates, this is called the transition zone, and both cool- and warm-season grasses can be grown in this area.
While many grasses should be planted in spring, some types may need planting earlier or later in the season, depending on their growth requirements. According to Shanks, cool season grasses, such as fine and tall fescue grass seed, Kentucky bluegrass and perennial rye, grow well in temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and they germinate when soil temperatures reach 50 to 65 degrees.
On the other hand, Shanks says that warm season grasses, such as Bermuda, zoysia and centipede, grow well in temperatures between 75 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and they germinate once soil temperatures are 65 to 70 degrees. So, while some grasses can be planted in cooler spring temperatures, you may want to wait until it gets a little warmer to plant other grass types.
Additionally, be sure to think about how much shade or sunlight your backyard receives, as well as how much foot traffic your yard sees from children or pets. These factors may dictate that one grass seed type is better for your land than another.
When it comes to planting the seeds, ensure the weather conditions are suitable on the day you plan to do so. Avoid spreading seed on windier days, as this will cause it to fly around and scatter unevenly.
Preparing Ground Soils for Planting
Once you’ve decided on the right type of grass seed, it’s time to prepare your yard for seeding. Start by weeding out any existing grasses, weeds or plants, using a shovel to dig them out and being sure to eliminate as many roots as possible.
Next, you should fill the space with 2 inches of well-decomposed compost or other organic matter, as this will help add nutrients to soils, enhance drainage and give your grass a healthy foundation to grow from. After applying compost, you must till soils to approximately 4 inches, helping to mix your ground soils with compost materials.
Now, it’s time to smooth out your soils, which can be done with a rake. Carefully drag the rake over the area to smoothen and level it with the ground, ensuring to take out any large soil clumps or rocks so grass has a smooth, loose and mat-like surface to grow from.
Once your area is prepped, use a hose to spray the soil to soak it thoroughly, and do this right before planting. “All grass seed types will require you to keep the soil moist, so the grass seed will germinate and grow,” explains Shanks.
Planting and Protecting the Seeds
Whether you plan to spread seed to a small patch of grass or across your whole backyard, you may need a few tools to ensure projects run efficiently. If you’re just growing grass from a small patch, you can simply scatter seeds throughout the area by hand. But for larger seeding projects, Shanks recommends having more heavy-duty tools to assist, such as a lawn spreader.
“The best way to apply grass seed is using a broadcast (rotary) or drop spreader at the recommended setting, which is listed on the grass seed package,” Shanks says. “Most grass seed packages will provide spreader settings when planting a new lawn on bare soil or overseeding an existing lawn.” But if you’re a farmer or commercial worker needing even heavier duty tools for wider seed spreading, Shanks instead suggests a tractor-drawn spreader, one of the most versatile tractor attachments.
After applying your seed, rake over the entire area, working to cover your seed in soil. For larger areas, a classic garden rake will do. But for smaller patches, you may want smaller hand tools, such as a leaf rake. If you plan to spread seed across a wider area, consider having a harrow, which is a type of pull-behind lawn mower attachment that automatically rakes grounds which each pass. Once your area is well-mixed, be sure to cover the area with weed-free straw, as this will keep seeds securely in place and retain moisture.
Watering Grass Seed
The importance of watering your grass seed frequently cannot be understated. “Watering is crucial for seeding success,” confirms Shanks. Because of this, give your seeds a good first watering right after planting. Mist seedlings daily or as needed, and establish a regular watering routine during the first two to three weeks. “This means keeping the top 1 inch of soil consistently moist, but not soggy,” Shanks states.
After the first couple of weeks, once you notice seedlings emerge from soils, you can stop watering and simply mist seedlings daily or as needed. “Watering requirements won’t differ among the different types of grass seed, but the climate can impact how often you will need to water,” explains Shanks. “Warmer climates or temperatures and less rainfall require more frequent waterings, compared to cooler climates or temperatures and frequent rainfall.”
While you can water seedlings with a traditional garden hose, having other tools, such as sprinklers, allows you to deliver consistent amounts of water over larger grass areas. It also lets you water spaces for a long time without needing to physically stand there, allowing seedlings to get moisture with minimal effort on your part. If you need heavier duty tools to water large areas, consider purchasing a lawn sprayer, which attaches to the back of lawn mowers or ATVs and UTVs to distribute water across your land.
How Do I Know if It’s Time to Mow?
Once new grasses grow to be about 3 to 4 inches tall, it’s time to start mowing your lawn. Be sure to cut about an inch off the first time you mow it, and this goes for each mowing session to follow. While most lawns and grass types require the same amount of mowing, some environmental factors, such as temperatures and rainfall, can contribute to faster growing grasses, meaning you’ll need to mow more often to ensure your lawn stays healthy. Also of note, “There are some varieties of grass types that claim to require less mowing,” warns Shanks, “but most grass types will require about the same amount of effort.”
Additionally, if you plan to weed and feed your grass, keep in mind that some fertilizers and plant foods can cause grasses to grow quickly, so you’ll have to mow it more frequently. “The nitrogen sources in fertilizers can also impact how often you will need to mow. Lawn food containing slow-release nitrogen will usually require less frequent mowing versus lawn foods containing all fast-release sources of nitrogen,” Shanks states.
After mowing your lawn for the first time, you can decrease the number of times you water your grass to twice per week. Each time you water, give your grass a good, sufficient watering, adding about a half an inch of water to soils to keep them hydrated and healthy.
Keep Your Grass Healthy and Thriving with Tools from Tractor Supply
From sun and shade grass seed to lawn mowers, we have all the tools and supplies you need to maintain your front and back yards, making them the talk of your neighborhood. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner looking for ways to care for your grass, or a professional farmer needing heavy-duty tools for your land, rely on our lawn and garden products in-store and online. For more information about our spring lawn maintenance tools, visit your local Tractor Supply store today or browse online.