Warm-season grasses will be able to survive a brutal summer and tend to do well in the southern states. Choose from varieties such as Bermuda, St. Augustine, and Kikuyu. [2] X Research source Cool-season grasses handle cold much better than warm-season grasses. They can tolerate freezing temperatures and some drought. Don’t expect them to survive the heat or go longer than 4 weeks without water. Kentucky bluegrass is a popular cool-season grass. [3] X Research source
If you’re going with sod, the time of year doesn’t matter as much, though summer may still be too hot.
You can pick up a soil test at any big box store or garden center. The test will tell you whether your soil is deficient in any specific nutrients, like nitrogen, phosphorus, or magnesium. If it is, you can use a fertilizer that has more of that nutrient to replenish it. Otherwise, choose an all-purpose 10-10-10 fertilizer for your lawn. [6] X Expert Source Matt BowmanGardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden Expert Interview. 21 April 2020. It is difficult to amend soil in an established lawn. [7] X Research source If you need to add fertilizer work it into the first 4-6 inches. [8] X Research source
Clear the area of all weeds, rocks, and roots. Using a shovel dig up any large objects in the area where you’ll be planting grass. Make sure you get rid of all weed roots. [10] X Research source You may have to use a chemical weed killer to get rid of weeds completely. If you must use chemicals, refer to the manufacturer for instructions on how much to use. Till your soil either by hand or using a rototiller depending on the size of the area. This is the perfect opportunity to mix any compost or other amendments to your soil. [11] X Research source Add gypsum to your soil to improve drainage. [12] X Research source
While leveling the area it is a good idea to apply a “grade,” or slope, away from the house foundation. Applying a grade will help you avoid any water runoff problems in the future. [14] X Research source
You may choose to cover the entire area again with an empty spreader to ensure good seed to soil contact. [16] X Research source Keep in mind that grass likes a sunny environment, so it may come in spotty in areas that get less than 6 hours of sunlight a day. [17] X Expert Source Matt BowmanGardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
This layer of mulch will help keep your seeds moist during germination. It may also protect them from birds and limit their movement in the event of heavy rain. [19] X Research source You can also spread your top-dressing by tossing it lightly over the seeded area with a shovel. Use a rake with the tines facing up to smooth down the top-dressing and ensure that the seeds are well covered and in contact with the soil.
For best results, water your seeds 2-3 times a day for about 5-10 minutes for the first 8-10 days. During this period it is critical that your seeds stay moist. Water in the morning to decrease the chances of evaporation. [21] X Research source However, avoid watering your lawn so much that it’s soggy all the time, because grass doesn’t like wet roots. [22] X Expert Source Matt BowmanGardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden Expert Interview. 21 April 2020. Don’t use a strong spray when watering a newly seeded lawn. You run the risk of drowning your seeds or washing them away. [23] X Research source When watering your lawn, be aware of any potential rainfall in your area. Take the amount of rain into consideration when watering and aim for about 1 inch (2. 5 cm) of water a week. [24] X Research source If you live in an area prone to heavy rainfall, you could lose some seed. However, the rain must be heavy enough to move the soil before it can move the seed.
Sod is typically sold on heavy wooden pallets, ranging in size from 450-700 sq. ft (42-65 sq. m). These pallets are difficult to transport, so you may wish to ask your supplier about delivery services and fees. You will probably need to pay a return deposit on your sod. You can plant sod in almost any season, but if you plan on laying sod in the summer, make sure you give it plenty of water. [27] X Research source
Keep the sod moist and cool while you work with it. Keep a spray bottle handy to keep it from drying out. [28] X Research source
Trim any excess sod off with a sharp knife and save it for odd corners. [30] X Research source Make sure the sod is smooth as you lay it. You want it flat against the soil so the roots will take. [31] X Research source
Cut off half of the second piece of sod when you lay it. In doing so, you will create staggered seams, much like brick-work. This will make the seams less noticeable and keep the edges from drying out. [33] X Research source
Pay special attention to the edges as they can dry out fast. [35] X Research source You can backfill with some top-dressing material or add topsoil along the edges of each row as you work to help retain moisture.
Water your sod until the soil beneath is soaking wet. Not only will this allow the roots to take quicker, but it will also ensure the sod is too wet to walk on. However, avoid watering your sod to the point of creating puddles. This can cause the sod to separate from the soil. Avoid heavy traffic for the first two weeks as it could disturb the sod and prevent solid roots from forming. After about two weeks, it will be safe to mow. [38] X Research source
