Frequently asked questions about grass seeds and seeds - GreenView (2024)

FAQs

What are some questions about grass? ›

All grasses produce seeds that are monocotyledonous, which means that each seed produces only one leaf sprout. Additionally, most grasses are herbaceous, so they don't produce woody stems, and they die back to the ground at the end of the growing season. Grasses are invaluable assets to our planet and its inhabitants.

Quality grass seed labels include guidance on optimal seeding rates to maximize your results. Don't overdo or cut corners. Too much grass seed causes undue competition for resources such as light, water and nutrients, and grass seedlings struggle as a result. Too little seed leaves lawns thin or bare.

With new grass seed, the aim is to keep the soil moist. Waterlogged soil will suffocate the new seeds. It is best to water the grass seedlings 2 to 3 times a day for about 5 to 10 minutes each time. This way you replace any water that has evaporated without oversaturation.

Based on the soil test results, you'll get recommendations for how to amend the soil as needed. Growing grass is as easy as sprinkling the seeds. Use a broadcast spreader to lay the grass seed, this is especially important for uniform applications in larger areas. For small areas, you can use a hand spreader.

To ensure that your grass seed stays fresh and viable for the longest possible time, proper storage is key. The ideal conditions for grass seed storage include a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Grass seeds stored properly can last between 2 to 5 years.

The best month to put grass seed down depends on the type of grass you have and where you live. The best time to plant grass seed for cool-season grasses is in early fall or around September. For warm-season grasses, late spring or early summer (May to June) is the optimal time.

Overseeding is spreading grass seed over an existing lawn. Done right, it's a straightforward process that gets results. As grasses mature, thinning is normal—especially if you enjoy your lawn and use it often. Overseeding keeps your lawn competitive and steeped in youth and vigor, without starting over from scratch.

Whether you're repairing bare spots, overseeding an existing lawn or starting from scratch, you can generally expect grass seedlings to emerge within seven to 21 days when grown under proper conditions. It may take another three to four weeks of growth before grass is long enough to mow.

Are used coffee grounds good for grass? ›

Coffee grounds can also contribute to better aeration and drainage, which leads to a healthier lawn, but unfortunately the caffeine is just too damaging. However, you can still keep your coffee waste out of the bin by adding it to your compost, where it can indirectly benefit the health of your soil.

The ideal method is to use topsoil, mulch, or compost to keep grass seeds covered. These materials can be bought at your local garden center, or you could make them yourself using food scraps.

Don't cover the ground entirely with seed. You want to see some bare ground between the seeds in order to give the seedlings enough nutrients. Avoid planting grass seed too soon after applying weed prevention and control products. Don't water excessively.

The best time to seed creeping bentgrass is when the temperature is 55 degrees Fahrenheit, which is usually in the spring. Spread seeds on a layer of sand to help it take root. Keep the seeds moist until they germinate. It takes about 7 to 15 days for seeds to germinate, depending on soil temperature.

Remove the seed bag from the water and allow the excess water to drain. You can hold it until it's only dripping a little or simply place the wet bag of seeds on the ground, concrete, or lawn. Allow the bag to drain as much as possible. You're not trying to “dry” the seeds, just drain the excess water.

Use a "mist – lightly water – deeply water" process like this: After seeding and fertilizing, you'll want to keep the top inch of soil moist until the seeds start to germinate (aka sprout). This means misting the area once a day, maybe twice if it's unusually hot out there—but don't let the area get soggy.

Hand Watering/Hose and Sprinkler System: 15-20 minutes per zone.