Planting a Successful Seeded Lawn
Published on December 23rd, 2009
A lush green lawn can be a home's most important asset. The success of your lawn is greatly dependent upon the seed bed preparation. This flyer will help you get started step by step.
Step I -Soil Preparation (Preferably 2 weeks ahead of seeding date)
(a) Clear ground of all undesirable materials, such as rocks and weeds.
a. For perennial weeds such as Oxalis or Morning Glory, you will need to spray Roundup several
additional weeks earlier. For Bermuda Grass, ask an expert about proper timing of spray
application.
(b) Rototill 6-8 inches in depth
(c) Rake to rough grade the area
(d) Distribute evenly the following essential soil amendments:
a. GreenAll Firmulch at a rate of 4 bags per 100 sq. ft. equal to 1" deep
b. GreenAll FST at the rate of 5 lbs. per 100 sq. ft.
c. GreenAll Multi-Purpose fertilizer at a rate of 1 lb. per 100 sq ft .
(e) Rototill the mixture thoroughly into the top 6-8 inches of soil.
NOTE: At this point, an in-ground sprinkler system can be installed.
Step II -Grading
(a) Grade and level with the following in mind:
a. Slope the soil so that the water drains away from the house or patio. If this is not possible, the
center should be slightly higher.
b. Keep the soil level 1/2 inch below the sidewalks, patio and other fixtures.
(b) Firm the seed bed with a water filled roller.
(c) After rolling, you will find low spots. Rake to regrade, and then re roll at least twice (This step should be
done at least twice.).
Step III -Seeding
(a) Sow seed. For seed selection and spreader setting ask a expert.
a. Caution: During the summer, weed seeds can germinate faster than grass seeds and therefore
can be a problem.
(b) Now rake lightly (approx. the top 1/8 inch) to fix the seed firmly in the soil.
(c) Spread GreenAll Firmulch over the seed (approx. 1/8 inch thick) to insure ample moisture. One bag covers
200 sq. ft.
(d) Now roll with a half -filled water roller.
(e) Gently hand water with a fan spray nozzle.
Watering Requirements for your Newly Seeded Lawn
These watering recommendations are guidelines for mid-Spring and must be adjusted depending on weather conditions. They day to day temperatures as well as the moth by month seasonal changes are your final guides as to whether or not the seeded lawn needs watering.
1) We recommend the watering be done with a hand-held fan spray nozzle in the beginning. It is important that
your initial watering be throughout but do not allow the water to puddle or runoff. Consequently, it is
advisable to do your watering by sections. The soil should be moist to 4 inches in depth and to accomplish
this, it may mean hand watering the first time from 45 minutes to 90 minutes per 1,000 square feet
depending on the time of year.
2) Once the GreenAll Firmulch is wet, it is a dark black color. That is the color it must remain until the height of
the lawn reaches a 1/2 inch in height. This may mean hand watering it 3-5 times a day depending on the
day temperature, wind, and the season. If using a sprinkler system be aware of excessive puddling
and/or runoff. Edges dry out faster, so hand water these areas when necessary.
3) When your lawn reaches 1/2 inch in height, cut watering to one good soaking daily.
4) When the grass reaches 1 inch in height, you should begin watering it about once every other day.
5) When it reaches 1 1/2 inches, you should be watering every third or fourth day.
First Mowing
1. When your lawn reaches 2-2 1/2 inches, cut the lawn to 1/2 inches in height (2 inches in summer). First be
sure to test your soil so that it will be able to support your mower without "sinking." At this point, you
should be watering no more than every 3rd day.
First Fertilizing
1. After the third mowing, it is advisable to lightly fertilize the new lawn. Consult an expert for the proper
fertilizer.
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