Care for newly seeded lawn

       January 1, 0000    1296

 

Appropriate watering, fertilizing, weed control and mowing are key to success for existing lawn or establishing a new lawn from seed. New seedlings and seeds that have not yet germinated but have taken up water are extremely susceptible to heat and drought stresses. Proper watering is the difference between a beautiful crop of grass or no new grass at all. Improper use of fertilizer can also wipe out a new crop of grass.

Proper watering

The most common mistake while new seedling is sown in the lawn is to neglect watering once the grass seed has germinated. New seedlings need stable moisture from frequent watering or rainfall. Their undeveloped root systems only goes through the soil it dries out quickly during warm weather. Continue to water frequently and deeply to keep the top few inches of soil moist. If the new seed is mulched the straw or garden fleece will help retard water loss from evaporation. If there is no rain then water new grass at least twice a week until it is a few months old.

Mowing new grass

Sharpen mower blade or buy a new one before new grass is germinating. Dull mower blades damage new tender grass blades. Mow the new grass before it gets too tall and flops over. Be sure to remove falling leaves before they smother young grass plants. It is wise to leave grass ends when mowing established lawns, collect the ends for at least the first two or three mowing of newly seeded lawns, after mulching mower. This will guarantee that the new seedlings receive maximum light for their early development.

Following up fertilizer

If it is fertilized before the fall is prepared the seedbed for sowing seed, there is no need to fertilize again until the following spring. Use a slow acting granular lawn fertilizer to provide consistent, uniform nutrition over many weeks during the growing season. If starter fertilizer is not being used during the seeding process then spread a winter formulation of slow-acting lawn fertilizer on the new turf later in the fall or a regular slow-acting fertilizer early the following spring. In the renovated lawn’s first summer a follow-up fertilizer is helpful. Spray it with a liquid lawn fertilizer for use with a tube end sprayer. Take care that the product does not include any pesticide and do not use it during a droughty period.
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