Getting that Perfect Green Lawn Part 4
April 30, 2010
Starting your lawn from Seed
Before you will successfully grow a lush green lawn from seed, you must first have the soil ready for planting. No, do not just till the soil. You have to learn the makeup of your soil so you can grow grass properly. The pH level of your soil is very important. Without the proper pH levels, the grass will not grow. You can find test kits at retail stores such as Lowe’s.
Your pH level should be between 6.0 to 7.0 for best grass growing conditions. If your pH level is to low, you will need to add limestone. The rate for adding limestone is 50 pounds for every 1,000 square feet. On the other hand, if your pH level is too high, you can use powdered sulfur to lower the levels.
If you do not prepare your soil properly to ensure you have the right pH levels, you can expect a slow start and even grassless areas. This will cause you more work and of course more money. This one-step should never be skipped in you wish to have the perfect lush green lawn.
Next, till the ground to a 4 inch depth. If you believe the condition of your soil is not that great you can add topsoil or sphagnum peat to a depth of 4 to 6 inches, then till again until mixed thoroughly.
Once the soil is tilled, be sure to remove any objects such as rocks or twigs. Once you have finished this process now you may add the nutrients and lime or peat whichever you need. Now, the level the soil.
The next step is to add fertilizer. For every 1,000 square feet you should use two pounds of nitrogen. It is time to water the area. Using a gentle spray water the entire area. Wait until the soil settles.
Now it is time to plant the seed. The best way to seed is to use a mechanical spreader. This will ensure that you do not underseed or overseed. After you have spread out the grass seed, rake the area gently only to slightly cover the seeds with soil. If you are afraid birds will enjoy your grass, you can cover with straw, very lightly.
Water gently. Do not water with a huge spray or you can move the seeds. You will need to gently water but the water will be to soak deeply. A slow sprinkler can do the trick. The time for the grass to germinate can be up to three weeks. Wait until the grass is at least 2 to 2 ½ inches before mowing. Never remove more than 1.3 of the height.
If you prefer to use sod, that will be explained next week.
5 Comments to Getting that Perfect Green Lawn Part 4
Comments
Great article on lawn care. If you can’t or don’t want to test the soil yourself, some local universities can do it for you. In our area Clemson University provides a service like this. If you are using a landscaping service they generally will also do this for you.
.-= Golf Communities´s last blog ..Harbour Crest in Tennessee =-.
Nice post on green lawn…I prefer to use sod. Please inform me when you post the same on to your blog so that I can go through it and apply it accordingly.
Regards,
Preston Guyton
I have read the four parts of it and is great, thanks for the info.
Regards,
Nice post on green lawn…I prefer to use sod. Please inform me when you post the same on to your blog so that I can go through it and apply it accordingly.
Regards,
Preston Guyton
Great article on lawn care. If you can’t or don’t want to test the soil yourself, some local universities can do it for you. In our area Clemson University provides a service like this. If you are using a landscaping service they generally will also do this for you.
.-= Golf Communities´s last blog ..Harbour Crest in Tennessee =-.
Trackbacks/Pingbacks