Springing For A New Lawn

After mulching, irrigate the seed bed. The upper half inch of soil should be constantly moist until germination, so you may have to water several times a day. The germination rate depends on the grass species and temperature, but generally takes between 7 and 21 days. Be careful not to overwater as this will encourage pythium disease which can easily wipe out an entire lawn in a few days.

After the seedlings are up, do not mow until the grass reaches between 3 and 4 inches tall. Then mow off no more than 1/3 of the growth. About a month after seeding, you can apply a nitrogen fertilizer at the rate of 1/2 pound of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet.

If weeds appear, which in all likelihood they will, do not apply an herbicide until the lawn has be mown 3 times. Then you can apply a selective, broadleaf weed herbicide labeled for use on turf; as always, follow the directions. Happy seeding ;-)

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