Soil Preparation for Lawns
Planting high-quality grass seed is only one step in growing lush, beautiful lawns. Before putting down the seed, soil preparation is equally important. The experts at Jonathan Green can help you grow a strong, healthy, dark- green lawn.
Since 1881, the Jonathan Green name has represented genetically superior grass seed, innovation, determination, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. Now, six generations later, we remain committed to producing superior lawn and garden products.
Jonathan Green is a leading supplier of top-quality cool season grass seed, soil enhancers, fertilizer, and organic lawn and garden products to sod growers, consumers, and independent retailers, including garden centers and hardware stores, across the United States. Our genetically superior grass seed and soil food products will transform your lawn and help it to thrive.
Get Ready to Plant Your New Lawn
Prepare the area. Remove all dead grass, weeds, and debris (sticks, stones, etc.) from the area. Level any areas where excess water may collect.
Test the soil pH. Use our Soil pH Test Kit for Lawns to determine the pH of your soil in minutes and ensure that it measures between 6.2 and 7.0. If not, use Jonathan Green Mag-I-Cal® Plus to rapidly balance the pH and help the lawn grow greener and healthier. It’s available for both acidic and alkaline soils. Apply MAG-I-CAL® Plus when seeding, and adjust the application rate as the pH of the soil improves.
Loosen the soil. Loosen the top half-inch of soil. Mag-I-Cal® Plus will help you accomplish this. If the soil is very compacted, however, choose Jonathan Green Love Your Soil® to loosen and aerate it, feed the soil microbes, make the soil more alive and porous, and enhance root and root mass development. Love Your Soil® can be applied on the same day as the grass seed.
Plant the seed. Apply your preferred Black Beauty® grass seed mixture with a Jonathan Green Deluxe Broadcast Spreader. Distribute the seed as evenly as possible, and lightly rake to incorporate it in the top ¼ inch of soil. Seed-to-soil contact is the key to achieving maximum germination.
Fertilize. Fertilize before seeding with Jonathan Green Veri-Green Starter Fertilizer for Seeding & Sodding. This high phosphorus formula will help build a vigorous root system and get new grass off to a fast start, resulting in a thicker, greener lawn. Do not use crabgrass or weed killers before or after planting grass seed.
Water. Keep the seedbed moist for several weeks while the grass seed germinates and the new turfgrass gets established. Plan to water daily and possibly twice daily if it’s really hot and the water evaporates quickly, until new grass is two inches high.
Mentioned Products
To learn more about soil preparation and growing a lawn that’s the envy of your neighborhood, visit Jonathan Green. Our lawn products are sold online and in independent hardware stores and garden centers. Buy from these knowledgeable lawn retailers who can help you achieve great results with your lawn.