{"id":14307,"date":"2019-03-11T10:33:00","date_gmt":"2019-03-11T13:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=14307"},"modified":"2026-01-08T13:44:30","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T16:44:30","slug":"how-to-plant-grass-seed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-plant-grass-seed\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Plant Grass Seed"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Learning how to plant grass seed is crucial if you want a lush and healthy lawn. We\u2019ll explain how to choose the best grass seed, prepare the area, fertilize, plant, and water your new lawn.<\/p>    <p>Whether you\u2019re seeding a new lawn or overseeding an existing lawn, we\u2019ll explain everything you need to know:<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-8532338d-733e-46cf-a828-2532bf762117\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\"><strong>In this article, we\u2019ll cover:<\/strong><\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-plant-grass-seed\/#0-how-to-seed-a-new-lawn\" style=\"\">How to Seed a New Lawn<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-plant-grass-seed\/#1-1-choose-the-best-grass-seed\" style=\"\">1. Choose the Best Grass Seed<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-plant-grass-seed\/#2-2-prepare-the-area\" style=\"\">2. Prepare the Area<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-plant-grass-seed\/#3-3-test-and-amend-the-soil\" style=\"\">3. Test and Amend the Soil<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-plant-grass-seed\/#4-4-add-compoststarter-fertilizer\" style=\"\">4. Add Compost\/Starter Fertilizer<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-plant-grass-seed\/#5-5-plant-grass-seeds\" style=\"\">5. Plant Grass Seeds<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-plant-grass-seed\/#6-6-protect-seeds-with-straw\" style=\"\">6. Protect Seeds with Straw<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-plant-grass-seed\/#7-7-water-the-seeds\" style=\"\">7. Water the Seeds<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-plant-grass-seed\/#8-8-mow-and-control-weeds\" style=\"\">8. Mow and Control Weeds<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-plant-grass-seed\/#9-how-to-seed-an-existing-lawn-overseed\" style=\"\">How to Seed an Existing Lawn (Overseed)<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-plant-grass-seed\/#10-faq-about-planting-grass-seeds\" style=\"\">FAQ About Planting Grass Seeds<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <style>     .wp-block-table.has-medium-font-size td {         text-align: left !important;     } <\/style>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Project Difficulty:<\/strong> Beginner<br><strong>Estimated Time to Complete:<\/strong> Whether seeding a new or existing lawn, it can take two days. Day 1 will be for preparing the lawn and adding compost\/starter fertilizer. The next morning, you can start planting the seeds and spend the rest of the day mulching and watering the seeds. Waiting for the soil test results can add two weeks to your project duration.<br><strong>Project Cost:<\/strong> A bag of grass seed costs <strong>$35 to $64<\/strong>, and a 15-pound bag of starter fertilizer (covering 5,000 square feet) is about <strong>$35<\/strong>. Total DIY costs vary widely depending on the equipment you need to buy and the size of your lawn. If you hire a pro, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/cost\/lawn-seeding-price\/\">cost to seed a lawn<\/a> is <strong>$0.09 to $0.19 per square foot<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-how-to-seed-a-new-lawn\">How to Seed a New Lawn<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"532\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Grass-seeds-1.jpg\" alt=\"Person holding grass seeds in their hands\" class=\"wp-image-111648\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Grass-seeds-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Grass-seeds-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Grass-seeds-1-646x430.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Grass-seeds-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Grass-seeds-1-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/vspycc\/7700955982\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">VSPYCC<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Seeding can help you grow a new lawn from scratch or fill in bare patches in an existing lawn. If you already have an existing lawn and just need to fill in bare or thinning areas, you can skip to the next section to learn how to overseed. Otherwise, here\u2019s an easy-to-follow roadmap for seeding a new lawn.<\/p>    <p><strong>Tip: <\/strong><em>When<\/em> to plant is just as important as <em>how<\/em>. Check out our guide to ensure your timing is just right: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/best-time-plant-grass-seed\/\">When is the Best Time to Plant Grass Seed?<\/a><\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-1-choose-the-best-grass-seed\">1. Choose the Best Grass Seed<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"505\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1-1.jpg\" alt=\"United States map showing the cool season grass, warm season grass and the transition zones\" class=\"wp-image-111242\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1-1-300x189.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1-1-646x408.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1-1-150x95.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/rsz_lawnstarter-overseeding-map_1-1-768x485.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Homeowners in the northern U.S. should choose <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/cool-season-grass-growing-guide\/\">cool-season grasses<\/a> like fescues, ryegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass. For homeowners in the southern U.S., it\u2019s best to choose <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/warm-season-grass-growing-guide\/\">warm-season grasses<\/a> like bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, centipedegrass, Zoysiagrass (see note), and St. Augustinegrass (see note).<\/p>    <p>You can plant most grasses in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/guide-to-growing-grass-in-the-transition-zone\/\">transition zone<\/a>, but consider the yearly temperature in your specific location. Find the most cold-tolerant warm-season grass for areas with hot summers or the most heat-tolerant cool-season grass for those with cold winters.