Should You Rake in Grass Seed?
Whether or not you should rake in grass seed depends on whether you are seeding a new lawn or overseeding an existing lawn. In most cases, if you are simply adding seed to a thinning lawn it is not necessary to rake in the grass seed. If you are seeding a new lawn or there are bare spots, then you will need to rake in the seeds.
Why is Raking Necessary?
Raking is necessary because the seeds need to come in contact with the soil to germinate properly. Grass seed is typically spread on the lawn using a Jonathan Green Deluxe Broadcast Spreader and this does not ensure good contact between seed and soil.
Very little soil is actually needed to cover the seeds, typically about a quarter of an inch, so simple raking will do the trick. If you are seeding an existing lawn that is thinning, raking is not necessary because the seeds will move between the blades of grass. Additionally, the rake will be ineffective at mixing the seeds into the soil as it will rake through the grass.
If the seeds are not properly protected by existing grass or a thin layer of topsoil, then it becomes susceptible to erosion. You will still see some seeds poking out after raking but you will not see the seeds erode from the soil after watering. This is important because a newly seeded lawn will need to be watered at least every other day. Water deeply, at least 30 minutes in each area, to supply at least a half inch of water one inch down into the soil.
Black Beauty Grass Seed
Reseeding a new lawn or overseeding an existing lawn should be done with high quality grass seed. Ideally a grass seed should consist of several varietals, be drought, disease and insect resistant, and establish deep roots. Finding all these qualities in a grass seed is difficult but Jonathan Green Black Beauty® Original Grass Seed does it all. For over 100 years Jonathan Green has been a leader in grass seeds and lawn care products.
Black Beauty grass seed is specially formulated to have a waxy coating on the blades, similar to that of an apple. This coating makes the blades hold in moisture and makes the grass resistant to drought. The coating also protects the grass from diseases. Black Beauty grass seed is also endophytic which makes it naturally resistant to insects. With roots that grow up to four feet deep and blades of grass that are a gorgeous deep green, the best choice for any lawn is Black Beauty grass seed.
When to Seed
When to seed your lawn depends on the type of seed being used. Cool season grasses, like Black Beauty grass seed, should be planted in March through mid-June or from August to October. Planting outside of these times risks poor germination of the seeds or new seedlings falling victim to frost.
Preparing the Soil
Before you lay any seed down, the soil must be at the right pH and it must be aerated and loosened to allow for proper root growth. Jonathan Green has two great products that can help get your soil ready for new grass seed. Mag-I-Cal® for Lawns in Acidic Soil is specially formulated to quickly get your grass to the ideal pH range of between 6.2 and 7. Love Your Soil® is designed to loosen the soil and activate microbes to allow easier nutrient absorption by roots. Both of these products can be applied right before laying down new seed.
Mentioned Products
For more tips on raking in your grass seed, visit Jonathan Green online or stop by a local retailer to discuss your project.