How do I prepare the lawn for new grass seed?

Dina
by Dina

I am trying to repair my patchy grass. How do I prepare the lawn for new grass seed?


  8 answers
  • Annie Annie on Dec 19, 2019

    Here's how Home Depot says to do it:

    https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/ideas-how-to/outdoors/lawn-garden/how-to-plant-a-new-lawn-from-seed.html


    It's important to keep the ground a bit moist after seeding. If it dries out too much, your lawn will come in very patchy

  • DesertRose DesertRose on Dec 19, 2019

    Rake away any dead weeds, if you have any. Rake the dirt to loosen the dirt and spread seed and water well. Cover with straw and keep the spot(s) damp. Fall is the best time as the weeds die back and give the grass a chance.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Dec 19, 2019

    Hello. My two suggestions would be soil test and aeration.

    Soil tests are always recommended every few years. Most every speaker in my master gardeners class recommend this for optimal way to address your soil and circumstances. The box and instructions can be obtained from your local cooperative extension, unless you want your lawn service to do it.

    You have to have a good soil to meet your needs to growing grass. From there you will find out recommendations to promote the grass growing conditions to include fertilize lime ( pH adjustment) aerate and seed.

  • Simple Nature Decor Simple Nature Decor on Dec 19, 2019

    You have to condition the lawn by raking it first

  • Mogie Mogie on Dec 20, 2019

    Rake away any dead weeds, if you have any. Rake the dirt to loosen the dirt and spread seed and water well. Cover with straw and keep the spot(s) damp. Fall is the best time as the weeds die back and give the grass a chance.


    https://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/garden/how-to-grow-grass-for-a-lawn-the-neighbors-will-envy-42162870?expand_all_questions =1

  • Cindy Cindy on Dec 20, 2019

    Clean the area from rocks, branches, and especially weeds. You need a clean area. Begin by tilling the soil to prepare it for seed. You can either use a rototiller or you can work the soil up by hand with a pitchfork. If there are any big clumps, break them up. Then use a spreader to spread the seeds evenly. You can either use the walk-behind kind of spreader or you can use the kind of spreader that you hold and walk while you're cranking the handle. Even distribution of the seeds is important. Once all the seed is down, spread hay or straw on them. This will prevent the birds from eating all your grass seed. Watering is next. Start by watering once a day for a couple weeks. Once you see the grass sprout, you can water a little less. Every few days water less and less. Sorry this is so long. I can't help myself. lol. Good luck.

  • Em Em on Dec 20, 2019

    It is not a big issue nor procedure. Rake it lightly, spread seed and cover with potting soil. I used not tools but a rake. I spread by hand and put topsoil on by hand as well. If you have a large area to redo then a spreader is helpful.

  • Laura Cooper Laura Cooper on Dec 25, 2019

    This is how we do it and we get results comparable to sod. Remove any obvious rocks, debris and weeds. Till the soil to at least 6" depth mixing in an inch or two of compost. Using a landscape rake, level and smooth surface. Sow seed then Sprinkle a thin layer over the seed. Keep soil moist according to your seed directions.

    For reference, we did this with one house in a subdivision while other houses simply raked and seeded. You can really see the difference.