<br><br><strong>Note:<\/strong> Zoysia is a popular warm-season grass, but because of its slow growth, it is recommended to use sod, not seed, to establish a Zoysia lawn. St. Augustine is available only as sod or plugs.<\/p>    <p><strong>See Related:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-choose-right-grass-for-lawn\/\">How to Choose the Right Grass for Your Lawn (8 Factors to Consider)<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-lay-sod\/\">How to Lay Sod<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-care-for-new-sod\/\">How to Care for New Sod<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-2-prepare-the-area\">2. Prepare the Area<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/shutterstock_441952912-1.jpg\" alt=\"A person removing grass from his\/her lawn\" class=\"wp-image-67929\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/shutterstock_441952912-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/shutterstock_441952912-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/shutterstock_441952912-1-646x430.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/shutterstock_441952912-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/shutterstock_441952912-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/gardening-remove-old-grass-sward-446533201\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Since you\u2019re establishing a new lawn, you may need to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/ways-remove-lawn-grass\/\">remove existing grass<\/a>. Next, loosen the soil bed using a tiller, hand tool (for very small areas), or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/what-is-core-aeration\/\">core aerator<\/a>. This way, the grass roots can easily grow.<\/p>    <p><strong><em>Pro Tip:<\/em><\/strong><em> You can grade your yard to keep rain or water flowing away from your home. A slope that\u2019s around 1 to 2 degrees is ideal. Anything deeper can lead to runoff and nutrient leaching, and cause the soil to dry out faster.<\/em><\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-3-test-and-amend-the-soil\">3. Test and Amend the Soil<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Leveling-soil-with-a-shovel.jpg\" alt=\"Leveling soil with a shovel\" class=\"wp-image-115558\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Leveling-soil-with-a-shovel.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Leveling-soil-with-a-shovel-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Leveling-soil-with-a-shovel-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Leveling-soil-with-a-shovel-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/surface-level-view-of-senior-woman-standing-with-shovel-on-dirt\/175156270?prev_url=detail&amp;asset_id=175156270\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">wavebreak3<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Test your soil as soon as possible, as you may have to wait up to two weeks for the soil test results. If you wait too long, you might miss the ideal window for planting grass.<\/p>    <p>Based on the results of your soil test, you can determine whether you\u2019ll need to amend your soil. Most grasses thrive in soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. So, if your soil is too acidic, you\u2019ll need to add lime. If it\u2019s too alkaline, you can add compost or sulfur.<\/p>    <p>County <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.org\/find-cooperative-extension-in-your-state\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Extension offices<\/a> offer soil testing for a reasonable fee. (Some even offer the service for free during certain times of the year.)<\/p>    <p><strong>See Related:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/ph-soil-test-lawn-grass\/\">How to Test the Soil pH of Your Lawn<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/why-how-to-lime-lawn\/\">Lime for Lawns: Why, When, and How to Lime a Lawn<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-4-add-compoststarter-fertilizer\">4. Add Compost\/Starter Fertilizer<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Lawn-fertilization.jpg\" alt=\"Man using lawn fertilizer\" class=\"wp-image-114238\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Lawn-fertilization.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Lawn-fertilization-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Lawn-fertilization-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Lawn-fertilization-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/spring-fertilization-of-grass\/189413711?prev_url=detail&amp;asset_id=189413711\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tomasz Zajda<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Your soil\u2019s texture must be loose and loamy for the seeds to germinate successfully. It can also help the roots to develop easily.<\/p>    <p>To improve the texture of your soil, you can add organic matter, such as:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Aged manure<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/what-is-compost\/\">Compost<\/a><\/li>    <li>Leaf mold<\/li>    <li>Peat moss<\/li> <\/ul>    <p><strong>Compost<\/strong> contains the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in small amounts. So, it helps improve soil structure while increasing the amount of nutrients in the soil.<\/p>    <p><strong>Starter fertilizers<\/strong> are also usually recommended when planting grass seed. These fertilizers feed the seedling with key nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) near the seeds until they develop root systems that can take nutrients from the soil. To be safe, always follow the recommendations on your soil test to avoid <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-do-you-know-you-over-fertilized-your-lawn\/\">overfertilization<\/a>.<\/p>    <p><strong>See Related:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/9-faqs-about-applying-starter-fertilizer-to-your-lawn\/\">9 FAQs About Applying Starter Fertilizer to Your Lawn<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-5-plant-grass-seeds\">5. Plant Grass Seeds<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/AdobeStock_423578400-1.jpeg\" alt=\"Grass Seeds On A Garden Trowel And Sown Seed On Prepared Soil.\" class=\"wp-image-114687\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/AdobeStock_423578400-1.