Take Care of Your Soil Now to Prep for Fall Overseeding
The best time to overseed is almost here. If you’re planning on overseeding this fall, now is the time to think about your soil. By understanding how to properly prepare your soil, you can have a lawn that will be the envy of the neighborhood.
Healthy soil supports strong root development, improves water retention, and allows nutrients to be absorbed efficiently. Soil is also alive with microorganisms that break down organic matter and make nutrients available to your grass.
Loosen and Improve the Soil
Grass seed germinates best in loose, well-aerated soil. To find out if you have compacted soil, start with the screwdriver test.
- Push a screwdriver into the soil in your lawn
- If you are unable to push the screwdriver up to six inches deep into the soil without difficulty, your soil is compacted
If your soil is compacted, you can start the process by removing debris and dead grass, then breaking up the compacted area/s. Applying a soil amendment, such as Love Your Soil, will help loosen your soil and improve its structure.
Testing and Adjusting Soil pH
Testing your soil pH is an important step in the process. Maintaining proper pH ensures your soil ecosystem stays active and productive, as well as allowing your lawn to absorb essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The ideal pH range for most lawns is between 6.2 and 7.0. Using the Pro pH & Moisture Soil Tester is a great way to determine what your soil pH level is. Once you have measured the levels, Mag-I-Cal Plus for Lawns in Acidic & Hard Soil, Mag-I-Cal Plus for Lawns in Alkaline & Hard Soil, and Mag-I-Cal Plus are all great products that can help balance and/or correct your soil’s pH.
Overseeding
Once your soil is loose and your pH is balanced, you can get ready to overseed. One of the main benefits to overseeding is that it can give your thinning lawn new life by thickening those areas with the new grass seed. For cool-season grass, the best time to overseed is in the fall due to the combination of cooler air and warm soil temperatures. If you need help with overseeding, we have you covered. Here is a complete guide to overseeding your lawn.
A great lawn starts with healthy soil and the right preparation. Improving the soil structure, balancing pH levels, and choosing the right grass seed, you can create the lawn of your dreams.
