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There are three primary keys to keep in mind when you are growing grass seed of any kind. These are those three keys:
1 - Moisture. It should seem relatively obvious to you, but there is not a single plant out there that can grow without obtaining the proper amount of watering. This can be especially true when it comes to grass seed, because the germination process is triggered by the moisture.
The secret here is to keep constant moisture. You should not allow your seeds to dry out between the waterings, unless you are looking to kill your hard work. Grass seeds all germinate at different rates, with grass normally sprouting between 7 and 14 days. You need to be patient.
2 - Seed to Soil Contact - Your seeds absolutely must be wrapped in your choice of soils. The soil beneath the seeds will be used for the rooting process, and the soil that lies above the seeds will support the sprouts as they grow from the ground. The soil is also capable of retaining heat and moisture which support the growth of your new grass.
3 - Heat and Sunlight. The temperature of your grass must be above forty degrees during the night if you want your grass seeds to germinate properly. Temperatures should ideally be in the upper fifties or the lower sixties during the day time for the best results. Sunlight is absolutely vital because your young grass seedlings need to be able to create their own food through the process of photosynthesis in order to continue growing. The energy that is stored within the seeds is only enough for a quick push, then the seedlings are on their own to continue growth.
Most landscapers, when doing seeding like this, use a slurry mixture that is comprised of a peat moss and then a top soil. However, there are commercially available lawn soils available that save you the hassle of having to do the mixing yourself. Because of favorable temperatures and plenty of moisture from the rain in spring, spring is an excellent time to do some reseeding, especially in or around early April.
Grass seeding should be spread heavily over the area, but try to spread the seeds evenly rather than allowing them to collect in uneven piles. Your lawn soil or slurry mixture of peat moss and top soil should be spread on top of the seeds, completely covering them in the process. You should have about a half inch of the soil on top of the seeds, packed down firmly. As we mentioned before, soil to soil contact is an important key to proper germination. You should saturate the area a few times a day, but do not leave any excess water.
The truth when it comes to choosing grass seeds for your lawn is that you should never plant only one type of grass. Instead, you should opt for a mixture of grass seeds, because each tends to flourish in a different environment. During a drought season, one type of seed will outgrow another. When the soil is nice and moist, certain other types of seeds will flourish. For the best results, a grass seed mixture is the right way to go.
Reseeding spotty patches in your lawn early in the spring is a great way to guarantee a stunning yard all year long.
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