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/AdobeStock_423578400-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/AdobeStock_423578400-1-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/AdobeStock_423578400-1-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/grass-seeds-on-a-garden-trowel-and-sown-seed-on-prepared-soil\/423578400\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dean<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>For small areas, hand-seeding your lawn is fine. But for precise coverage on large lawns, it\u2019s best to use a drop or broadcast spreader. (<strong>Tip: <\/strong>Your favorite fertilizer spreader also spreads grass seed.)<\/p>    <p>Regardless of the method, though, spread the seeds when it\u2019s not windy. Otherwise, the seeds will scatter unevenly. If you\u2019re unsure about the seeding rate, read and follow the instructions on the packaging.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p><strong><em>Pro Tip:<\/em><\/strong><em> To get more even coverage, sow half the amount of seeds in one direction. Then, spread the remaining amount perpendicular to the initial direction.<\/em><\/p>    <p><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/reviews\/best-fertilizer-spreaders\/\">Best Fertilizer Spreaders<\/a><\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-6-protect-seeds-with-straw\">6. Protect Seeds with Straw<\/h3>    <p>After sowing the grass seeds, protect them from drying out and being washed away. You can use a thin layer of soil or mulch the lawn with a thin layer of straw. Straw (<em>not hay<\/em>) is the least expensive and most widely used mulch for seeded lawns. Simply remove the straw once the lawn is established.<\/p>    <p><strong><em>Pro Tip:<\/em><\/strong><em> If you\u2019re planting grass seed on a slope, consider using an erosion control blanket to help the grass seed establish without washing away.<\/em><\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-7-water-the-seeds\">7. Water the Seeds<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_pexels-karolina-grabowska-4870792.jpg\" alt=\"Trees During Drought\" class=\"wp-image-62565\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_pexels-karolina-grabowska-4870792.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_pexels-karolina-grabowska-4870792-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_pexels-karolina-grabowska-4870792-646x444.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_pexels-karolina-grabowska-4870792-150x103.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_pexels-karolina-grabowska-4870792-768x528.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/close-up-photo-of-a-person-s-hand-using-a-spray-hose-4870792\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Watering a newly seeded lawn can be tricky, so follow these pointers to help your seeds sprout smoothly:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Water lightly<\/strong> one to three times per day. The key is to keep the soil <strong>consistently moist but not soggy<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><strong>Change your watering frequency to once per day<\/strong> once the grass is 1-inch tall.<\/li>    <li><strong>Reduce watering to about twice per week<\/strong> when the height of your grass reaches 3 inches. Soak the soil 6 to 8 inches deep to encourage the roots to grow more deeply and promote a stronger root system.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p><strong>Note:<\/strong> Apart from watering, you should also <strong>minimize foot traffic<\/strong> in the newly-seeded part of the lawn. If it helps, you can put up a &#8220;Please Keep Off the New Grass&#8221; sign.<\/p>    <p><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-care-for-new-grass\/\">How to Care for New Grass<\/a><\/p>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-8-mow-and-control-weeds\">8. Mow and Control Weeds<\/h3>    <p>The best time to mow your newly seeded lawn is when it grows to its normal cutting height, which depends on the type of grass. Here\u2019s a cheat sheet to help you out:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Type of Grass<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Recommended Height Before First Mow<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Bahiagrass<\/td><td>4 &#8211; 5 inches<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Bermudagrass<\/td><td>1.5 &#8211; 2.5 inches<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Buffalograss<\/td><td>1.5 &#8211; 3 inches<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Centipedegrass<\/td><td>1.5 &#8211; 2.5 inches<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Fine fescue<\/td><td>3 &#8211; 5 inches<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hard fescue<\/td><td>2 &#8211; 3 inches<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Kentucky bluegrass<\/td><td>2.5 &#8211; 4 inches<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Perennial ryegrass<\/td><td>2 &#8211; 3 inches<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tall fescue<\/td><td>2 &#8211; 4 inches<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Zoysiagrass<\/td><td>1 &#8211; 1.5 inches<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/lawn-mowing-tips-cut-grass\/\">Lawn Mowing Tips: How to Mow a Lawn the Right Way<\/a><\/p>   <div style=\"position: relative; width:100%;max-width: 800px; margin: 0 auto; overflow: hidden;\">   <iframe     src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/h_O7PxvE-Tk?si=hYVSEAZ0nPKbhjQZ\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\"     allowfullscreen style=\"display: block; width: 100%; height: auto; aspect-ratio: 16\/9; border: none;\"><br \/>   <\/iframe> <\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-how-to-seed-an-existing-lawn-overseed\">How to Seed an Existing Lawn (Overseed)<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/overseeding-lawn.jpg\" alt=\"overseeding over the lawn\" class=\"wp-image-88997\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/overseeding-lawn.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/overseeding-lawn-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/overseeding-lawn-646x430.