Starting a new lawn from scratch allows you to choose the right type of grass seed for your soil type. Ideal times to plant a lawn are at the beginning of spring or the end of summer. The temperatures won’t be too high and you’ll be helped by the rain. Here’s what to know when seeding a new lawn.
Prepare The Area
Go over the area of your new lawn and remove any large rocks, weeds and other things that don’t belong. If your soil has too much clay or sand, now is the best time to amend it. Level the area and then tamp it down using a lawn roller so that you can walk on it without leaving deep footprints. You should then allow a week for the dirt to settle and for any new weeds to sprout. After allowing it to settle, re-level the ground if necessary and remove any new weeds. Applying a starter fertilizer will help your lawn establish itself and take proper root.
Grass Seed
Choose a grass seed that matches your soil, climate and situation. You can get grass seed that does better in clay, sandy or waterlogged soils. Certain types of seed work well in the shade. There are even special varieties for dog owners. Check the packaging for instructions on how to calculate how much seed you’ll require. It’s much easier to spread the seed evenly with a grass seed spreader, so you may want to consider renting one. Once the seed has been spread it should be rolled again to ensure the seed has proper contact with the dirt.
Watering
Once the seed has been set you’ll need to ensure it’s watered properly in the first two weeks to allow it to germinate properly. Left too dry, the seeds will fail to sprout. If you’re not receiving enough rainfall, make sure to lightly water every day for the first two weeks. After two weeks you can start watering every other day. After two or three weeks the seed should have begun to germinate.
Mowing
Wait until the grass is about three to four inches tall before you mow the lawn for the first time. This will typically be after about eight to ten weeks. Start with your lawn mower at its highest position and gradually lower it to the desired height as the lawn takes root.