1. Seed to Soil Contact
 Mow the
lawn as short as possible to the point of scalping.
Deep
Core Aeration so that you achieve 15 to 20 holes per square foot.
Broadcast
and/or slit seed mixture in two different directions
Apply
Starter Fertilizer
Roll
the area to increase seed to soil contact.
2. Soil Moisture
First
watering should be a deep watering to the point that water puddles.
This will help saturate the soil profile that can act as reserves
later in the establishment. Caution must be given to avoid water
runoff.
Each
watering after the first should be light and frequent, never allowing
the surface to completely dry out. The seed is most vulnerable
when the new seedling is first coming out of the ground.
Normally
after the first mowing or 4 to 6 weeks the waterings can be reduce
to once per week.
3. Soil Temperature
Planting Windows
The ideal seeding windows is considered to be August 15 to September
15... depending on your exact location. Dormant means the seed
will lay dormant in the soil until the soil temperature reaches
about 50 degree Fahrenheit.
Dormant seeding is an excellent way to overseed lawns since
erosion will normally not be a problem. Dormant seedings work
especially well for shaded areas. The new seedings will have a
chance to get started before the trees are putting on new leaves.
Remember This!
In the spring, look at the soil: When you can prepare the soil,
seed it, the earlier the better. You can not seed too early! The
seed will lay dormant in the soil and will be ready for germination
when soil temperatures reaches the ideal temperature. The later
in the spring your wait; the more annual weed competition you
will have.
In the fall, look at the calendar: You may be able to prepare
the soil, and the seed may even germinate, but there is a chance
it may not survive the winter. Start your seeding projects early
fall, don’t be afraid August 1 or even sooner. Late seedings may
work, but be prepare to overseed or reseed in the spring.
4. Soil Nutrients
It is
important to be aggressive with fertilization during establishment
or sometimes called grow-in. Ideally you have a soil test completed
to use for guidance.
During
grow-in apply 1 pound nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per month
for the first three months.
After
grow-in; fertilization will be required for optimal performance
but moderation after establishment will be the key.
Mow new
turf when needed. As always, never remove more than 1/3 of the
leaf per mowing.
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