Seed Prep Starts Now - 10 Steps for The Best Seeding Results

Samuel BarrickAug 1, 2023

Seeding fescue is a big investment between cost of seed, fertilizer, equipment to plug, equipment to spread, labor, and of course water. Even after putting in all the work to plant the seed, some areas just don't take or parts don't come up.

While we can put together a perfect plan to seed, environmental factors can contribute to the results you will have. But the perfect plan does give you the best chance at a good result!

Here is our 10 tips for the best results while seeding:

1. Soil Test

Test the soil before seeding to see what nutrients you soil is lacking and where your soil pH level is at. If you need to raise your pH try to apply lime 3-4 weeks before seeding for soil to have time to adjust.

pHast Cal

Soil Acidifier 90%

2. Clean Up Weeds

Crabgrass & broadleaf weeds can be controlled with Q-4 or Quintessential. Simply spot spray each weed or spray the entire turf area. Avoid spraying when temperature are above 90°F or when turf is drought stressed. Q-4 works best on broadleaf weeds, while Quintessential controls mainly crabgrass with a few broadleaf weeds.

Q-4

Quintessential

3. Turfgrass Seed

Select a turf blend that has multiple varieties in it for better disease and drought resistance, along with no weed seed or other crop seed in it. Seed fescue at 4-7 pounds per 1,000 sq ft

Clean Seed Tall Fescue Blend

4. Starter Fertilizer

Depending on your soil test, choose a starter fertilizer that is higher in phosphorus which promotes quicker seed development along with a 1lb of Slow-Released Nitrogen for root and shoot development. Something like a 18-12-2, 18-20-2, or a 18-24-12 works.

5. Plant Seed with Aerator

Using an aerator will provide good soil-to-seed contact and creates indents in the ground that is a seed bed that retains moisture.

6. Apply Humic Acid & Compost

Humic acid has been proven to increase seed germination rates along with reducing disease and drought stress pressure. Adding a layer of compost on top will promote healthy soil and can help level out the ground.

CharX Organic Soil Amendment with Humic Acid

Mirimichi Green CarbonizPN

7. Cover Seed in Bare Areas

Seed Aide Covergrow is cellulose pellets that retain moisture and have tackifier agents to prevent soil erosion. It is best mixed into the soil along with a thin top layer over a newly seeded area.

Seed Aide Covergrow

8. Water Water Water

Newly seeded areas need to stay moist while seed is germinating, once it has come up, start reducing water gradually. Example 3 weeks watering every day, 2 week watering every other day, 1 week watering every 3 days, and reducing down to 1 inch of water total watering once or twice per week. Please note watering should be used to supplement rainfall. Only water if you have not had adequate rainfall.

9. Soil Surfactant

Adding a soil surfactant after grass has germinated is a great way to help moisture move to the root system and retain moisture. A product like Hydretain or Precision Lab's Precip will do the trick.

10. Keep it Fed

Fertilize every 6 weeks to promote new growth and root development. Depending on when you seed, a late application of high nitrogen will significantly help root growth and help green up the next spring.