Starting grass from seed can result in a lush green lawn within a few months. Grass seed needs a properly prepared seed bed to ensure it receives the nutrients and moisture required to grow deep, healthy roots. Investing the time to prepare the soil results in a healthier new lawn that usually takes less time and effort to maintain. You can prepare the soil and plant a lawn in spring or late summer, when temperatures are over 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remove any debris from the lawn area. Dig out rocks, clear weeds and remove branches and other plant detritus from the area before preparing the soil.
Take a soil sample to determine the soil pH or acidity and the nutrient qualities of the soil. Lawn grass grows best at a soil pH between 6.8 and 7.2. The test results will provide a guideline for amending the soil during preparation.
Break up the top 8 inches of the soil with a power tiller. Till the soil until it's loose and crumbly, but avoid overtilling that results in soil with a powder-like consistency and doesn't allow proper water penetration.
Spread a 2- to 4-inch layer of an organic amendment, such as compost or well-aged manure, over the top of the soil. In alkaline soil with a high pH, you can spread peat moss to increase acidity. The organic amendment breaks up dense clay soil and improves moisture holding capabilities in sandy soil.
Apply a starter fertilizer over the top of the organic amendment. Follow the soil test recommendations for the fertilizer type and amount or make a general application of 5 pounds of 10-20-20 fertilizer over every 500 square feet of lawn.
Till the amendments into the top 6 to 8 inches of the soil.
Rake the soil surface so it's smooth and slopes away gently from any buildings. Roll over the lawn with a water roller to firm the soil surface before seeding.
Things You Will Need
- Power tiller
- Compost, manure or peat moss
- 10-20-20 fertilizer
- Lawn roller
- Sow grass seed one week after preparing the soil. Water the soil to moisten it before seeding, then rake over the new seed lightly to cover it. Keep the soil moist at all time until the grass germinates and establishes.
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