How To Grow Grass From Seed For A New Lawn
If you have a new home, new lawn, or you’ve recently opened up cleared a new stretch of land to make room of a lawn, then you are likely contemplating sod versus planting grass seed. Many budget-conscious homeowners are attracted to grass seed for its cost-efficiency as well as the ability to know what’s really growing in your lawn.
As you can imagine there is a little science behind the process of growing grass from seed. Choices that you make early on and mistakes in the process can set you back by weeks or more. This can be a serious issue if you live in an area with a short growing season, or the local weather falls into a prolonged dry spell.
Start By Choosing Quality Grass Seed
Not all grass seed is the same. Cheap grass seeds tend to have a higher volume of accidental weed seeds or blends of cheap seed types that might not always do well for your region. If you are shopping for grass seed, try to avoid seed blends from reputable companies.
Take the time to also consider the conditions in your lawn. This includes evaluating the light exposure and shade as well as the soil type. You will find some reputable grass seed brands that sell blends designed for specific conditions. Many will also include special additives to help fertilize the grass or give it a boost when first established. A lot of grass seed blends will also include a listing of the different types of seed in the bag. This is more likely with seed blends of specific conditions.
If you look at the label you want to also look for blends that include so-called “Nurse” grass. This might be annual or perennial ryegrass, which tends to germinate quickly and grows faster than other types of grass. It essentially holds the soil together to prevent erosion while the other slower-growing grasses get established.
Even if you are intending to plant only one type of grass like Bermuda, you might want to also consider getting some annual ryegrass to mix in with it. The annual ryegrass will help the Bermuda grass to take hold, then as the name implies it dies back at the end of the year and doesn’t return. The next year your lawn will then be populated by the Bermuda grass.
Best Nurse Grass Seeds For A New Lawn
GRASS SEED PREMIUM RYE GULF ANNUAL OREGON GROWN 50 LBS
- Annual
- Rye Grass Seed
- 50 lb
- covers Up to 10,000 sq. ft.
- Hardiness Zone(s) - 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
- Annual
- Rye Grass Seed
- 50 lb
- covers Up to 10,000 sq. ft.
- Hardiness Zone(s) - 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
Annual RyeGrass Seed 5 Lbs (Tetraploid)
- Seeds are Non-GMO and hand packed by OrOlam in the United States
- Great for controlling erosion, adding organic matter, enhancing soil life, and suppressing weeds
- Scientific name: Lolium Perenne Multiflorum
- Seeds are Non-GMO and hand packed by OrOlam in the United States
- Great for controlling erosion, adding organic matter, enhancing soil life, and suppressing weeds
- Scientific name: Lolium Perenne Multiflorum
- Guaranteed To Grow-Great Yielder, Low Maintenance, Quick and Easy Color Cold Tolerance Rust Resistant
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11, OrOlam Brand packed in LOCK Zip Bag
Pennington Annual Ryegrass Retail Bag to Overseed Warm Season Grasses, 50 lb
- Pennington Annual Ryegrass Retail Bag 50lb Establishes quickly and grows temporary grass
- Used to overseed warm season grasses like Bermudagrass and Zoysia in winter months when maintaining a year round green lawn
- Pennington Annual Ryegrass Retail Bag 50lb Establishes quickly and grows temporary grass
- Used to overseed warm season grasses like Bermudagrass and Zoysia in winter months when maintaining a year round green lawn
- This product is made in United States
Best Grass Seed Blends For A New Lawn
Pennington 100526658 Smart Perrenial Rye Grass Seed, 3 LBS (Тwо Расk)
Pennington Seed Inc 100086582 Pennington Seed Pacific Northwest Mixture
Jonathan Green 10820 Fast Grow Grass Seed Mix (2 bags of 3...
- 2 Packs of 3Lbs bags
- Ideal for use in sun and shade areas
- Provides a hardy turf quickly in sun and shade
- Germinates in 14 days
- Perfect seed mixture where the fastest results are required
- 2 Packs of 3Lbs bags
- Ideal for use in sun and shade areas
- Provides a hardy turf quickly in sun and shade
- Germinates in 14 days
- Perfect seed mixture where the fastest results are required
- Fast grow grass seed mix
Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Dense Shade Mix - 7 Lb. -...
