Saturday, August 17, 2013

5 Steps To Reseeding The Grass

By Yvonne Zimmer


Step 1 - Ready Work

Your backyard will demand to be raked extensively before any seeds are sown. This will enable to pinpoint any locations that are in certain need of reseeding, as well as remove the thatch build up and any other surface components. Use a robust broom rake for the first round, covering the complete lawn with even strokes. The ripped teeth of the broom rake will catch leaves, rocks and twigs. After using the broom rake grab a double-duty or multi-use rake to de-thatch the lawn. This elimination will make the simple and patchy spots very visible, allowing you to get the best seed coverage and penetration.

Step 2 - Acquiring the Ground Ready

Now that you can see the clean spots, the soil needs to be loosened and fertilized. Dig down 1 to 6 inches with a cultivator - the more traffic that passes through the area, the more deeply you'll need to loosen. For hefty traffic patches mix in peat moss to retain good drainage. Once the soil has been loosened it's time to add fertilizer. Use a type and amount that suits your soil conditions and the exposure of the lawn. Rake the unfastened and fertilized soil flat.

Step 3 - Time to Distribute the Seed

With a large top quality seed that is made for the situations of your lawn (for shade, sun, slopes, etc.), spread the seed by hand. Coverage should be even but light - too much seed is bad and won't generate a thicker lawn. Once the seed is distributed, softly mist the location with your hose.

Step 4 - Protective Coating

For protection and to speed up germination, spread a layer of clear polyethylene plastic sheets on top of the reseeded area. Consider down the sheets with rocks or other little, large objects around the edge. This protective layer also acts as a dampness retainer, removing the need to continuously water for those first few days.

Step 5 - Seedlings Need Water

When you see the seedlings sprouting through the soil eliminate the plastic. Otherwise, the protection will end up sweltering growth. With the sheets off, be positive to gently mist the soil two or three times per day until the seedlings reach a height of 1 inch. After that weekly watering is required until the grass is 3 inches tall.

Accomplish these five easy steps to appreciate a total, healthful lawn come springtime.




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