Do you dream about having a well-kept, lush, green lawn that’s the envy of your neighborhood? Well, lawn care must be on your fingertips!
And one way to get there is to understand how to go about planting seeds on your already existing lawn. It’s an easy and effective way to get there; doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive either.
In this article, I’ll share with you all there is to know about how to plant lawn seeds on existing lawn.
With just a few simple steps and some patience, you can create the perfect backyard oasis without breaking the bank – or your back! So, if you’re ready to take your yard from drab to fab – keep reading!
Preparing The Soil
It’s never too late to take care of your yard! Whether you’re starting from scratch or sprucing up an existing lawn, the first step is preparing the soil. Quality soil and proper preparation are essential for a lush, healthy lawn that will stand the test of time.
Before planting any seeds on an existing lawn, it’s important to determine if the soil needs help in order to improve its condition. You can check by digging into your topsoil with a garden fork and examining it closely.
If needed, add organic matter such as compost or peat moss and mix with a rake or tiller until fully incorporated. This helps create better drainage while regulating pH levels and improving overall soil structure.
To ensure maximum success when laying down grass seed, use a high-quality soil conditioner designed specifically for lawn maintenance. With these simple steps you’ll be ready to move onto choosing the right seeds for your lawn!
The Right Seeds For Your Lawn
Choosing the right grass seed for your lawn can seem daunting. But with a little research and an understanding of your local climate and soil, you’ll be able to find just what you need to get the lush green lawn of your dreams. Two factors you should think about.
The Type Of Grass That Does Best For Your Region
Lawn experts will tell you to always prioritize the type of grass that’s best suited for your region when choosing seeds for your lawn.
Different regions have different climates, so it’s important to pick one that’ll thrive in yours. The same goes for selecting a seed variety; make sure it works well with both sun exposure and soil nutrients where you live.
Maintenance Input Required
Think about how much work you want to put into maintaining your lawn.
Some types require more maintenance than others, while others are quite low-maintenance. You don’t want to end up pulling out too much hair when summer rolls around!
With this knowledge in hand, head to the garden shop or home improvement store and let them know exactly what kind of grass seed blend is ideal for giving yourself the perfect patch of green come springtime.
Grass Seed Blends
When planting a lawn, it’s important to choose the right grass seed blend. Grass seed mixtures are combinations of different kinds of seeds that create attractive turf and provide durability in high-traffic areas.
The most popular types of turf seed blends include:
Perennial Rye Grass
Perennial rye grass germinates quickly and gives off a bright green color while providing good wear tolerance on sports fields or playgrounds.
Kentucky Blue Grass
Kentucky bluegrass has great stress resistance and an aesthetically pleasing appearance for those with more decorative needs.
Fine Fescue
Fine Fescue is low maintenance and can easily fill in bare patches due to its spreading nature.
Tall Fescue
Tall fescue provides excellent heat and drought tolerance so it’s perfect for warmer climates where other species may struggle to survive.
With all these options available, you can customize your seed blend based on what kind of look you’re going for as well as the environment you live in!
Fertilizer & Weed Control
Now that you’ve chosen the best grass seed blend for your lawn, it’s time to talk about fertilizer and weed control. A healthy lawn needs both of these elements. Fertilizer helps grass grow strong and lush while weed control prevents weeds from taking over.
Here are four essential steps to fertilizing and controlling weeds on an existing lawn.
- Apply a high-quality lawn fertilizer according to package instructions.
- Use pre-emergent herbicides before weeds start sprouting in the spring.
- Employ post-emergent herbicides when needed throughout the year to kill any existing weeds.
- Treat areas with persistent weed problems using spot treatments as necessary.
It’s also important to be mindful of your local regulations regarding chemical use on your property as some states have restrictions or bans on certain products for residential use.
TIP: In case you don’t know, regular mowing and watering can also help keep weeds at bay by depriving them of sunlight and water they need to thrive!
Now all that’s left is selecting a seeding method…
Selecting A Seeding Method
Do you want to give your lawn a facelift?
Planting grass seeds on existing turf can be an easy way to upgrade the look of your landscape. There are several methods available that make it simple and affordable, so let’s explore how to choose one!
Aerial Seeding
Aerial seeding involves dropping small amounts of seed from an airplane or helicopter in order to cover large areas quickly and evenly with minimal effort.
Aerial seeding is the most common technique for planting new grass seed over extensive lawns that are already existing.
Hydro Seeding
Hydro seeding is also popular as it combines water, soil amendments, mulch, and fertilizer into a slurry which is then sprayed onto the ground via a hose system.
Slit Seeding
Slit seeding uses specialized machinery that cuts grooves into the soil and deposits the seed directly within them at precise depths.
Vertical Mowing
Vertical mowing is another option where blades cut through the turf vertically rather than horizontally and create tiny channels that help disperse the new seeds more effectively
Overseeding
Overseeding will introduce new varieties of grass without removing any of the original ones by broadcasting it across all areas – both shady spots and sunny patches alike!
