When should I seed a new lawn, or do repair work?
When should I seed a new lawn, or do repair work? The best time to seed a new lawn is in the spring or early fall. Whether you are starting a new lawn or doing patch and repair work, the same rules apply.
Prepare the Soil
Rake or till to loosen the soil surface. Fill in any holes with fresh top soil. For the grass seed to germinate and survive there must be good seed to soil contact.
Spread the Seed
A drop or broadcast spreader is the best tool for even seed distribution. Hand spreading is possible if done carefully and the area is small.
- To get uniform coverage, divide the seed mixture in half.
- Spread half the seed in one direction and the other half at right angles to the first.
- Lightly rake the soil to cover the seed no greater than ¼ inch. Seed will not germinate if covered too deeply.
Starter Fertilizer*
A starter fertilizer application should be applied at the time of seeding. The starter fertilizer should be formulated with a high phosphoruscontent to promote strong root development.