Whether you are reseeding your lawn or laying a brand new yard, the basics of lawn care is about the same. We want to make sure it’s the right time so now is the perfect time of year to consider giving your lawn a fresh reseeding or boost. If you’re planning on starting all over, the same rules apply here. Here are the basics of lawn care after seeding or re-seeding.
Days 0-14
- With the first watering, make sure that you apply enough water to wet the soil down to at least 6 to 8 inches. Apply the water gently so that you don’t wash the seed away or create puddles.
- Going forward, water several times in short intervals (5 min per section) until the bed is moist keeping the top inch or so of the seedbed moist until the seed germinates. Remember, seeds get only one shot at germination. Let them dry out, and they’re dead.
*Watch the color of the soil surface. As the soil dries, the surface becomes lighter in color. When you notice about half to two-thirds of the surface lightening up, it’s about time to water. Don’t let the soil dry out completely.
* Watering is the most important step. However, note that too much water can actually cause the seed to rot. Water should never pool on the surface. Other than possibly the very first watering you will not need more than 5-10 min per section of grass.
- Protect the seedbed as much as possible.
- It can take up to 14 days to see seed germination.
- During this time if you see weeds coming through, pick them by hand.
Days 14-45
- Once the seeds start to germinate, aim to keep the top 2 inches of soil moist until the new grass reaches a mowing height of around 3 inches. After that, reduce watering to about twice per week, soaking the soil more deeply (about 6 to 8 inches) each time to encourage grass roots to grow down deep in the soil. You can use a pie tin to measure the amount of water in one area.
- This is a good time to look at re-seeding any areas that seem sparse. I like to reseed around 14-day mark.
Days 45 and after
- This is a good time to overseed again if areas are still sparse. This may be done by hand applying to areas that weeds may have grown through or areas that seem sparse.
- 6 weeks after seed germination would be a good time to apply an application of fertilizer. (A turf builder option would be great)
- A weed in feed application can be applied 5 weeks after seed germination if necessary. A direct spray lawn weed killer that is safe for grass would be recommended.
- Do not use lawn weed killer on the new seed. Otherwise, this can be used after seed germination to control weeds throughout the process.
Your bright, green, new lawn will thank you if you are careful to take these steps. A new lawn may take a little bit of babysitting to get started but once you have a lush, green lawn, it will be a joy forever!
Give me a call for a free quote anytime. We can start from the ground up, start over, or reseed your current yard to give it a fresh, new look. Isn’t it time your yard was the talk of the neighborhood? Call us today!