How to Plant Grass Seed: 9 Easy Steps to a Lush Lawn
Landscaping an emerald lawn requires an important skill: Knowing how to plant grass seed. Maintaining your grass not only helps with weed control but keeps larger areas from thinning out. The frequency of seeding grass often depends on foot traffic and whether pets have wreaked havoc in your yard, leaving bare spots; that’s why seeding grass regularly gives your lawn that plush density and curb appeal. Experts says that it’s good practice to reseed every three to four years. After all, the health of your existing lawn—front yard or backyard—is decidedly linked to this crucial lawn care skill.
“During the 1800s and 1900s, lawns were considered a status symbol,” says David Angelov, CEO of PlantParenthood in Swampscott, Massachusetts. “Back then, it was really hard to maintain, so if you had a pristine lawn, you were considered in good status.” Whether you want to live like nobility or grow a small patch of new grass, here’s everything you need to know about how to plant grass seed.
What is grass seed?
All existing lawns start from grass seedlings at some point. If you skip seeding grass, your yard will look like an unkempt plot with bare spots. Grass seed is exactly what it sounds like: The seeds from which new grass will germinate. Generally grass seeds are a light tan color and range in size from a quarter of an inch to three-quarters of an inch, depending on the variety. Angelov points out that the grass lawn is made up of millions of tiny individual plants that are matted together. “When the seed germinates, it spreads the root down,” he says. “Each seed shoots up one blade of grass, and then they spread like a carpet.”
How to choose the right grass seed
Finding the best grass seed for your lawn comes down to a few factors: local climate, expected usage, and the aesthetic. First determine whether your lawn is best suited for warm-season grasses or cool-season grasses.
Then, consider foot traffic. Do you plan to entertain or play on your new lawn? Decide if the grass will endure the shenanigans. Look at your existing lawn and landscaping and note the amount of shade your yard is getting. Finally, think about how you want the lawn to look. Outlining these considerations is especially helpful when asking for recommendations when you head to a local nursery or garden store.
Germination time varies by species, which is important to consider when selecting seeds and seed blends. For example, ryegrasses can germinate in a few days. Kentucky bluegrass, on the other hand, can take up to a month to germinate, explains Bob Mann, senior director of technical and regulatory affairs at the National Association of Landscape Professionals. “Perennial ryegrass, which germinates quickly, can hold soil in place and look pretty, while the Kentucky bluegrass gets around to finally germinating,” Mann says.
What are some common grass seed varieties?
Homeowners should know that each grass seed variety comes with its own look and care requirements. For lawns, you’ll usually find turfgrass, which is narrow-leaved grass seed species that you can mow short, about two inches or less. This grass seed also tolerates foot traffic well. Turfgrasses are divided into two general categories: warm-season and cool-season grass.
Warm-season grasses begin active growth in late spring and are usually more tolerant to heat. Cool-season grasses, on the other hand, begin active growth much earlier in the season, usually mid-spring, and grow better in cooler climates.
A warm-season turfgrass that grows well in southern parts of the United States. This grass can tolerate harsher conditions like high heat, droughts, and heavy foot traffic—making it a favorite when it comes to easy lawn care and covering up bare patches.
Another type of warm-season turfgrass, common in southern parts of the United States. Centipede grass is known as a relatively low-maintenance grass that can grow in poor soil conditions and withstand hot conditions, likely because it is native to China and Southeast Asia.
A cool-season turfgrass popular in northern parts of the country, or in areas that experience both hot and cold weather. It’s a popular choice among homeowners who are looking for weather and drought-tolerant grass. Fescue varieties include: tall fescue, which has flat blades common to many lawn grasses, and fine fescue, which has fine, sometimes needlelike blades.
Another cool-season turfgrass. It’s a popular choice throughout the northern United States . Growing grass like this species works best in areas where summer temperatures don’t get hotter than 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
A cool-season turfgrass popular for its speedy germination. It takes about three weeks to go from seed to a ready-to-mow lawn. It works especially well in covering bare patches in small areas of your yard.
