How to Plant Grass Seeds

Overview

Your climate should be the first factor considered when choosing a grass seed type. Grass comes in two varieties: creeping or bunching, which describes how the grass grows. Creeping grasses are designed for warmer climates, while a bunching grass, or a mixture of bunching and creeping, is best for northern climates. Planting grass seeds in the cooler temperatures of fall or spring will avoid sun-scorching of your new, tender grass.

Seeding a Full Lawn

Step 1

Assess expected foot traffic on your lawn. Choose hearty, broadleaf grasses for high foot traffic and fine leaf for low traffic and a more luxurious-looking lawn.

Step 2

Research your area's growing conditions. Select a grass type that is rated for your planting zone and the amount of sun your lawn will receive daily.

Step 3

Calculate your lawn's area in square yards. Purchase 1 ½ ounces of grass seed per square yard of lawn.

Step 4

Loosen your lawn's soil. Use a cultivator or similar garden tool to loosen the top 2 to 3 inches of soil in preparation of sowing the grass seed.

Step 5

Level your lawn. Use a rake to smooth your soil and remove any unwanted debris, such as stones and large sticks.

Step 6

Put the grass seed into the broadcast spreader and set it to sow 16 seeds per square inch. Run it, at a steady pace, over the entire lawn.

Step 7

Cover the newly sown seeds with ¼ inch of fresh topsoil and water the entire lawn well. Use a sprinkle setting to moisten the soil without drowning the new seeds. Water your new lawn regularly.

Seeding in an Existing Lawn

Step 1

Prepare the sparse areas in your lawn by loosening the soil 1 inch deep with a cultivator or similar tool.

Step 2

Fertilize the sparse areas with a liquid fertilizer.

Step 3

Sprinkle the grass seed on the sparse areas by hand, evenly but lightly.

Step 4

Water the areas lightly; just enough to moisten the soil without drowning the new seeds. Water the newly planted areas frequently to promote growth of the seed.