After you lay the new grass seed, daily watering is a must. Some contractors are placing the sod directly over the old grass without killing it first with reportedly good results. Lawn Winterization Tips and Techiques Fall winterization is the most important time for fertilizing cool season grasses. Step 6: Once the grass reaches the cutting height for your particular grass type begin watering deeply, but less often, so the soil is wet to a depth of four inches. Persistently wet soil can lead to serious root diseases, such as Pythium Blight, that can kill the roots. Step 5: When the grass is a couple inches tall cut back on water to once every two to three days, depending on the temperature. As the roots develop, the grass can be irrigated less frequently, but more deeply. They can be weighted with sand bags or cinder blocks for deeper penetration. The best time to water grass seed is in the morning and evening. Maintenance Practices (10 to 28 days): The early germinating grasses (rye and fescue type grasses) will begin to germinate and grow. Water gently and regularly, keeping the seeds moist until they begin to sprout. After watering, don't water again until the grass begins to show signs of stress. Weigh out the first amount, put it in a plastic cup and mark the side to use as a measure. Moisture is really the only thing that grass seed needs in order to germinate successfully … Click on the link for detailed information on Grass Seed Germination. Tiny seedlings can still suffer if the temperature spikes and the soil dries out. Before Planting New Grass Seed. Please pay it forward. When sod is harvested, the roots are cut making it extremely important to lay it as soon as possible. However, it is one of the most important steps you can take to maintain a consistently thick and beautiful lawn. It should be as planted as deep as 1 inch. Covering the seed slightly with soil helps tremendously in keeping it moist. You can stop daily watering of new grass seed once it is fully established; that is, once it has germinated and the grass blades are about an inch tall. Whether it's a championship golf course or your home lawn, certain fundamentals always apply. Make sure the ground is leveled where the sod will be placed. You may think that watering your lawn at night will have the same effect on your grass seed and new grass as watering it in the morning. Most diseases need prolonged moisture as a necessary ingredient for the disease to begin. From prepping the soil to watering and mowing, here are our step-by-step instructions for planting grass seeds for a successful lawn you can enjoy year round. After that, reduce watering to about twice per week, soaking the soil more deeply (about 6 to 8 inches) each time to encourage grass … Additional tips for planting and watering a new lawn: If you need to add soil or organic matter to the lawn, do it before planting your grass seed. The high-water requirements for new lawn is due to the fact that the lawn has no root system attached to the soil. Provide equal amounts of moisture through the areas except places covered with shade. This page answers that question and describes the basics of grass decline when left unfertilized. It’s the next step after you lay down your grass seed. Some climates and soil types require watering 2-3 times per day in the first weeks. Important Hint: Grasses are "monocots", meaning they emerge from the soil as a single blade. After the grass seed has been laid down, the soil should remain moist – that means light watering 2-3 times per day for 15-25 minutes. Most seed can be spread using a rotary or drop fertilizer spreader. In general, ten minutes of watering per session (morning and evening) will provide enough water to keep the top couple inches of soil moist. You only get one chance to germinate seeds correctly: Not enough water will kill the sprout. Standing water or prolonged heavy rain could ruin some of the seed or possibly wash the seed away. Do you really know what you’re looking for in a hose? Germination times vary with different species, but most lawn seed will germinate within 3 to 21 days. Once the germination process has begun, if conditions change, the seed or new sprout is vulnerable and can die. The first interval is a couple of days before planting your new seed – when you should water the area to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Use the chart below to help you plan out your ideal watering schedule: How long it will take for your new grass seed to begin to grow really depends on where you live, your climate and what type of grass you plant. Mulching New Grass Seed. Unlike some plants, you can't bring your grass indoors when conditions don't favor it. Deep watering is not necessary. An established lawn typically requires about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. Fortunately, many methods are used to control them. Exceptions include buffalo grass seed. When watering a new lawn, the best way of keeping the seed moist is by lightly sprinkling the seeded area of the lawn at least two to three times a day. Rectangular sprinklers provide gentle watering and are great for new grass and rectangular-shaped lawns. Copyright 2008-2020 Lawn Care Academy Once you’ve spread the seed, promptly spend about 5-10 minutes watering the top two inches of soil. If you have more than 1/2 to 3/4 inch of thatch, consider using a dethatcher first and remove the debris. But that’s not the case, regardless if you’re starting a new lawn from scratch, patching bare spots with seed, or overseeding your lawn.. Watering you grass seed at