| When is the best time to seed?Spring and late | | | | grows in bunches, not by rhizomesGenerally speaking |
| summer are the two best times to seed your lawn. | | | | if you are seeding in a sunny area, look for a blend |
| Newly seeded lawns require wet, cool conditions in | | | | that is predominately bluegrass with a smaller |
| order to be successful. These conditions occur in April | | | | percentage of fescue and rye grass. If you are |
| and May and then again in late August and early | | | | seeding in a shady area, use a blend with a greater |
| September. Of the two, late summer, early fall is better | | | | percentage of fescue.SeedingAdvantages1: cost, |
| to seed. By planting at this time the seed is able to | | | | seeding a lawn cost far less compared to using sod2: |
| take advantage of the wet, cool weather, lie dormant | | | | custom seeding, by seeding you are able to use |
| over winter and then take advantage of more moist | | | | different blends for different areas within your lawn, |
| cool weather in the spring. By doing this the turf grass | | | | creating a healthier stand of turfDisadvantagestime, |
| will be well on its way to creating a healthy, strong root | | | | generally speaking it takes 5-7 weeks for a newly |
| system more able to withstand the heat and dryness | | | | seeded lawn to become established, during this time it |
| of summer. If you seed during the summer months, | | | | is essential to keep the soil moist |
| your newly planted turf will have a hard time | | | | enjoyment, during this 5-7 week period you must |
| establishing itself. Keeping the soil moist and cool is | | | | ensure little or no foot traffic is present on your site |
| very difficult as well as expensive at this time of year. | | | | weeds, a newly seeded lawn is a weeds best |
| As the newly planted lawn struggles to survive, weeds | | | | chance of establishing itself in your lawn |
| will quickly move in and take advantage of any areas | | | | Once your site is prepared you are ready to seed. |
| that are bare or thin.Preparing your site:By starting | | | | Although you can seed by hand, a good broadcast |
| from scratch you have a unique opportunity to ensure | | | | spreader will do a better, more even application. For |
| everything is done correctly to minimize problems you | | | | best results do two applications of seed. Using half of |
| may encounter when seeding. Grade your site to | | | | your seed walk up and down to cover the entire site. |
| prevent water from moving towards your house | | | | Repeat this process in a perpendicular pattern to your |
| foundation. Ensure your site is weed free before you | | | | first application. Your best bet for application rates is to |
| begin seeding. By using a non-selective herbicide you | | | | follow the rates specified on the bag. A good rule of |
| ensure your site will be weed free. Any herbicide with | | | | thumb to follow is 4-5 pounds of seed per 1000 |
| glyphosate as the main ingredient will be effective. | | | | square feet. Most spreaders will have some sort of |
| Ensure you follow the directions on the label before | | | | application guideline on them. Try opening the spreader |
| applying. By using a herbicide with glyphosate in it, you | | | | halfway and apply at a normal walking pace. Ideally |
| will see results usually within 7-10 days. These | | | | you want to see 2-3 seeds per square inch. Choose a |
| herbicides are adsorbed by the soil so there is little | | | | small test area and adjust your spreader until this |
| movement or leaching within the soil. They also break | | | | number is achieved. Once you are finished seeding the |
| down in approximately two weeks. After this time | | | | site all you really have to do is keep the seed moist |
| period, seeding can begin. Ideally 6-10 inches of a good | | | | until germination. If you prefer you can lightly rake the |
| loamy topsoil is required for a good stand of turf grass. | | | | seed into the soil for additional protection. By |
| Unfortunately this is not always the case. If your soil is | | | | top-dressing with additional topsoil (approx. 1/4 inch) |
| predominately clay it will be very difficult for water to | | | | you will ensure a safe environment for the seed to |
| saturate this type of soil. Amend this type of site by | | | | germinate. The most important factor, however is to |
| adding peat moss or a good quality screened topsoil. | | | | keep the seed MOIST. Water on a regular basis until |
| Once you are satisfied with the grade and composition | | | | the seed germinates. Generally 15-20 minutes per day |
| of your site, rake the area with a good quality garden | | | | will suffice. Water in the early morning or late evening |
| rake. This will break up any large clumps of soil. Your | | | | to receive maximum benefit from your watering. Once |
| soil particle size should ideally be fine without being | | | | your lawn has germinated, let it grow to a height of |
| powdery. Remove any sticks or other debris from | | | | 3-4 inches before giving it its first cut. Usually this is |
| your site. By doing this you minimize your chances for | | | | after 4-5 weeks of growth. As stated before a newly |
| fairy ring to develop in later years.Which seed is the | | | | planted lawn is an ideal environment for weeds to |
| right seed?When selecting a grass seed for your lawn | | | | become established. Even your best effort in preparing |
| you must take into account several factors. How | | | | your site does not guarantee weeds will not begin |
| much sun is present on your site? How much shade? | | | | popping up. Weed seed can remain dormant for many |
| What colour are you looking for? How much foot | | | | years waiting for an opportunity to germinate. Weed |
| traffic will use your lawn? Generally speaking grass | | | | seed may also be present in any topsoil you |
| seed comes in a blend of 3-4 types. They are usually | | | | incorporate into your new site. Ensure your landscaper |
| a blend of bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass. By using | | | | uses screened topsoil for your best chance of not |
| the factors mentioned above, you will give your lawn a | | | | having weeds germinate this way. By mowing on a |
| good chance to thrive.Grass seeds most commonly | | | | regular basis you will deter new weed growth and |
| used:Kentucky BluegrassAdvantages1: deep green | | | | your new lawn will eventually choke them out. If you |
| colouration2: grows by rhizomes, encouraging a thick | | | | wish to use a broad-leaf herbicide, follow all directions |
| stand of turf3: over-winters well4: resistant to many | | | | on the label. Wait for at least 5 cuts before using a |
| diseases e.g. Red Thread5: many cultivars to choose | | | | herbicide. This is generally 4-6 weeks after your lawn |
| fromDisadvantages1: slow to germinate (25-35 days)2: | | | | has become established. As your new lawn continues |
| does poorly in shade conditions (powdery mildew)3: | | | | to grow, monitor its progress. Over-seed and |
| needs regular watering and fertilizationFine | | | | top-dress any areas that are not doing as well as the |
| FescueAdvantages1: does well in shady conditions2: | | | | rest of the lawn. Generally speaking a new lawn will |
| requires less watering and fertilization3: over-winters | | | | begin to look healthy, thick and vigorous within two |
| extremely wellDisadvantages1: susceptible to Red | | | | years, so have a little patience. By using good cultural |
| Thread2: slow to germinate (16-25 days)3: does poorly | | | | practices, mowing, watering, and fertilizing you will have |
| in high traffic areasPerennial Rye GrassAdvantages1: | | | | a healthy lawn that requires little herbicide to remain |
| germinates quickly ( 7-10 days)2: resistant to | | | | weed free.Paul is a Certified Pesticide Applicator in the |
| diseases3: good colourDisadvantages1: does not | | | | province of Alberta, Canada. He has over 15 years |
| over-winter well2: does poorly in shade conditions3: | | | | experience in the lawn care industry. |