Putting down grass seed in the upper midwest can be challenging. You see, the issue has to do with your timing. Following winter, when areas of lawn damage rear their ugly head, the temperatures are too cold for putting down seed. On the other hand, if you wait, the temperature can quickly shift to be too hot as things quickly heat up. One trick that I will sometimes do, is pre-germinate my grass seeds.
Follow these steps for your Spring seeding preparation success:
Step 1: Measure your area that needs to be seeded.
Kentucky blue grass is put down at a Rate of 1-2 lb per 1000 sq ft.
Perenniel Rye grass is put down at a rate of 5-6 lb per 1000 sq ft.
For smaller areas its o.k. to simply “eye-ball” it, making sure the seeds are evenly spaced and not piled on top of each other.
Step 2: Figure out which container you will be using to keep your seeds.
Anything from a bucket to a wheel-barrow will work fine.
Step 3: Mix up your soil and seed together
I like to use Scotts lawn soil. It’s a better quality of soil, typically having less much and offers some nutrients to the young seeds as well. This soil has helped my seeds germinate more quickly, leading to a more lush stand of tur
Step 4: Water
You will need to keep the seeds moist.
Step 5: Keep the seeds in your garage or warm environment
You want to fool those seeds into thinking it is actually warmer than it is. The ultimate goal being to get the seeds to germinate early, then apply the seed/soil mix to your lawn.
Step 6: Put it down
Once temperatures outside begin to be more favorable and you’ve noticed germination, its time to put down the grass seeds. Simply loosen up the soil where you will be spreading the seeds, remove any dead grass or debris and put it down. You can use your hands for small areas and a shovel to broadcast it for larger areas
Now sit back and watch the grass grow!