A warm-season grass native to tropical areas in East Asia. It creates a dense lawn and is resistant to weeds and drought. However, it can only tolerate light shade.
What is the best time of year to plant grass seed?
It depends on whether you’re planting warm-season grass or cool-season grass. The best time of year to plant warm-season varieties is during late spring or early summer. Warm-season grasses tend to germinate best when soil is consistently between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (this soil temperature corresponds to daytime air temperatures of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.)
Cool-season grasses are best planted in early fall, at least 45 days before the first frost of the season. To estimate, look to last year’s weather reports or ask a veteran nursery expert. These varieties germinate best in soil between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, which roughly correlates to daytime air temperatures in the 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit range. Purchasing a soil thermometer can help you time and plan your grass seeding accurately.
Regardless of whether you plant warm-season grasses or cool-season grasses, the goal is to plant the seed when it’s not too hot. “Weeds flourish a lot faster in the high heat, so they outcompete the grass seed when it’s hotter,” Angelov explains, noting that if you plant grass seed when it’s too warm, you’ll get a patchy lawn.
“As a general rule, consult your calendar and contemplate what the weather will be like in the next 90 days after sowing,” Mann says. “If you expect temperate weather with reliable rainfall, that might be the optimum time to seed. If 90 days out from sowing is when your area typically experiences its hottest and driest weather, you’re likely better off waiting.”
Can you just sprinkle grass seed on the lawn?
Your grass seed plan depends on your end goal. If your yard has bare spots or thinning grass patches but the majority of the lawn is in good shape, you may only need to overseed the lawn. Overseeding is a technique that consists of planting new grass onto an existing turf. In this case, spread grass seed over the existing turf to fill in any of those bare spots and give the yard a little face-lift. When overseeding, first mow the lawn shorter than usual, then use a handheld spreader to add the seed to the grass.
On the other hand, if you’ve slacked on lawn care and the majority of the lawn is made up of dead grass or without any grass at all, you’ll likely need to reseed and grow a new lawn with a seed mix, like Scotts EZ Seed Patch & Repair. Cultivation tools, such as a rake, and topsoil are helpful to seed those areas. “I like having a supply of topsoil near my garden shed that I can use for filling bare areas,” Mann says. “First, I will use a cultivation tool such as a thatching rake or a garden weasel to break up the surface, apply a small amount of topsoil to the area, followed by a sprinkling of grass seed. Then, I lightly rake the area to turn the seed under the surface and use my foot to press the topsoil down to achieve seed-soil contact.”
Seed and soil contact is essential because when the seed germinates, there is only enough energy for the seed’s first root to reach out and contact the soil to obtain water and nutrients, Mann explains.
What is the best way to seed grass?
Once you’ve picked your grass seed and timed your efforts, you’re ready to seed the grass. “This is definitely a project you could do without involving anyone else,” Angelov says of a novice who has time to prep the soil. Follow these steps for a greener pasture.
The amount of grass seed you’ll need for your yard varies by grass variety. As a general rule, aim for 2 to 3 pounds of grass seed for every 1,000 square feet of lawn. However, the amount of seed needed for good coverage varies widely, so always check the instructions on your seed bag or use online seed calculators for seed estimates based on coverage area, growing zone, and grass seed type.
When it comes to planting grass seed, more isn’t better and you don’t want to overdo it, no matter how badly you want that new lawn. “Excessive quantities of seed can result in the development of a fungal disease known as damping off, which will kill the seedlings very quickly if given the opportunity,” Mann says.
Start by removing non-grass debris like sticks, leaves, or rocks. To reseed your yard, or seed a new lawn, remove all existing grass and weeds at the root with a sod cutter. Once the land is clear, use a rotary tiller to break up the soil clods. Consider which areas you plan to seed and which areas will have mulch.
