How to Seed a Lawn

By: Joseph Truini, This Old House magazine

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

1. SOIL TEST KIT
to test the pH level of the soil. Do-it-yourself soil kits are sold at garden shops and hardware stores for less than $15, or for about $10 more you can contact your local extension service for a mail-in kit that takes about two weeks for results.

2. SAND
to mix with existing soil; about 3 cubic yards covers 1,000 square feet

3. COMPOST
to condition soil before seeding; you’ll need 3 cubic yards per 1,000 square feet

4. PULVERIZED LIME, peat moss, or sulfur
to correct the pH of soil; you’ll need lime if your soil is acidic, peat moss if it’s slightly alkaline, and sulfur if it’s very alkaline.

5. STARTER FERTILIZER
use a 12-25-12 mix; the numbers refer to the ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus to potassium. You’ll need about 5 pounds per 1,000 square feet.

6. GRASS SEED
about 4 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet

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Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Pointed shovel,
  to remove rocks and to disperse sand and compost
- Rotary tiller,
  rents for $50 to $75 per day
- Wheelbarrow
- Walk-behind broadcast spreader,
  for applying lime and fertilizer; rents for $10 to $20 a day
- Metal garden rake
- Handheld seeder/spreader,
  for dispersing grass seed
- Plastic leaf rake,
  for working grass seed into the soil
- Oscillating sprinkler
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Photo: Webb Chappell

Introduction
Overview
Steps:
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8. Water regularly

Immediately after sowing the seeds, lightly water the area with a fan-or oscillating-type sprinkler. Set up one or more sprinklers, or move the sprinkler to ensure that the entire area gets dampened.

For the first 8 to 10 days, water two or three times daily, but only for 5 to 10 minutes. Avoid overwatering, which may wash away the seeds. Once the grass sprouts, water once a day for 15 to 30 minutes. It's typically best to water in the morning, when there's less evaporation. Avoid watering in the evening; it can lead to fungal diseases.

Tip: If you're having an automatic sprinkler system installed, be sure it's equipped with a rain sensor that prevents it from operating during rainstorms.