THE LAWN SEED IS PLANTED, NOW WHAT DO I DO?
WATERING – A newly seeded lawn must be kept moist at all times. The seeds germinate from 10 to 45 days. It is very important not to allow them to dry out during this first 45 days as the germinating seedling can die in a short time. The amount of watering time varies with the type of sprinklers, soil type, and site grade. Environmental conditions that need to be considered include temperature, humidity, sunlight, and wind speed. Adequate soil moisture must be maintained without puddling, run off, surface erosion, and channeling.
FERTILIZING – Newly seeded lawns require monthly (on sand, twice monthly) fertilizer treatments for the first growing season (5months). This should start 3 to 4 weeks after seeding. In a perfect world you would have your soil tested and only apply the fertilizer the testing recommends. Bags of fertilizer cost from about $15 to $50 each. Usually the higher priced fertilizers last longer and are less likely to burn. We recommend a 12/12/12 fertilizer. It costs about $15.
MOWING – Mow your lawn when it reaches a height of 2 ½ inches with a freshly sharpened mower. Do not remove more than one third of the height of the grass in any single cutting. Do not pick up the grass clippings unless they become excessive. The clippings will decompose and return valuable nutrients to your lawn. If clippings are picked up, fertilizer must be applied more often.
WEEDS – Weeds will appear in a newly seeded lawn. Both annual (crabgrass) and broadleaf weeds come from seeds that have been dormant in the soil or have been carried in by wind and birds. Proper watering, fertilizing, and mowing are the best tools for weed management, especially during the establishment period. Be patient during the first season you are starting the lawn. Weed control products can be applied after the lawn has been mowed about six times.