This is Part 3 of our series on planting grass seed. For Part 1, go to Planting Grass Seed: Step-by-Step Instructions Part 1. For Part 2, go to Planting Grass Seed: Step-by-Step Instructions Part 2.
Planting grass seeds using a broadcast spreader.
Step 7: Planting Grass Seed
After all that preparation of the soil to make it the perfect environment for grass seeds to germinate (see Steps 1-3 and Steps 4-6), it’s time for planting the grass seeds.
Seeding the lawn is just a matter of filling a handheld seeder or the hopper of a walk-behind broadcast spreader with grass seeds and distribute evenly across your lawn.
Step 8: Rake Seeds Into the Soil
Lightly rake the grass seeds into the soil. You’ll want to cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil to allow them to germinate and to protect them from the birds. Remember, you’re not trying to redistribute the seeds, just working them into the soil, so be careful when you do the raking.
Step 9: Proper Watering Maintenance
The final and very important step in planting grass seed is to properly water the areas you just seeded. The key is to keep the soil damp and moist. But do not over-water, or you will wash away the seeds or cause the seeds to rot. At this critical point in the process, you need to be vigilant in observing how your grass is growing or changing on a regular basis and adjust how you water accordingly. Use a water sprinkler to water your lawn evenly. Try watering in the early morning for best results. For the first week or so, water 2-3 times a day for about 5-10 minutes. Once they start to sprout, you should water once a day for a longer period, 20-25 minutes. The idea is to water deeply and regularly, but not so much that you cause more harm than good.
Watering lawn with oscillating water sprinkler.
Final Planting Grass Seed Tips:
You’ve meticulously followed the instructions on how to grow a beautiful lawn from scratch. So don’t ruin it by not following through. A new lawn is very sensitive, so keep foot traffic to a minimum. Always remember to keep the soil moist, don’t over-water and mow regularly. And finally, apply weed treatment and fertilizer as necessary.
