How To Plant Fescue Grass Seed In Late Winter
Fescue is a cool growing season grass that declines in growth during summer. The grass grows tall with a course texture and is often used as a turf grass. Fescue has a fast germination time which is a benefit for controlling erosion. It is necessary to over-seed existing lawns on an annual basis to regrow areas that are damaged from hot temperatures and dry conditions.
Step 1
Choose a planting time between mid-February and April to plant fescue grass seed.
Step 2
Use a tiller to work and loosen the ground prior to planting. Smooth the surface with a rake making sure to remove vegetative growth.
- Fescue is a cool growing season grass that declines in growth during summer.
- Fescue has a fast germination time which is a benefit for controlling erosion.
Step 3
Sow the seed in the soil at a depth of ¼ to ½ inch. Add a layer of straw mulch over the seed to retain moisture and prevent the seed from blowing. The seed will take 14 days to germinate.
Step 4
Water the seed bed thoroughly after planting. Continue to water regularly keeping the ground moist while the seed is germinating. Water at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per week once the grass has sprouted. Increase the water amount during the summer months to prevent the ground from drying.
- Sow the seed in the soil at a depth of ¼ to ½ inch.
- Add a layer of straw mulch over the seed to retain moisture and prevent the seed from blowing.
Step 5
Mow newly seeded fescue grass to a height of 1 to 2 inches after it has grown past 2 inches tall. Continue to mow regularly when the grass reaches this height, being careful to not mow shorter than 1 inch because this will cause the grass to weaken.
Step 6
Apply fertilizer two to three times a year after the roots have been established. Apply a fall season fertilizer in October to strengthen the roots and prevent winter damage to the grass. Apply a high-nitrogen slow-release fertilizer in early March and again the beginning of May to stimulate growth.
Tip
Grass that does not spring back when stepped on should be watered. Place a rain gauge or empty tuna can in the newly seeded area to monitor the amount of water being applied. Over-seed an existing lawn by spreading 3 to 5 pounds of seed for every 1,000 square feet of lawn.
Warning
Do not use a crabgrass-preventing product at the time of seeding because it will prevent germination.
Things Needed
- Fescue seed
- Tiller
- Rake
- Water
- Fall grass fertilizer
- High nitrogen fertilizer
- Mower