Grass seed is a big investment, with some varieties such as Centipede costing $30-$40 per 2,000 square feet of yard. Most homeowners spend hundreds of dollars on seed, only to see little or no germination, much less the lush, green, healthy lawn they envisioned. The would-be grass grower then decides to switch seed brands or types the next season, only to get the same disappointing results. The problem isn’t the grass seed but failure to prepare the soil properly before planting. Here are five steps you can take to insure you will get the highest possible germination rate from your grass seed investment.

1. The grass seed is buried too deep or not deep enough. Seed to soil contact is the most important factor. The seed needs to be completely covered with soil, but bury the grass seed too deep and it won’t get the necessary sunlight needed to germinate. Cool season grasses, such as fescue, blue grass and ryegrass should be planted 1/4 inch deep. Warm season grasses, including Bermuda, Centipede, Carpet Grass, Zoysia, and Bahia only require a planting depth of 1/8 inch.

2. Improper Watering. Not giving your newly planted grass seed enough water is an obvious problem, but too much water can be just as hazardous to that beautiful lawn you planned. Over watering, or watering so often that the water sit on the soil and doesn’t soak in, can cause damage and disease to your newly planted lawn. To insure lawn growth and continued health, follow the following watering guidelines.

a. After first planting your lawn, water 2-3 times daily for approximately 10 minutes. This is just enough to keep the soil moist and assure proper germination. Watering in the early morning hours is optimal.

b. Once the seedlings have germinated. You can now water your lawn less often, but for longer periods of time. Reduce your watering schedule to every other day for 15-20 minutes. After a couple of weeks of this, you can further reduce watering to 20-30 minutes every third or fourth day. This helps the roots grow deep and establishes a natural drought tolerance.

c. After the 3rd or 4th mowing. Mature lawns should be watered twice weekly, in the absence of rainfall. It is preferable to water your lawn less frequently for longer periods than light frequent waterings.

3. Seeding too soon after applying a pre-emergent. If you have used a pre-emergent weed killer on your lawn, it will stop grass seed from germinating as well. Most pre-emergents stay in the soil for up to 90 days. Check the label on the brand you use for the exact waiting period before grass seed application.

4. Over-fertilization. Applying too much fertilizer can burn the lawn. Always water the fertilizer into the lawn to prevent burning.

5. Lack of proper nutrients. A soil test will provide you with recommendations for nutrients and soil amendments (such as lime). These nutrients and amendments are essential for healthy, thriving lawn.

You don’t have to be an expert landscaper to get the lush, green, healthy lawn you’ve always wanted. Follow these 5 easy recommendations and your lawn will be the envy of the neighborhood.

Mattisyahu currently represents one of the top seed and fertilizer companies in the US. You can purchase all your garden needs at http://www.mattisbestbuys.com/

Article Source:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mattisyahu_Clark