- Scotts Turf Builder Dense Shade Mix Grass Seed is designed for sun and shade and grows with as little as 3 hours of sunlight
- Grass seed with fertilizer includes shade-tolerant, self-repairing, and medium bladed texture grass varieties ideal for seeding around or under dense trees
- Scotts Turf Builder Dense Shade Mix Grass Seed is designed for sun and shade and grows with as little as 3 hours of sunlight
- Grass seed with fertilizer includes shade-tolerant, self-repairing, and medium bladed texture grass varieties ideal for seeding around or under dense trees
- Exclusive 4 in 1 WaterSmart PLUS Coating absorbs more water, feeds with essential nutrients and protects seedlings from disease
- Seeds up to to 1,750 sq. ft.
- Not available in LA
Pennington Smart Tall Fescue Grass Seed, 3 Pounds, Green
- This 3 pound bag covers 750 Square feet
- Save up to 30% more water each year versus ordinary grass seed
- Superior drought, heat, and disease resistance
- Lower growing blend requiring less mowing than common fescues
- This 3 pound bag covers 750 Square feet
- Save up to 30% more water each year versus ordinary grass seed
- Superior drought, heat, and disease resistance
- Lower growing blend requiring less mowing than common fescues
- Maintains a deep green color throughout the growing season
Preparing The Soil
Once you’ve chosen your ideal grass seed blend, the next step is to prepare the soil. It’s important to keep in mind that grass seed needs light to germinate. If it’s buried, it will rot rather than sprout. Still, you want the underlying 2 to 3 inches of soil to be loose enough to let young roots to spread easily.
Things like sticks, leaves, rocks, and fallen tree branches need to be removed from the surface of the soil. Then you can thoroughly rake it to create enough texture to hold the grass seed.
If recent weather has been overly dry you might want to lightly water the area the night before or a few hours before planting.
Planting The Seed
Even spreading is important for successful germination. Unless you are an old farm hand with the gentle touch of hand sewing organic wheat seeds, you will want to use some type of spreader. A hand spreader will do for a small area less than a quarter of an acre. If you have a larger yard up to half an acre or so, you might want to use a push broadcast or drop spreader. In the case of a yard that’s more than an acre, you might want to invest in a pull behind broadcast spreader that connects to the hitch of your riding lawnmower or lawn tractor.
The Best Hand Spreaders For Grass Seed
Scotts Wizz Hand-Held Spreader with EdgeGuard Technology - Apply Grass Seed, Fertilizer...
- Battery-powered spreader you can use year round—designed to spread grass seed, lawn fertilizer and weed control products
- Designed to cover up to 2, 500 sq. ft. using Scotts lawn care product
- 5-foot broadcast with control of EdgeGuard Technology
- Battery-powered spreader you can use year round—designed to spread grass seed, lawn fertilizer and weed control products
- Designed to cover up to 2, 500 sq. ft. using Scotts lawn care product
- 5-foot broadcast with control of EdgeGuard Technology
- Our most advanced spreader yet, powered by 4 AA batteries with 23 settings for unbeatable accuracy
- Perfect for lawn seed, fertilizer and weed control products
Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader
- Perfect handheld spreader for small yards
- Great for year-round use to weed, seed, fertilize, and apply ice melt
- Engineered for smooth, even coverage
- Adjustable arm support helps provide maximum comfort
- Holds up to 1,500 sq ft of Scotts lawn products
- Perfect handheld spreader for small yards
- Great for year-round use to weed, seed, fertilize, and apply ice melt
- Engineered for smooth, even coverage
- Adjustable arm support helps provide maximum comfort
- Holds up to 1,500 sq ft of Scotts lawn products
Scotts Easy Hand-Held Broadcast Spreader
- Great for small yards
- Rustproof
- Fully assembled
- Great for applying seed, ice melt or other granular products on small areas
- Holds up to 1,000 sq. ft of Scotts lawn products
- Great for small yards
- Rustproof
- Fully assembled
- Great for applying seed, ice melt or other granular products on small areas
- Holds up to 1,000 sq. ft of Scotts lawn products
TIPU Hand Spreader Shaker, Handheld Spreader for Seed, Fertilizer and Earth Food,...
- Efficient Use - No more over spray and wasted Grass Seed/Fertilizer/Ice Melt/De-Icer/ during any season. Effortlessly spread salt on driveways & walkways.
