Back to Info Sheets	Starting a Lawn with Seed.   Preparation        The soil bed should be graded so that it slopes away from all sides of the house. In wet areas, it may be necessary to establish subsurface drainage using either tile or rock drains. Topsoil       Use a minimum of 4 inches of screened loam and spread evenly over the graded subsoil. Organic matter in the form of shredded peat may be rototilled into the topsoil to improve soil fertility and texture. Level the soil evenly by raking. Fertilizer and Limestone        Soils vary in nutrient quantity. A soil test is recommended to determine fertilizer and limestone requirements. A general recommendation for limestone is application prior to seeding at the rate of 10 lbs./100 ft2 (50 kg/100 m2). Then apply fertilizer 6-12-12 at a rate of 3 lbs./100 ft2 (15 kg/100 m2). Apply these nutrients evenly using a drop-type spreader and incorporate them into the soil by rototilling or raking. Level the soil prior to seeding and maintain your grade. Seeding        The best times to seed are spring or late summer, since adequate rainfall is usually available at these times. The seed mixture should contain 40-50% Kentucky bluegrass, 40% creeping red fescue, and 10-20% annual ryegrass. The ryegrass germinates quickly and helps in establishment of the other two grasses. Shady areas should contain a higher percentage of creeping red fescue and less bluegrass. Grass will not grow in heavily shaded areas. If seeding with an accurate spreader, the recommended rate is 2.5 kg./100 m2 (5 lbs./1,000 ft2). To ensure uniform distribution, deliver one-half of the total rate in one pass, then the remainder in a pass made at right angles to the first. Lightly rake seed in, and firm soil around the seed by rolling. Follow-Up        After the grass emerges and has grown 8-10 cm, regular mowing should be started. Keep the grass at a height of 4-5 cm (2-3 inches). Close mowing will weaken and damage the lawn.  Don't mow your lawn in the same direction every time you mow. Less frequent, deep watering is far better than frequent, light watering once the grass is established. Some topsoils contain a number of weed seeds, and if this becomes a problem before the grass becomes well established, a lawn herbicide may be used to kill emerged weeds before they become too invasive.
© Murray's Garden and Horticultural Services Last updated: Sept 23, 2002