Now is the time for fall seeding!

Tuesday, September 1st, 2009

Fall seeding is a great way to repair damaged areas in your lawn created throughout the summer, or start and establish a new lawn. It is a fact that fall is a better time for germination and lawn development due to better weather conditions. Not only is the air temperature cooler in the fall, but the soil temperature is actually warmer than it is in the spring. This allows the grass seed to develop into a mature plant much faster.

Once you’ve decided to go through with a fall seeding, there are a few things you should know. It is important to know the climate you are in. In our area, South Shore/Boston, there is a window of opportunity that encourages the seeds peak performance running from the beginning of September to the 2nd week in October (easiest way to remember, do not seed after Columbus Day). Within this window we can break the process down into 7 easy steps:

1. Test the pH of your soil – Before you begin, it is always a good idea to test your soil pH to make sure it is between 6.0 and 7.5. If your soil reads below 6.0 you will need to add lime to make it more alkaline, and if it reads above 7.5 you can add Espoma® Organic Soil Acidifyer to make it more acidic.
2. Remove any large rocks and roots – This includes any that may be protruding or are just beneath the surface of your soil.
3. Top-dress your soil with compost – Come in and ask us about our AllGrow Compost. For best results the compost should be tilled into the existing soil.
4. Amend the soil – This is the stage where you would add any lime (if needed), peat moss, and starter fertilizer (do not try to spread by hand or mix together in spreader since different rates are needed for each). We recommend using Jonathan Green New Seeding Lawn Fertilizer or Jonathan Green Winter Survival. If you’d like to go organic, we also sell Jonathan Green Organic Lawn Fertilizer! Once you’ve spread your soil amendments with a spreader, use a steal rake to rake them into the top inch of soil.
5. Spread the grass seed – It is important to set your spreader to the correct opening and to spread the seed as evenly as possible. As far as type and amount of seed, we carry an extensive line of Jonathan Green Grass Seed Mixtures that come in many different size bags. Be sure to consult with one of our knowledgeable staff members about which seed is best for your lawn prior to purchasing your seed.
6. Rake in the grass seed – Using a plastic leaf rake, flip it upside down and make short light strokes to make sure that the seed gets turned in slightly but is not redistributed over the soil.
7. Make sure your seed gets watered – This is by far one of the most important factors in the germination of grass seed. Water the entire newly seeded area evenly with a sprinkler once you are done seeding. For the first 10-14 days after, it is best to water two to three times daily for five to ten minutes each time. This ensures that the seed stays moist but is not drenched or washed out.

For seeding over existing lawns, you can follow the same basic steps except where it involves tilling or turning your soil. In its place, it is a good idea to thatch and/or aerate your lawn first before spreading amendments and seed. Following these steps ensures your lawn has the best chances possible to look its best. And of course, if there are any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask us by posting a response, calling our store (617)698-2005, or stopping by!

-By John Prettyman Thayer Nursery

Tags: fall seeding, grass seed, overseeding a lawn, seeding a lawn
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