How To Plant Grass Seed

Start with good seed. Check out brands that the National Turf Evaluation Program has tested by logging onto ntep.org.

Plant at the right time, which is autumn for most areas, but spring for some. Check with your local garden center for more specific guidelines.

Prepare the soil by tilling it with a spade or garden hoe until the dirt clumps are no bigger than a golf ball. Consider a power garden tiller if you have a lot of land. Remove debris like twigs and rocks. Level out areas where excess water could collect. Then, spread some starter fertilizer.

Depending on the type of grass you’re planting, sprinkle six to 20 seeds per square inch, by hand or with a lawn spreader. For large areas, use a mechanical seeder.

Lightly rake over the seeds and fertilizer so they get covered with about one-eighth of an inch of soil.

To press the seeds into the dirt, go over the soil with an empty lawn roller (don’t fill with water or sand). You can rent one at many hardware stores.

For the next four weeks, water your lawn for 10 minutes two or three times a day.