Lawn Care - How to Make the Grass Grow - Seeding!

lawn care

IT’S LIKE WATCHING THE GRASS GROW

All right, now you are ready to make the grass on your lawn grow. The best part about a lawn is its green grass. As you have learned in previous chapters, there are many types of grass seed that you can use depending on your location and what is available. Most people use mixed grass in order to have a nice green lawn all year long. While this may be your best option, you should look into other seeding possibilities as well.

SEEDING THE LAWN

Seeding your lawn is a very simple process that should be done in the fall or in the spring depending on the type of grass you are using. Obliviously, cooler grasses should be planted in cooler weather, while warmer grasses should be planted in warmer weather. But in reality, you should choose a time that is neither hot nor cold because you will avoid crabgrass, burning the seeds in the hot sun, and dry soil.

The tools and materials you will need when you are seeding your lawn include:

Rake
Shovel
Rototiller
Seeder
Lawn roller
Grass seed
Fertilizer that contains phosphorus
Herbicide

You may not need the herbicide depending on your existing weed problems.

The following are the step you should take when preparing the soil:

If you want to seed over an existing lawn, you will have to remove all of the existing grass. This can be exhausting work, but it has to be done so that the new grass will have room to grow.

If you are starting with bare soil, you should still rake the soil to dig up any weeds that might be hiding underneath. If you are ambitious enough, try Soil Solarization over the entire area. This will give you a clean slate when it comes to weeds.

After you have cleared the area, you should aerate, add water in case you are seeing signs of compaction, and rent a rototiller that will help you break up compacted soil. You should also have your soil tested at this point. Grass will grow at pH levels of 6.5-7.0. Do not proceed until your soil is at these levels.

Your next step will be to apply fertilizer to the soil. This will lay the foundation for strong growth. Apply compost if you have any on hand. This will provide nutrients for the soil which will in turn feed the grass seeds.

You should turn the soil again using a rake or a tiller. This will allow for even distribution of nutrients and fertilizer.

At this point, you should consider your drainage situation since it is easier to create one now then when you have a lawn full of grass. If possible create your trenches at this point. Also, remove rocks from the soil.

The next step is the make the soil level to the ground. Use a lawn roller for this step.

You are now ready to plant your grass seed. Using a seeder spread the seeds over the soil avoiding the area where you built the trench. You can go back later and distribute seeds by hand.

Rake the soil to cover the seeds. Use the roller for more soil coverage.

Once you have planted your lawn, you will have to make sure that it receives enough water each day. Try to keep the soil moist, but do not use too much water.

When you start seeing grass, you will need to continue to water the lawn a few times a day. Many people buy an automatic irrigation system to make sure the lawn is watered on a regular basis.

In a few weeks, your lawn will start to come in. This is a critical time for your lawn. If you planted in the fall, you may have to deal with wind and rain. Laying hay may help keep the seed in place.

If you planted grass in the spring, you may also have to deal with rain. If you notice bald areas, you will have to overseed in order to create a lush, even lawn.

Seeding your lawn may have its challenges, but in the end, the lawn should look good after it grows in. Monitor the soil, watch for flooding and weeds. Maintain you new lawn by creating a drainage system that works, and by weeding at least twice a week. This will help reduce the spreading of weeds and will help your lawn look its best.

Terry Blackburn. Internet Marketing Consultant, living in South Shields in the North-East of England. Author and Producer of blog http://www.lawnsurgeon.blogspot.com Author of "Your Perfect Lawn," a 90 Page eBook devoted to Lawn Preparation, Lawn Care and Maintenance. Find it at http://www.lawnsurgeon.com

I would be very interested to have your comments on this Article.

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Terry Blackburn - EzineArticles Expert Author

lawn care