How to Plant Grass Seed

Last spring, we completely ripped up our exhisting yard and planted new grass seed.  We crossed our fingers and toes and hoped that it would grow----- and it did.  In fact, six weeks after planting the seed it looked like an entirely new lawn!  It was a lot of work, but in the end it was definitely worth it.  If your grass needs a re-fresh, or you just moved into a new home that doesn't have grass yet, now is the perfect time to take care of it!  In fact, they say planting seed in the fall is the very best time of year.  Here are 10 steps to help you plant a beautiful new lawn...

1. Kill exhisting lawn and/or weeds.  Use a broad spectrum plant killer.
2. Wait for the grass to die (this can take 2-3 weeks)
3. Prep the soil by roto tilling to remove any more exhisting weeds and debris.
4. Continue prepping the soil by making soil amendments (you can send a sample of your soil to a local co-op extension and it will tell you how much nitrogen, lime, and any other soil amendments that need to be made).
5. If you need to, add a thin layer of top soil.
6. Plant the seed with a broad cast spreader. 
7. Rake in the seeds so that they are 1/4 inch deep
8. Roll over the lawn with a rolling pin (you can rent these at the Home Depot) so that the seed has good contact with the soil.
9. Water daily for 2-3 weeks, or until the seeds germinate.
10. Don't mow grass until it's 3-4 inches long, and don't fertilize for 8 weeks.

And here is a helpful video: