How to Grow Grass Plants

Overview

Homeowners with a beautiful green lawn are the envy of the neighborhood. Lush green grass not only looks good, but a well-maintained yard full of gorgeous grass also improves your property value. Growing grass is not difficult, but you'll need to pay attention to preparation and care to ensure your grass establishes a strong root system and keeps its attractive green appearance while it grows.

Step 1

Test the soil before planting in late spring or early fall. Take a sample of your soil to your state's local extension office, and then obtain any nutrients needed to amend soil. Or, buy a test kit at a garden center to do the tests yourself.

Step 2

Use a garden tiller to break up the surface of the soil. Remove weeds and debris loosened by the tiller, then mix in any recommended nutrients with the tiller. Level the soil in the entire planting area with a garden rake.

Step 3

Use a broadcast spreader to evenly distribute grass seed over the prepared area. Apply seed in the amounts as directed on the package. Use a type of grass seed that grows well in your area. Home and garden centers and nurseries typically sell grass seed suitable for growing in local conditions.

Step 4

Pull a garden rake over the seeded area, mixing the seed with the soil.

Step 5

Cover the planted seedlings with wheat straw. Use one bale of straw for every 500 square feet of planting area.

Step 6

Keep the area consistently moist until the seeds germinate. Water the grass seed several times a day until grass begins to grow. Use a sprinkler to water the grass seed.

Step 7

Remove half of the wheat straw when new grass emerges. Water less frequently, but make sure your new grass receives at least 1 inch of water, through rain or irrigation, every week.

Step 8

Fertilize the new grass with an all-purpose lawn fertilizer once grass plants reach 2 inches in height. Apply as directed on the package.