Gardening Tip of the Month

For more information on any gardening question stop by Delhi Flower and Garden Center and ask one of our many horticulture and landscaping experts!

Grass Seeding
September is the perfect time of the year to plant grass seed.  Grass seeding can also be done in the early spring, but fall is the ideal time of the year, particularly the month of September and even early October.  The temperatures have cooled and hopefully rain has become more frequent than during the heat of summer.  With the help of a few tips, grass seeding is relatively easy and stress free.

Choosing the Grass Seed

Packages of grass seed are required to have a label with standard information about the seed to be purchased.  The most important information to look for is the percent of weed seed in the mixture and the germination rate of the seed.  In the case of the weed seed, the lower the number the better.  In the case of the germination rate, the higher number the better.  The industry standard for the rate of germination is 85% so be sure that the rate is above that, preferably 90% or 95%.

Choosing the type of grass seed is important as well.  Different varieties have different characteristics and growth patterns.  Stop by the garden center and our growers can recommend a cool season grass that will fit your lawn perfectly!

Overseeding an Existing Lawn

1. Mow your grass at a lower setting than usual.
2. Rake over the existing grass to scratch the soil and thin the existing turf.
3. Aerate to reduce soil compaction.
4. Add fertilizer.
5. Apply seed.
6. Rake loosely to ensure that the grass seed comes in contact with the soil.
7. Apply mulch, compost, or peat moss.
8. Water frequently to keep the seeds moist and to promote germination.

Seeding a New Lawn

1. Dig or till to a depth of 3 inches.
2. Rake to remove any clods or clumps of dirt and to smooth and level the surface.
3. Work fertilizer into the soil.
4. Spread the seed.  For even coverage sow half the seeds in one direction, and the other half at a right angle to the first direction.
5. Lightly rake the seeds into the soil.
6. Mulch with straw.
7. Water frequently to keep the seeds moist and to promote germination.
8. Grass can be mowed once it reaches 2.5”-3” in height.

For any additional assistance on sowing grass seed, stop by Delhi Flower and Garden Center and talk to our experts!

Need more information? Visit our Past Tips page for links to more articles and links to other professional web sites.