Seeding a Lawn from Scratch

Having a beautiful, healthy lawn can add so much to your home’s curb appeal and create a wonderful space to relax and enjoy the outdoors. But what if you don’t have existing grass, your current lawn is beyond repair or you want to expand your existing lawn? How about starting a new lawn on your own! Seeding a lawn from scratch is a great option to create a lush, green new lawn you’ll love.

Benefits of Seeding from Scratch

There are many benefits to seed a lawn from scratch, as opposed to laying sod. Here are a few of the key advantages:

• Cost-effective: Seeding a lawn is generally much cheaper than sodding. Seeds are less expensive than pre-grown sod, and you won’t have to pay for the labour costs of laying sod.
• Variety of choices: When you seed your own lawn, you have a much wider variety of grass seed mixes to choose from. You can select seeds that are specifically suited to your climate, soil conditions, and desired lawn use.
• More customization: Seeding allows you to customize the size and shape of your lawn exactly to your liking.

Choosing the Right Grass Seed

The first step to starting a new lawn from seed is to choose the best grass seed. There are many different types of grass seeds available, so it’s important to select a mix that will thrive in your climate and growing conditions. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing to plant grass seeds:

• Climate: Cool season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass are best for climates with cool winters and warm summers. Warm season grasses such as Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass grass seed are better suited for hot, humid climates.
• Sunlight: Some grass types prefer full sun, while others can tolerate some shade. Consider the amount of sunlight your lawn will receive when choosing a seed mix.
• Traffic: If your lawn will see a lot of foot traffic, you’ll need to choose a grass seed mix that is tolerant of wear and tear.

Types of Grass Seed

Cool Season Grasses

• Kentucky Bluegrass: Renowned for its lush, green appearance, bluegrass is a popular choice for many homeowners. It thrives in cooler climates and offers excellent shade tolerance. However, this grass seed requires consistent care and can be susceptible to diseases.
• Tall Fescue: Known for its durability and drought tolerance, tall fescue grass seed is a low-maintenance option. It excels in various soil conditions and can withstand heavy foot traffic. While not as visually appealing as bluegrass, it offers a reliable and resilient lawn.
• Perennial Ryegrass: This fast-germinating grass seed is often used for overseeding or temporary lawns. It provides excellent erosion control and recovers quickly from wear and tear. However, it has a shorter lifespan compared to other cool-season grasses.
• Fine Fescue: Ideal for shady areas, fine fescue is a low-growing grass that creates a dense, carpet-like appearance. Fine Fescue grass seed is well-suited for low-maintenance lawns but may struggle in hot, dry climates.

Warm Season Grasses

• Bermuda Grass: Highly adaptable and drought-tolerant, Bermuda grass is a popular warm season grass seed for southern regions. It forms a thick, sod-like lawn and is well-suited for high-traffic areas. However, it can be invasive and may require regular mowing.
• Zoysia Grass: Known for its slow growth and dense texture, Zoysia grass is a durable option that requires minimal maintenance. It’s resistant to pests and diseases but can be slow to establish.
• St. Augustine Grass: This grass offers a lush, green appearance and is well-suited for coastal regions. It tolerates shade but requires consistent fertilization and watering.

When choosing grass seed for your new lawn, consider your climate, soil type, sunlight exposure, and desired lawn use. Consulting with a local lawn seed care expert can also provide valuable guidance.

Preparing the Soil

Once you’ve chosen your grass seed, it’s time to prepare the soil. Here are the steps involved:

• Test your soil pH: The ideal soil pH for most lawns is between 6.0 and 7.0. You can purchase a soil test kit at your local garden centre. If your soil pH is too high or too low, you will need to add amendments to adjust it to make sure its not overly acidic.
• Remove weeds: Existing weeds, old grass plants and dead grass will compete with your new grass seedlings for water and nutrients. It’s important to remove any weeds, dead grass, old grass plants and weed seeds from the area before seeding. You can do this by hand-pulling the unwanted weeds and plants, or by using a herbicide.
• Loosen the soil: Check to make sure you’re not dealing with compacted soil. The soil should be loose to a depth of at least 6 inches to allow for good root development. You can loosen the soil with a rototiller or garden fork.
• Level the soil: Once the soil is loosened, you will need to level it out for even coverage. This will help to ensure that your grass seeds germinate properly and evenly.

Seeding the Lawn

Once the soil quality is checked, it’s time to actually plant grass seed. But how much grass seed should you buy, and when should you actually plant grass seed? Most grass seed packaging will specify the maximum square feet one bag of grass seed will cover, and the optimal season to plant grass seed. Depending on the type of grass seed, you should see grass seedlings in about one to three weeks. Here are the steps involved:

1. Spread the seed: There are a number of different ways to spread new grass seed. You can use a broadcast spreader, a hand spreader, or simply spread the seed by hand. Be sure to spread the seed evenly over the entire lawn area.
2. Cover the seed: Once the seed is spread, you will need to cover the seeded area with a thin layer of loose soil. This thin layer of loose soil will help to keep the seed moist and protect it from the elements. You can rake the soil lightly to cover the seed.
3. Water the seed: Watering is the most crucial part of starting a new lawn. To keep the soil moist, be sure to water regularly, especially during dry periods.

Caring for Your  New Lawn

It will take some time for your new lawn to germinate and establish itself. Here are some tips for caring for your new lawn:

• Keep the soil moist: Water your lawn regularly, especially during the first few weeks after seeding. The soil should be moist to the touch, but not soggy.
• Mowing Height (Mow carefully!): Once your grass reaches a height of 3 inches, you can begin to mow it. Make sure to adjust your mower to a high setting for mowing height, especially when caring for new grass to prevent scalping.
• Fertilize: You can fertilize your new lawn once it has been established for a few months. Add a layer of granular or liquid starter fertilizer to jumpstart seed growth. Be sure to use a starter fertilizer that is low in nitrogen.

Seeding from scratch can be a rewarding experience, resulting in a lush, green space you’ll love. With careful planning and proper care, you can achieve a beautiful lawn that will enhance your property’s curb appeal and provide a welcoming outdoor space for you and your family to enjoy. Remember, patience is key with new grass. It takes time for a new lawn to establish itself, but with consistent care, you’ll be enjoying your hard work in no time. New grass, new lawn!

Have a question about best practices when it comes to growing your lawn from grass seed? Or unsure which grass seed is best suited for your needs? Contact us today – Green Green Grass is here to help! New lawn’s are our specialty!

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