- Versatility- 3 Adjustable Openings for spreading any material you need. No need to charge anything or replace batteries.
- Efficient Use - No more over spray and wasted Grass Seed/Fertilizer/Ice Melt/De-Icer/ during any season. Effortlessly spread salt on driveways & walkways.
- Versatility- 3 Adjustable Openings for spreading any material you need. No need to charge anything or replace batteries.
- Easy to Use- Twist open the lid, fill the garden Spreader, screw the lid back on, and spread as Much as You Like.
- Ergonomic Handle for Comfort.-Spacious handle design provides a comfortable experience for evenly and consistently garden spread work.
- Portability-Durable and multifunctional tool. Made of sturdy plastic, Up to 80 Oz, Lifetime.
The Best Broadcast Spreaders For Grass Seed
Walk-behind broadcast and drop spreaders can also be used for more than just spreading grass seed. They can also be multi-tasked in the future for spreading fertilizer, and other lawn treatments.
Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader - Spreads Grass Seed, Fertilizer...
- Use the Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader to apply Scotts lawn care products
- Comes pre-calibrated and fully assembled with a fold-down handle for easy storage
- Scotts exclusive EdgeGuard Technology keeps lawn product off landscaping, driveways, and sidewalks
- Use the Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader to apply Scotts lawn care products
- Comes pre-calibrated and fully assembled with a fold-down handle for easy storage
- Scotts exclusive EdgeGuard Technology keeps lawn product off landscaping, driveways, and sidewalks
- Features redesigned hopper and agitator for smoother product funneling and consistent coverage
- Holds up to 5,000 sq. ft. of Scotts lawn product, including grass seed and fertilizer - ideal for treating smaller areas
Scotts Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader
- Large capacity hopper holds up to 10,000 sq. ft. of Scotts lawn product, including grass seed and fertilizer
- Heavy-duty frame for optimum stability
- 22-inch spread pattern delivers maximum coverage and accuracy
- Large capacity hopper holds up to 10,000 sq. ft. of Scotts lawn product, including grass seed and fertilizer
- Heavy-duty frame for optimum stability
- 22-inch spread pattern delivers maximum coverage and accuracy
- Fully assembled
- Ready to use and pre-calibrated
Pure Garden 50-LG1081 Lawn and Garden Spreader-66 Pound Capacity Walk Behind Rotary...
- Year-round use- Not only is this spreader great for fertilizer, compost and grass seed to prep your lawn and garden over the spring and summer, you can fill the tub with sand, Ice melt or salt in the wintertime to make your driveway or sidewalk safe.
- Year-round use- Not only is this spreader great for fertilizer, compost and grass seed to prep your lawn and garden over the spring and summer, you can fill the tub with sand, Ice melt or salt in the wintertime to make your driveway or sidewalk safe.
- EASY TO USE- This garden spreader is a breeze to use; push the lever forward to control product flow as you walk to spread seed and more. The tub is easy to clean, and the looped handle allows the spreader to be hung on a wall to free up floor space.
- Large wheels- This dispenser has two large rubber wheels that can easily handle all lawn and garden terrains and can stand up to use on gravel or asphalt driveways and concrete sidewalks.
- DURABLE- The tub is made of durable plastic to withstand being filled with up to 66 pounds of material. The metal frame is rust resistant to handle the elements, ensuring the spreader will last for many seasons.
- PRODUCT DETAILS- Materials: Plastic and Metal. Overall Height: 25. 5”. Tub Dimensions: 19. 75” L x 16. 75” W x 11. 75” H. Wheel Dimensions: 8 Inch Diameter. Capacity: 66 Pounds.
- Power Source Type: Manual
The Best Tow-Behind Spreaders
Just like walk-behind spreaders, many tow-behind spreaders can be multitasked for fertilizer and other lawn treatments. This helps add to the long-term value of the investment.
125 lb Tow Broadcast Fertilizer Spreader
- DURABLE COMPOSITE HOPPER is resistant against corrosion and harsh chemicals. It’s 125 lb capacity can cover up to 25,000 sqft of area with a single load.
- PREMIUM CAST ALUMINUM GEARS ensure your spreader will stand up to the elements for years to come.
- DURABLE COMPOSITE HOPPER is resistant against corrosion and harsh chemicals. It’s 125 lb capacity can cover up to 25,000 sqft of area with a single load.
