Can I just throw grass seed down on existing lawn?

Overseeding can help you get back to the thick, lush, green lawn you've always wanted. By spreading grass seed over your existing lawn, you can thicken up the thin areas, and your lawn will start to look terrific again. (This is different from reseeding, which is when you start over and plant a completely new lawn.)

Will grass seed work if I just throw it down?

The short answer – is yes. Grass seed can grow if you just throw it on the ground, but the success of the germination will be much different compared to when you do the right preparation and sowing technique.

Can you just throw grass seed on top of grass?

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.

How do you seed a lawn that already has grass?

Broadcast the seed of your choice. This can be done by hand or with a spreader onto the prepared areas of your lawn. Check the directions on the grass seed packaging to ensure you use the correct spreader setting for the grass seed type. Gently rake the newly sown grass seeds into the prepared soil with a leaf rake.

Do I need to remove old grass before seeding?

Allowing the dead grass to build up also weakens the grass around it and will cause even more of it to die. So removing it is important. Especially if you are planting grass and have more than a half inch of dead grass anywhere in your lawn it needs to be removed before the new seed is planted.

Planting Grass Seed- Over Existing Grass or New Lawn

Can you replace old grass with overseeding?

It's an easy way to fill in bare spots, improve the density of turf, establish improved grass varieties and enhance your lawn's color. If a lawn looks old, or just “worn out,” if it needs growing amounts of water and fertilizer to thrive, or is disease or insect prone, it's a perfect candidate for overseeding.

How long does it take for grass to grow after putting seeds down?

Grass seed germinates at different rates, depending on various factors such as the grass species, weather, time of year and soil moisture. Typically, germination takes between five and 10 days. Once germinated, the grass will continue to grow at a rate of about 2/3cm per week.

How do I reseed a bare spot in my lawn?

Rake the area well, picking up any leaves and debris in the turf. Cast the seeds over the turf, and then spread about a half an inch of compost or topsoil on the lawn. To get good seed-to-soil contact, gently rake the seeds and soil into the grass. Water the seeds in the early morning and evening until they germinate.

Will grass seed grow without topsoil?

It's not necessary to buy new topsoil or any special form of soil to cover your newly planted grass seed. If you spend time to prepare the soil you have, your new grass seeds will sprout.

What happens if you put too much grass seed down?

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.

Will seeds grow if you just throw them on the ground?

Let us start with the simple question, will the seed grow if it is just thrown on the ground? The simple answer is, yes. Beyond just throwing the seed out into the lawn and not performing any grass maintenance there is a whole world of lawn care. While the seed is one of the most resilient out there.

What happens if you put grass seed down and don't water?

All seeds require moisture and a certain temperature range before they begin to germinate. Once the germination process has begun, if conditions change, the seed or new sprout is vulnerable and can die. If the seed or sprout dries out — it dies.

What month should I put grass seed down?

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 is the optimal time.

Can I put grass seed on top of dirt?

Grass seed is best planted at a depth of about ⅛ inch to ¼ inch below the surface. Dispersing the seeds with a spreader or by hand allows the seeds to make contact with the soil, but always make sure that the lawn has been treated and aerated before seeds are placed on the lawn.

Does 1 grass seed equal one blade of grass?

Did you know that every blade of grass was once a tiny grass seed? Although you can plant plugs or lay sod, seeding is a convenient and inexpensive way to get your lawn to take root. Grass seeds come in many different varieties, but all types of grass follow the same basic growth and harvesting process.

Does putting grass clippings on bare spots help grass grow?

Simply put, grass clippings are good for lawns because they turn into natural fertilizer. Clippings contain the same things as the rest of your grass – including water and the nutrients (especially nitrogen) that your lawn needs to stay healthy.

Will grass fill in bare spots naturally?

Some grass grows laterally and will naturally fill in bare spots on the lawn. These are either Rhizome grasses or Stolon grasses. Rhizome grasses grow with spreading root systems underneath the soil. These grass types tend to grow aggressively and might even be considered invasive species.

Do you need to cover grass seed?

After you finish laying down the grass seed and lawn food, cover both with a thin layer of soil to help keep the grass seed from drying out and washing away.

What is the best grass seed to fill in bare spots?

If you're looking to fill bare spots and thin areas of your lawn, Pennington Bare Spot Repair is your answer. This grass seed mix establishes quickly and is guaranteed to make your lawn whole again. Plant this grass seed mix in the early spring or early fall and see results within 5 to 14 days.

How do I start a new lawn from an old lawn?

How often should I water new grass seed?

New grass should be watered twice a day (or more under dryer conditions) to keep the top two inches of soil moist at all times. Water daily until all of the grass seeds have germinated, then it will be ready to begin a regular watering schedule.

Is October too late to plant grass seed?

When it's October, people often wonder if it is too late to plant new seed. The good news is if you hurry, seed can still be planted in October with the hope that it will survive the upcoming winter. Although September is the best time, often we can still plant grass seed up to October 15 with good results.

Should you fertilize or seed first?

Do I apply the fertilizer before seeding or after? Apply the fertilizer before seeding. When is the best time to plant a new lawn? Spring and fall are the best times to plant a new lawn.

How do you plant grass seed on hard dirt?

Does morning dew help grass seed?

Moisture from morning dew keeps the seed bed moist and the less intense sun rays slow the rate of evaporation. The soil temperatures are still warm and the cool rains make it the perfect time to create that beautiful lawn that your neighbors will envy as they look over your fence.