Ways to Plant Grass Seed

To create beautiful, lush grass there are several things to do before seeding. First, remove all existing grass and sod to control the new growth. Once your old grass has been removed, level the lawn. Add any soil augmentations like fertilizers before planting your grass seed. If you are applying dry seed, consider adding a thin layer of mulch to help keep the seeds and ground mist between waterings.

Hand Seeding

Although many people recommend using seed spreaders to plant grass seeds, you can also seed your grass by hand. To seed your grass by hand, evenly scatter the seed in a circular motion over the treated ground. Watch for bare patches. To avoid bare patches seed your lawn in two or three passes. Although the exact seed density will vary depending on the type of grass, the rule of thumb is 16 seeds per square inch.

Seed Spreaders

Use a mechanical seed spreader to sow your grass seed more evenly. Fertilizer spreaders are also good for spreading grass seed. With mechanical spreaders, seed the lawn in two passes. For example, spread half the seed pushing the seeder on a north-south axis. Refill the seeder with the other half and seed by walking on an east-west axis.

Hydroseeding

With hydroseeding, grass seed, mulch and sometimes lime are mixed in a tank and sprayed onto a lawn. The mulch helps to bind the seed to the soil as it germinates and helps to hold water during the heat of the day. The mulch will eventually decompose and become fertilizer for the young grass.