The Best Cover Over Grass Seed
A light application of salt hay makes an ideal mulch for just-sown grass seed. It covers large areas inexpensively, prevents seed from blowing away and doesn't sprout weeds. If you can afford it, or for smaller areas, use manure or compost instead to both protect the seed and feed the soil.
Cover An Area Of Grass Seed I Just Planted If Heavy Rains Are Coming?
Grass seed can take from five to 30 days to germinate depending on variety and soil temperature. The warmer the soil, the more quickly the seed sprouts. Seed must be kept consistently moist until it sprouts or it won't germinate. Note that straw and hay can contain weed seeds that germinate along with your grass seed. On slopes where washouts are more likely, you can cover your grass seed with a pressed-straw erosion mat, biodegradable burlap or even garden row-cover fleece -- all pinned down around the edges with landscape staples.
- A light application of salt hay makes an ideal mulch for just-sown grass seed.
- If you can afford it, or for smaller areas, use manure or compost instead to both protect the seed and feed the soil.
Related Articles
References
- "The Garden Primer;" Barbara Damrosch; 1988
- Southern States: Lawn Care Guide: Step 7 Apply Grass Seed Protection
- Council on the Environment of New York City: Lawn Care and Maintenance
- University of California Integrated Pest Management Program: Grass Seed Germination Rates
- Gardening Wisdom and Know How; Judy Pray
- Lawncaremania: Seeding
Writer Bio
Ellen Douglas has written on food, gardening, education and the arts since 1992. Douglas has worked as a staff reporter for the Lakeville Journal newspaper group. Previously, she served as a communication specialist in the nonprofit field. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Connecticut.