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/overseeding-lawn-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/overseeding-lawn-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/spreading-grass-seed-spring-by-hand-1675910242\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Unless you plan to change the grass type, overseeding is a quick and inexpensive method to revitalize your thinning lawn. Overseeding simply means that you\u2019re planting new grass seed into an existing lawn instead of starting on bare dirt. Here\u2019s a quick overview.<\/p>    <ol class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Select your grass seed.<\/strong> Cool-season grasses are sometimes planted as a mix to take advantage of the strengths of each type, but warm-season grasses are usually planted as a monostand \u2014 one grass type per yard.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><strong>Mow the lawn and bag the clippings.<\/strong><\/li>    <li><strong>Dethatch<\/strong> if the thatch layer is over 1\/2-inch thick. <strong>Then aerate<\/strong> the lawn.<\/li>    <li><strong>Add compost and starter fertilizer.<\/strong><\/li>    <li><strong>Plant the grass seeds<\/strong> over the existing lawn using a spreader. For small areas, hand-sowing is fine.<\/li>    <li><strong>Gently press the seeds into the soil <\/strong>using the back of a rake. Put down a light layer of straw mulch to protect the seeds as they germinate.<\/li>    <li><strong>Water the seeds lightly<\/strong> one to three times per day, keeping the ground moist, but not soggy.<\/li>    <li><strong>Mow the grass<\/strong> once the new seedlings are the same height as your established lawn.<\/li> <\/ol>    <p>For detailed guidance, check out our comprehensive article: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-overseed-lawn\/\">How to Overseed a Lawn in 8 Simple Steps<\/a>.<\/p>    <p><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/when-to-overseed-spring\/\">When to Overseed in Spring<\/a><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-faq-about-planting-grass-seeds\">FAQ About Planting Grass Seeds<\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1740890129631\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Will Grass Seeds Grow if I Throw Them on the Ground?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No, grass seeds won\u2019t grow into a healthy lawn without proper preparation, planting, and after-care. Even if the seeds germinate on the ground, the roots may not be strong enough to penetrate the soil, and without proper nutrients and water, they will wilt, dry out, and die.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1740890138302\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is it Possible to Plant Grass Seed on Hard Dirt?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, with the right preparation, planting grass seed on hard dirt is possible. You\u2019ll need to test the soil, remove rocks and other debris, aerate and loosen the soil, and add amendments and organic matter. These steps improve the soil condition before planting the seeds.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1740890142719\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is There a Simple Way for Me to Test if the Soil is Properly Soaked?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, using a long screwdriver, push it down 6 to 8 inches into the ground. If there\u2019s little resistance, you have the right water saturation.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11-plant-grass-seeds-the-right-way\">Plant Grass Seeds the Right Way<\/h2>    <p>While planting grass from seed is fulfilling, it can be overwhelming for some homeowners. To ensure your grass will grow healthy and lush, let a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/landscaping\">landscaping pro near you<\/a> handle everything \u2014 from planting to maintenance.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-6d0457e1-47e1-440e-99f7-c0124e1e65d4\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"true\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-6d0457e1-47e1-440e-99f7-c0124e1e65d4\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-6d0457e1-47e1-440e-99f7-c0124e1e65d4\" style=\"color: #000000; \">Sources:<\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-6d0457e1-47e1-440e-99f7-c0124e1e65d4\">  <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu\/how-to\/overseeding-lawn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Iowa State University: Overseeding a Lawn<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.psu.edu\/starter-fertilizer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PennState Extension: Starter Fertilizer<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.psu.edu\/lawn-establishment\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lawn Establishment<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.extension.purdue.edu\/extmedia\/ay\/ay-18-w.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Purdue University: Soil Testing for Lawns<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/extension.umd.edu\/resource\/care-and-maintenance-lawn-after-seeding\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">University of Maryland: Care and Maintenance of a Lawn after Seeding<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <p>Main Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/a-hand-sowing-grass-seed-in-freshly-dug-soil\/120728935?prev_url=detail&amp;asset_id=120728935\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">timages<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock Free \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/license-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Knowing how to plant grass seed helps ensure your new lawn\u2019s success: Prepare the area before planting, add amendments, scatter seeds, and keep the area moist.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":131,"featured_media":115551,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[9],"class_list":["post-14307","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lawn-care-2","tag-lawn-care"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Hand-holding-grass.jpg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Melanie Joseph","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/melanie-josephlawnstarter-com\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Plant Grass Seed<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Knowing how to plant grass seed helps ensure your new lawn\u2019s success: Prepare the area before planting, add amendments, 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