- PREMIUM CAST ALUMINUM GEARS ensure your spreader will stand up to the elements for years to come.
- CONVIENIENT GATE LEVER allows users to quickly control the rate of spreading as well as prevent excess material from escaping when at rest.
- UNIVERSAL HITCH attaches quickly and easily to most tractors and ATVs in the market.
- INCLUDED HOPPER COVER allows for use during light rain or snow to prevent material from balling up.
Brinly BS36BH, 75 lb, Black Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader, 175 lbs
- High-capacity hopper: extra large, rust- and dent-proof poly hopper holds 175 lb and 3. 5 cu. Ft. (6, 048 cu. In. ) of seed, fertilizer, Ice melt and more to maximize the time spent spreading vs. Refilling the hopper. Ideal size for yards 1 Acre or larger
- High-capacity hopper: extra large, rust- and dent-proof poly hopper holds 175 lb and 3. 5 cu. Ft. (6, 048 cu. In. ) of seed, fertilizer, Ice melt and more to maximize the time spent spreading vs. Refilling the hopper. Ideal size for yards 1 Acre or larger
- Lasting durability: All parts that come in contact with corrosive fertilizers are designed to last: heavy polyethylene hopper with stainless Steel hardware, spinner shaft, and agitator. Glass-filled nylon gears are fully enclosed with nylon gearbox for additional protection
- Patented auto flow with spread pattern control: Brinly spreaders are designed for professional-level results. Different materials spread very differently; directional spread pattern control allows you to center and even-out the distribution pattern for a balanced application of any material. The patented auto flow technology stops material from spreading when the tractor stops - eliminating waste and burns that commonly occur with other tow-behind spreaders
- Easy calibration: calibration controls feature a locking dial for secure rate-gate settings. Brinly provides hundreds of pre-calibrated settings to help you get to work and get the job done more accurately and efficiently
- Includes hopper cover: included clear-top hopper cover with easy elastic on/off keeps moisture out and materials and Dust in - away from the driver and others
Yard Commander 200LB Tow Behind Spreader
- Rust resistant powder coat finish
- Screen and rain cover included
- Easily Operable from the drivers seat to control the flow lever
- Works with lawn/garden tractors and ATVs
- Use year-around; ideal for fertilizer, seeds ice melt and more
- Rust resistant powder coat finish
- Screen and rain cover included
- Easily Operable from the drivers seat to control the flow lever
- Works with lawn/garden tractors and ATVs
- Use year-around; ideal for fertilizer, seeds ice melt and more
Agri-Fab 45-0288 175-Pound Max Tow Behind Drop Spreader, Black
- Hopper capacity is 17-gallons (dry)/175-pounds
- 40,000-square feet coverage; roughly 1 acre
- Rustproof poly hopper increases product life
- 42-inch controlled spread width
- Premium galvanized steel agitator improves durability; pneumatic tires allow for smooth transport, 3 Year Limited Consumer Warranty
- Hopper capacity is 17-gallons (dry)/175-pounds
- 40,000-square feet coverage; roughly 1 acre
- Rustproof poly hopper increases product life
- 42-inch controlled spread width
- Premium galvanized steel agitator improves durability; pneumatic tires allow for smooth transport, 3 Year Limited Consumer Warranty
Watering Grass Seed
Effectively watering grass seed requires a little bit of art and science. Grass seed needs light to germinate, which means you can’t securely burry it in place. If you water it heavily, the grass seed could start to flow away. So, it’s best to water it lightly multiple times a day, rather than soaking it.
Even when it starts to germinate, the temptation might be to give it heavy water. If you do this too early it could still wash and seed away, breaking the germ and other components away from the tender anchor root that grass seed first puts down. Once the anchor root is broken, the rest of the seed is useless and will not produce another one.
Keep Off The Grass
Grass needs light, well-aerated soil at every stage of its lifecycle. Especially early on as new, tender roots work feverishly to anchor themselves. Giving your grass time to get established will go a long way toward preventing compaction, as the soil and grass develop into thriving healthy turf.
Along the way be sure to give your new patch of lawn frequent light watering and do your best to stay off it for. This could be as much as 8 to 10 weeks after initial seeding for the best results. Though the occasional step or a dog that gets off its leash might be tolerable after a month.
