How to Plant Grass Seed in the Spring

Overview

Spring is the best season to plant new grass seed, because of the rainfall, sun and mild temperatures. Seeding your landscape on your own is less expensive than laying sod, but it definitely requires some patience and careful planning. The key to planting grass seed in the spring is to protect the seed after applying it.

Step 1

Loosen the soil with a till or rake to a depth of 3 inches. Remove rocks or thick dirt clods to make the surface of smooth.

Step 2

Apply topsoil to the ground, along with a starter fertilizer, if desired. Sprinkle the grass seed on top of the soil. Use the rake to go over the seed again to distribute it evenly.

Step 3

Cover the grass seed with a 1/3-inch layer of straw or peat moss to protect it from wind and picking birds.

Step 4

Water the seed with sprinklers set up to cover all of it in water, making sure it soaks about 6 inches deep into the ground. Water it for about 20 minutes, and repeat this process once a day for 1 1/2 to 2 weeks. If you live in a rainy environment, you can decrease the amount of watering time. Start watering only once a day when the grass reaches about 1 inch in height.

Step 5

Fertilize the lawn 6 weeks after the grass germinates. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, as different types of grass and climates require different processes.