Sowing the Seeds for a Better Lawn

If you are thinking about reseeding your lawn, there are some important things to know about choosing and purchasing grass seed. We all want healthy, beautiful lawns, and starting with the right seed can make all the difference.

Until recently, the picture above depicted what was thought to be the correct blend of grasses for the average lawn. This is actually a mix of species, which is no longer recommended. This mix of species can, and unfortunately often does, end up creating a “Patchwork” looking lawn. Many changes toward uniformity have been made based on bonafide research over the last 10-12 years. Much of the research can be reviewed by going to www.NTEP.org, where you can access the findings of the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program. If this is not practical for you to decipher, let me help.

Our goal of a good looking, uniform green setting for our homes hasn’t changed. Therefore, new formulations are recommended: primarily blending varieties and/or cultivars of a single species instead of crossing the line. This unifies the cultural needs of the grasses chosen for generally easier care.

Because all biological entities have detractors, such as diseases and insects, you should use 3-5 different named bluegrasses or turf type tall fescues, depending on where you live in the state. Blending species only, in equal parts by weight, will give protection to the overall lawn if attacked by an insect or disease that only affects one variety within the lawn composition. It is extremely hard to divide the state, but in general, if you live north of I70, you should consider a bluegrass lawn, if south, turf type tall fescue or rye grasses. There are so many variables, such as appearance desired, level of care preferred, mowing height, type of mower, etc., that you should consult your local garden center of landscape company to determine what is best for your lawn.

There are over a million seeds in a pound of bluegrass. Therefore, a seeding rate of 3-4 pounds per 1000 square feet is appropriate. There are larger, but fewer seeds in the other grasses per pound, so 7-8 pounds per 1000 square feet is recommended.

Fertilizer, such as a “starter type” normally recommended analysis (without any weed controls or insecticides) can be used. Apply it either just before or after seeding. Then, unless it is only a small area where watering can be carefully monitored, add straw, then start water. Mow as soon as the grass blades are tall enough to be cut and you will have a new lawn in short order.

Be sure to seek advice about the prevailing wisdom for lawn type in you area.