Steps for Preparing Bare Spots or Establishing New Lawns

Step 1: PREPARE THE SOIL

• Till or rake to loosen top 1" to 2" of soil.
• Rake smooth to create a flat, level planting area.
• Remove all debris to ensure proper seed to soil contact.

NOTE: When removing an existing lawn, mow the lawn as short as possible removing clippings and thatch prior to spraying with a grass and weed killer (non-selective herbicide). Be sure to follow the herbicide manufacturer's recommended application instructions and recommended waiting period between applying the herbicide and planting the seed.

Step 2: APPLY STARTER FERTILIZER

• Apply a starter fertilizer at the manufacture's recommended rate.

Step 3: PLANT THE SEED

• Apply grass seed over the area without skips or misses
• Drop, rotary or hand help spreaders may be used.
• Gently rake, working seed into soil about 1/4".

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Step 4: WATER (MOST IMPORTANT STEP)

• Water several times daily to keep soil moist.
• Do not allow the top 1/2" of soil to become dry until seedings have completely emerged and are about 1" in height.
• Once seedings reach 1" in height, reduce watering to once per day.
• After the third cutting, water 1-2 times per week, applying a total of 1" water.

ADDITIONAL PLANTING TIPS
It is a good idea to test the soil before seeding to determine pH and nutrient content. This helps ensure optimal growing conditions for the new seedings. See Soil Testing.

Steps for Overseeding or Thickening Existing Lawns

Step 1: PREPARE THE SOIL

• Mow lawn as short as possible and rake vigorously to remove debris.
• Rake smooth to create a flat, level planting area.
• Remove all debris to ensure proper seed to soil contact.

Step 2: APPLY STARTER FERTILIZER

• Apply a starter fertilizer at the manufacture's recommended rate.

Step 3: PLANT THE SEED

• Apply grass seed over the area without skips or misses
• Drop, rotary or hand help spreaders may be used.
• Gently rake, working seed into soil about 1/4".

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Step 4: WATER (MOST IMPORTANT STEP)

• Water several times daily to keep soil moist.
• Do not allow the top 1/2" of soil to become dry until seedings have completely emerged and are about 1" in height.
• Once seedings reach 1" in height, reduce watering to once per day.
• After the third cutting, water 1-2 times per week, applying a total of 1" water.

ADDITIONAL PLANTING TIPS
It is a good idea to test the soil before seeding to determine pH and nutrient content. This helps ensure optimal growing conditions for the new seedings. See Soil Testing.