How do I plant grass seed?

To plant grass seed, you should first consider the following factors: the time of year and the type of grass seed you have.

Keep in mind that the ideal seasons to plant cool-season grass seed are fall and spring (mid-August to early October for fall; mid-March to mid-May for spring). Do not plant grass seed in the winter or summer, as winter is a period for dormancy for lawns, and high temperatures in the summer make these seasons difficult to successfully plant grass seed. 

Once you’ve established these key factors, follow these steps to seed a new lawn: 

1. Prepare and Amend the Soil

The key to a healthy lawn is healthy soil! Use a soil testing kit to ensure your soil has a neutral pH (between 6.2 and 7). Check to see if your soil has any debris or rocks and remove them promptly. If needed, add additional topsoil to make sure the ground is in one even layer. Next, rake your soil with a metal rake or garden weasel to break up the soil and create grooves for seed-to-soil contact. Once you’ve ensured your soil is at a healthy pH, is free of any debris, and is thoroughly raked you can begin the process of planting your grass seed! 

2. Plant Grass Seed

Check your seed bag for spreader settings or visit our spreader settings page before loading up your spreader with seed. Apply seed around the perimeter of your lawn first, then apply half of your seed in a north/south direction and the other half in an east/west direction. 

3. Fertilize

Feed your new seedlings by applying a new seeding fertilizer at the same time you’re planting your grass seed. This will give your new seeds a great boost of vital nutrients to aid in their germination process. 

4. Water Consistently

Establish a consistent watering schedule to keep your seeds moist. New seedlings need to be kept moist to ensure they germinate properly. Water the seedbed twice a day for approximately 10 minutes at a time. Once your grass has germinated and reached a height of at least three inches, reduce watering to two to three times per week.

5. Maintain The Lawn

The most important step in planting grass seed is maintenance! Keep a regular watering and mowing schedule, maintain healthy soil, and keep an eye out for any changes or common lawn issues. 

For more detailed instructions for planting grass seed, check out our Seeding Guide!