Factors To Consider When Choosing Planting Method
When deciding on a method for planting your lawn, consider factors like:
- Cost-effectiveness
- Ease of use
- Coverage area size
- Time required for successful results
A combination approach may work best depending on your individual needs.
Estimating The Amount Needed
Estimating the amount of lawn seed you need can be tricky.
Typically, it takes between 3-5 pounds of grass seed per 1,000 square feet for an existing lawn. To get a more accurate estimate, measure your yard and multiply the length by width in feet to find total square footage.
You’ll also want to consider factors like soil type and climate when estimating how much lawn seed is needed.
TIP: To ensure you don’t waste any seed or money, use this formula:
Length x Width = Total Square Feet divided by 1000 x (3-5) Pounds of Seed Needed = Amount of Lawn Seed Required.
With this calculation, you’ll have just what’s necessary for success!
Spreading Evenly
Did you know that it takes about 7-15 pounds of grass seed to cover 1000 square feet? That’s a lot of seeds!
To ensure proper distribution and growth, the lawn must be spread evenly. Here are four steps to help make sure your seeds get an even spread.
- Mark off the area with flour or chalk dust that will be seeded.
- Use a hand-cranked spreader to distribute the seeds in all directions while walking back and forth across the marked off area.
- Rake lightly over the entire surface after spreading for better seed-to-soil contact.
- Mix up different types of grasses if desired, ensuring each type is distributed evenly throughout the lawn surface.
When finished, these simple steps should result in an even spread of seed across your existing lawn – giving new life to your yard! With diligent care and regular maintenance, soon enough you’ll have yourself a lush landscape perfect for entertaining guests outdoors this summer season!
Now let’s move onto covering those little guys with soil…
Covering With Soil
Now that the seed is evenly spread, it’s time to cover and protect it with soil.
A thin layer of soil should be used when covering the seeds; around ¼ inch should do the job nicely.
Covering the seeds with soil helps keep the grass seed from drying out or getting eaten by pesky birds.
With a rake or flat shovel, gently disperse the soil over the seeded area in an even layer so that all of those little pieces are covered up. Make sure no patches of uncovered lawn seed remain visible.
Once you’re finished covering up your lawn-seed, take a few moments to pat down lightly on any areas where there may still be exposed seed left behind – this will ensure full coverage and protection for your hard work!
As always, water regularly after planting to help maintain moisture levels and temperature in order to promote growth.
Maintaining Moisture & Temperature Levels
A key factor for successful seeding is maintaining proper moisture levels within the soil.
The best way to maintain proper moisture & temperature levels is by watering your lawn frequently enough that it’s just moist but not saturated. If your soil gets too wet or dry, there will be difficulty in germination and growth of new grass seedlings.
Additionally, temperature levels must also be taken into consideration as they play a significant role in overall lawn care. Seeds need consistent temperatures between 55-85 degrees Fahrenheit for successful germination; any higher or lower could cause complications with seedling development.
By keeping these two factors in mind while planting new grass seeds on an existing lawn, you’ll be sure to have a healthy and vibrant yard come springtime.
Caring For Newly Planted Seeds
Now that you’ve taken care of the temperature and moisture levels in your lawn, it’s time to get planting! Planting grass seed is a great way to improve an existing lawn or start from scratch. With a few simple steps, you can be on your way to having lush, green turf.
Here are some tips for taking care of newly planted seeds:
Watering Techniques
Water should be applied gently so as not to wash away any of the new seeds. It is best to water every other day during dry weather and reduce watering when rain is plentiful. If you have areas with heavy clay soil, consider using a garden sprinkler system which will evenly disperse water over the entire area.
Seed Maintenance
Use natural fertilizers like compost or manure whenever possible. This will give the young plants much needed nutrients while also helping them establish strong roots.
Regular But Careful Mowing
Mow regularly but avoid cutting too short; this will help keep weeds at bay and provide shade for the tender plants below. Also make sure to remove any debris around the perimeter of your lawn – these could smother emerging shoots or prevent essential sunlight from reaching them.
By following these basic steps, you’ll soon have a beautiful lawn full of healthy grasses and greenery! Taking just a few extra minutes each week can go a long way towards making sure your outdoor space looks its best all year round.
Conclusion
The process of planting grass seeds on an existing lawn can seem intimidating, but with some preparation and care it’s not as difficult as it may sound.
Taking the right steps to prepare your soil, select the right seed blend, spread the seed evenly, cover them with soil, maintain moisture and temperature levels and provide proper care will all help ensure that you have a healthy and beautiful lawn in no time!
With patience and dedication, you can turn any patchy or thinning area into a lush green paradise.
So, go ahead – grab those seeds and get ready for your next gardening adventure!
Photo by Mounsey.
