A lush, green lawn is the envy of the neighborhood. But did you know that you can grow your own grass from seeds? It’s not as difficult as you might think, plus it’s a great way to save money.
The process of growing grass from seeds is straightforward, but you must choose the right seeds, then properly care for your lawn once it’s established. So, whether you’re a first-time gardener or a seasoned pro, read on for all the information you need to grow a beautiful lawn from seeds.
And, once you’ve established your lawn, if you’d instead like to hire a professional to help you tend your lawn on a consistent schedule, contact our experts at At Home Pros. We’re here to help you find the right team for the job, right in your local area.
Choosing the right seeds
The first step is to choose the right seeds. There are many different types of grass available, so it’s important to choose one that will thrive in your climate and soil conditions. Your area is either suited to warm-season grasses or cool-season grasses, and it’s vital to know the difference before starting a new lawn from seeds.
The northern areas of the country, including the Pacific Northwest, the Upper Peninsula, and New England, have cold, hard winters and hot summers; cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, tall fescue and rye-grass generally grow best here.
Warm-season turf shows up naturally in the more southern parts of the country, with a large ribbon of transitional grasses growing in between the two zones. Warm-season grasses are Bahia, centipede, Bermuda, St. Augustine and Zoysia.
Once you’ve chosen your seeds, it’s time to prepare the soil. The soil should be well drained and free from weeds. You may also need to till the soil or add some compost to improve drainage.
Planting the seeds
The next step is to plant the seeds. You can sow them directly in the ground or in seed trays. One way is not necessarily better than another; sowing them into the ground produces quicker results, whereas starting them in seed trays creates plants with stronger roots.
First, sow or till the ground to a depth of three inches, then rake to remove clods and lumps — but keep any contours needed for good drainage. If you’re sowing the seeds directly in the ground, scatter them thinly and evenly. To spread the grass seed following the indications on the packaging, take half of the mixture and sow it going one way, and half of it going the other way for even coverage.
If you’re using seed trays, sow the seeds about one-quarter of an inch deep. Keep the seed trays moist and in a warm place until the seeds germinate. Once they’ve germinated, you can transplant them into the ground using the same techniques indicated above. Be sure to water well after planting.
You may want to cover the seeds after you’ve sown them to protect them from birds until the grass has begun to take root. Some people accomplish this by distributing a layer of straw over the new grass seeds — but remember, it’s difficult to rake out the straw once it’s been mixed in and may compromise your lawn.
An alternative that won’t weaken the integrity of your soil is to purchase bird netting, easy to find at most gardening centers. You will need four stakes so that you can suspend the netting about four inches off the ground. This will prevent birds from using their beaks to get at those precious seeds.
The next step is to add nutrients to the soil, which will in turn strengthen the roots of your lawn. Add compost, topsoil and fertilizer to the mix of soil and seeds, and blend evenly. An extra step for those who want insurance is to tamp the seeds down, using a specialty tool or even the back of a shovel.
Caring for your lawn
Once your grass has germinated, it’s important to care for it properly and protect the seedlings. This includes watering, fertilizing and mowing on a consistent schedule.
First, rake over the entire area to cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. Mulch using only weed-free soil or an erosion control blanket to keep everything in place. Water your lawn regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Be sure to water deeply, so that the water reaches the roots of the grass, but don’t overly saturate to the point of creating puddles.
Once the grass grows to a height of one inch, you can cut back your watering schedule to once a day and add in a long-term fertilization schedule as well. Fertilize your lawn in the spring and fall and use a fertilizer that is specifically designed for lawns.
Mowing your lawn regularly helps to keep the grass healthy and looking its best. Keep the grass about two to three inches high, but don’t start mowing until your lawn has become well-established. You should leave your new patch of grass alone until it has reached at least one inch tall.
Growing grass from seeds is a great way to save money and have a beautiful lawn. By following these steps, you can grow your grass either using trays or in the soil directly.
How to grow grass on a shady lawn
A lot of homeowners wonder how to grow grass in a spot that gets considerably less sun than other areas of the lawn. Certain types of grass, as long as they match the climate, do better with less sun than others.
For a warm-season zone, Zoysia and centipede are favored for more shady areas, and for cold-season lawns, you should look for fine or tall fescue, or rye-grass seed. Most grasses need four hours of direct sunlight a day to thrive into a lush, green lawn. Some types, however, only need four hours of filtered sunlight.
To hedge your bets, if you have a mostly shaded area, pick two types of grass seed that are more acclimated to filtered sunlight, rather than direct sunlight. That way, if one type doesn’t come up, the other most likely will.
Additional tips for a healthy lawn
It’s not just about where you start. You also need to maintain all aspects of a healthy lawn regimen to make sure your grass looks as lush as possible. Here are a few tips to help you keep your lawn in tip-top condition:
- Water your lawn often, especially during hot, dry weather.
- Mow your lawn regularly after grass seeds germinate or are planted, keeping the grass about two to three inches high (but only after the new grass has reached a height of one inch).
- Aerate your lawn once a year to help improve drainage. You can rent a core aerator from the hardware store or strap some on your gardening boots and do it yourself.
- Overseed your lawn in the fall to help thicken it for the cold season and prevent weeds in early spring.
- Control pests and diseases, especially the ones that are specific to your geographical area.
- Raking and dethatching can also help to improve the health of your lawn.
With a little care and attention, you’ll soon have a beautiful, lush lawn that you can enjoy for years to come. And when you need help from lawn and garden experts, contact At Home Pros today to narrow your search to the top professionals in your area.