There is nothing more rewarding than growing your own crops, and the same goes for your lawn! Sure, it may be easier (albeit more expensive) to just lay down some sod, but growing your own grass is extremely satisfying, and, if done correctly, very easy! If you're interested in learning how to plant grass seeds, keep reading our easy to follow guide below!
How to Plant Grass Seeds – A DIY Gardening Guide
Step 1: Choose Your Variety
There are hundreds of different grass varieties, and depending on which variety you choose, they'll have different needs! Depending on the climate you live in, there will also be different planting times. So the best thing you can do is head on over to your local Home Depot or nursery and ask which grass is best for your climate. Once you have that, you'll know whether you should plant in early spring, late spring, or fall!
Step 2: Prepare The Soil
Before planting, make sure your lawn is completely free of any other grass, plants, or weeds. If you have poor quality soil, ammend it with some organic matter such as manure, compost, shredded leaves, grass clippings, etc. Once your soil has improved, go ahead and level it with a rake. Use a lawn roller to press the soil down. This is a very important step as it will remove any big air pockets. After that, go ahead and water your soil at least a week before planting your seeds. Rake again to level the soil, and water again just 1 day before planting the seeds.
Step 3: Planting The Seeds
Just before planting your seeds, water the soil very lightly. Plant the seeds using a seed spreader or your hands. Scatter half of the seeds in one direction and the other half in the other direction, to make sure you get even coverage. Lightly rake the area so the seeds mix in with the soil and the compost. Do not bury the seeds more than 1/4 inch deep as they need light to germinate! Use a roller to gently push the seeds into the soil. If you don't have a roller, you can use a wood plank as well!
Step 4: Watering
Water abundantly after planting – at least down to 6-8 inches, making sure not to wash the seeds away. Water 2-3 times a day with a light spray method to keep the soil moist. After seeds have sprouted, you can cut back the watering to just once a day.
It may take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks for the grass to germinate and then become completely established. Water your grass regularly, especially during dry spells, and mow it once a week to keep it nice and healthy!
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