night is not as good for your new lawn as watering it in the morning. Don't expect to have a thick lawn in a few weeks. Depending on the thickness of your existing lawn, you may need to kill the existing grass before the new sod arrives. Before you cast out new grass seed, it’s important to start with watering. You can purchase one at many farm stores or home and garden outlets. Mow the lawn gently when the new grass is 3”-4” tall. Lawn Watering Guide For New Seed Grass Before Seeding. Turn your new grass seed into the lush green grass you’ve always wanted with a careful watering plan. You can help augment this by using straw or grass seed accelerator that helps retain moisture. Proper watering should begin just before you seed a lawn, creating moist, inviting growing conditions. Irrigation should immediately follow seeding. Proper watering is the most important step in establishing your new lawn. Watering Your Lawn After The First Two Weeks. Water new grass seed for 5 to 10 minutes immediately after planting to gently moisten the first several inches of soil. Large rocks near the surface should also be removed. Which one is right for you, pros and cons, and tips on how to care for each one. Be careful about watering grass late evening or at night, especially with high humidity. When overseeding, broadcast the seed over the lawn, and water it in well, following the same instructions as for new lawns. If the seed drys out it may be too late to save it. Once the seeds sprout, water deeply and less frequently. Let go of the “one-hose-fits-all” mentality and find one that’s best for you. Sandy soils retain less water than loamy or clay soils. Care must be taken to ensure the soil doesn't dry out. Watering a new lawn is very different from watering grass in an established lawn. Step 4: Once the seed has sprouted continue watering lightly, but allow the soil to dry slightly before watering again. Simply insert a long screw driver into the ground. Plant Structure and Grass Growth In the world of turf grass, understanding plant structure and growth can provide helpful insights to maintaining a beautiful lawn. Water Appropriately. Step 3: Irrigate the soil daily, at least twice a day, but possibly more. After you have let your soil absorb all the water for 1-2 days you may now mow your new Sod Lawn at the highest setting on your lawn mower. Step 1: Prepare the soil to be seeded. New Lawn Seeding & Watering. Unlike some plants, you can't bring your grass indoors when conditions don't favor it. For the seeds to germinate, the soil needs to be consistently moist and soil temperatures must be in the right range. Understanding Photosynthesis Photosynthesis made easy! A few days before planting your new grass seed, water the entire area about 6-8 inches deep each day. It offers alternative steps for maintaining a healthy lawn. When watering a new lawn or mature lawn, irrigate early to late morning. To do that, you should know that new grass seed needs water in several intervals. Water your grass regularly, especially during dry spells, and mow it … When raking seed in, you will always have some seed showing on the surface which is okay. Moisture is really the only thing that grass seed needs in order to germinate successfully … Before the sod arrives is the time to make any adjustments to the soil as indicated on a soil test. The existing grass will help keep the seed in place, shade the soil, and slow evaporation. Watering a second time each day is recommended if the temperatures are over 65º and sunny. The highest requirement for water will be in the first week of the new lawn being laid. Soil pH can be corrected using limestone or sulfur, depending on what is needed. If you need additional help in watering a new lawn, either seed or sod, please write to me using our contact form. If the new seed was covered with peat moss, make sure the moisture is penetrating the peat moss by lightly pulling the peat moss back to make sure it is not dry below the surface. Lawn Winterization Tips and Techiques Fall winterization is the most important time for fertilizing cool season grasses. I have not tired it myself. Detailed Tips and Techniques for Overseeding Lawns Overseeding lawns is one of the most overlooked practices by homeowners. If you’re not receiving any rainfall, you’ll want to water new grass seed twice per day until the top couple inches of soil are moist. Any soil preparation work should be done before the sod arrives. Watering New Grass Seed to Create the Perfect Lawn. Warm Season Grasses Detailed information on popular warm season grasses. While there are a few absolutes when watering a new lawn, it's alright to adjust as needed keeping with sound cultural practices. Find complete information on why and how to overseed correctly. When overseeding, broadcast the seed over the lawn, and water it in well, following the same instructions as for new lawns. Therefore, sod will have to be irrigated as often as necessary until the roots grow in and the sod attached firmly to the ground. Occasional deep watering is okay to maintain grass health. Use a small spot sprinkler for smaller seeded areas. However, in this case, you must water new grass seeds twice daily. So whether you have planted seed or laid sod, lawn irrigation must be done properly for best results. As your new grass seed grows and flourishes, you can water deeper and less frequently – this will encourage established grass roots to extend deeply into the soil. Seed evenly into each tray can be spread using a rotary or fertilizer. 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