Once you’ve tilled the soil, add a thin layer of topsoil, compost, or lawn fertilizer, like Scotts Turf Builder, so your yard has plenty of nutrients, like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, for the new grass seeds.
You may also want to consider taking a sample of the soil for testing at a soil laboratory, if possible, so that you know what’s going on with pH and nutrients, Mann says. Based on the soil test results, you’ll get recommendations for how to amend the soil as needed.
Use a broadcast spreader to lay the grass seed, this is especially important for uniform applications in larger areas. For small areas, you can use a hand spreader.
Use the back of a plastic rake or a hoe to gently work the seeds into the soil. “You're not pushing the seeds in,” Angelov explains. “You’re just distributing them evenly and getting them just a little more nestled.”
After lightly turning the seeds into the soil, Mann recommends a water-weighted roller to press the seed into good contact with the soil. Another option, particularly for small areas, is to simply step on the soil with your foot.
After spreading the seeds, water with a sprinkler in the mornings or the evenings, when the sun isn’t intense. After the initial watering, growing grass will need plenty of water. Angelov recommends watering it every morning for at least 10 minutes to ensure soil is moist. “The ground should constantly look wet, especially if it’s sunny,” he says.
“The main purpose of salt marsh hay is to slow the evaporation of water,” Angelov explains. Additionally, it keeps the seeds from flying away, stops birds and other critters from picking at them, and creates a thin layer of shade and protection from the elements. However, weed seeds can sometimes be introduced into the lawn from straw or hay, so if you’re not sure where it comes from, you can skip this step, Mann says.
Once you’re done seeding grass, stay off the area for about two weeks so the grass can grow properly. You can rake up the hay and mow it about a week after laying your grass seed. So long as you don’t mow too short, the initial mowing will help new grass acclimate: “Pruning generally promotes new growth,” Angelov says.
It takes about two to four weeks for new grass to grow completely. Once your lawn is taking shape, return to regular care to maintain your grass. “Grass grows best in full sun,” Angelov notes. To keep turfgrass from drying out, it needs thorough watering once a week. Start mowing once a week during the growing season, but you can ease up to every other week the rest of the year.
If you notice that your newly seeded lawn is still struggling, perhaps the area is simply not suited for grass. Instead of getting frustrated with grass that will not sprout, consider turning the area into a tapestry lawn, a vegetable garden or a flower patch.
Frequently asked questions
A seed mixture is two or more varieties of the same species. For example, two types of Kentucky bluegrass. A blend is a combination of two or more species, such as Kentucky bluegrass and Perennial ryegrass, Mann explains.
Turfgrass blends include two or more species of either cool-season grasses or warm-season grasses. For example, Kentucky bluegrass and perennial rye grass. “Using a blend of different species is recommended because genetic diversity helps to prevent pests from running roughshod over a stand of turfgrass,” Mann says.
Different varieties of turfgrasses will have different optimum heights of cut. “As a general rule, taller is better than shorter. More leaf tissue means more photosynthesis and therefore more food for the plants,” Mann says, adding that you can use the one third rule for determining when to cut: For example, if your desired height is 2 inches, mow the lawn when it reaches 3 inches in height.
The topsoil in the new lawn may not have settled by the time of the first cut and there may be some muddy spots from all the watering. “Make sure to scout the lawn before mowing so that you know if and where muddy areas might be,” Mann says. “If you can use a push mower for the first couple of cuts, that helps to minimize the amount of damage that can occur too.”
For the first mow, it’s critical that the mower blade be sharp. “Because the root system is not fully developed, utilizing a dull blade runs the risk of pulling the plants out of the ground instead of cutting the leaves,” Mann says.
After mowing, it can be helpful to return clippings to the lawn to help preserve nutrients and organic matter, however limit what you leave. Excessive clumps on the surface of the lawn can smother new seedlings, Mann says.
