You will need to take some steps beyond simply tossing some compost on to get the best possible results, starting with a comprehensive soil test. Gather two to three cups of soil from various points in your planting area, preferably from 4″ to 8″ under the surface, then bring it to your county’s agricultural extension office for testing.

Noah James explains, “There's a dizzying array of grass seeds available, so it pays to understand the nuances of each type. Short-blade seed types are useful for creating deep root systems and denser lawns in low-maintenance areas. Creeping red fescue and annual ryegrass seeds make tough-textured lawns that don't require regular mowing or fertilizing. Cool season grasses are varieties that do well in cooler weather and can tolerate some heat. They grow best in the fall and spring, as well as in the winter for areas in the south. Now that you’ve got a handle on what type of grass you’re planting and you’ve chosen the best grass seed for your property, it’s time to plan what you’ll need to get your lawn well established, but there are a few questions to look at first.

According to All Creatures Healthcare, "The reason that grass seeds can be dangerous for dogs (or even cats) is that they can easily penetrate their outer skin in multiple areas. If left untreated, this can be incredibly painful – in worst-case scenarios, the internal damage it may cause can even be fatal." If you’ve gotten a good soil test, it will include how much of which fertilizer and how much lime you’ll need to put down to amend the soil perfectly. On the other hand, if your lawn is shady or only receives a few hours of direct sun each day, Brian Feldman, senior director of technical operations at TruGreen makes these recommendations: "If you are planting grass in a shaded area, choose a grass seed mixture that is designed specifically for those conditions. The best lawn grass mixtures for shade in cool areas should contain tall fescue, fine fescue, and a small amount of perennial ryegrass. In warmer climates, St. Augustine or Zoysia are good choices." Though Scott’s has developed a lawn soil specifically designed for planting grass, your local home and garden center will also have top soil available and usually for a much lower price. How do I protect my new grass seed?

Overseeding involves planting both a cool season and a warm season grass in your lawn. When your lawn begins to brown due to heat or cold, it’s a good time to plant the other grass type. This allows the new seed to compete with weeds effectively without choking out your established lawn. Overseeding is a very popular option for a year-round green lawn.Though you’ve probably seen newly planted grass with straw on top of it, straw can sometimes blow away in high winds and poor-quality straw can contain weed seed, which is the last thing you want mixed with your new seed.

A. While you’ll pay more for pre-fertilised grass seeds, you’ll save time. These ready-to-go bags make the job of planting much easier. Some even include weed killers for the maximum in convenience. The best month to plant grass seed does vary from zone to zone: in northern zones, it might be late August or September; in southern zones, in October or November. The grass seed likes warm soil but cooling temperatures. When conditions are like this, it is the best time to plant grass seed. When to plant grass seed in spring Application rate: 500g per 18.6m² (1.1lbs per 200sq ft). If using a Scotts lawn spreader, the guide setting is 6 for new lawns, 5 if reseeding. A new lawn will require control of problem weeds, and you’ll want to be especially careful of biennial weeds such as carrot relatives, thistles, mallows or other plants with a strong root system which will actually cause more weeds if the roots are chopped apart in a tiller.Lawn seed is one of the easiest (or hardest if not applied correctly) ways to make your outdoor area feel like it’s brand new. With more of us spending time at home than ever before, patches, brown spots, and even weeds can prevent you from making the most of your green space. If it's your first time using grass seed, it's handy to know whether or not grass seed will work on top of the soil. As grass seed is usually small, a layer of topsoil will reduce its chances of growing.