Every gardener wishes to have a good-looking yard. If there is thinning grass in your lawn, you should consider growing more grass seeds. This process is known as overseeding.
Overseeding can help treat sections that suffer due to issues such as plant diseases and pests. You should wait for at least two to three weeks after overseeding before you mow the yard. You have to give enough time for the new grass to settle before you can start mowing. Here is more!
Preparing your lawn for overseeding
If you are ready to overseed the property, you have to change some of your gardening practices. Though spreading grass seed on the lawn is straightforward, you should first prepare your lawn to ensure that the grass will grow healthy and strong. Start with the following.
Initial mowing
Before you think of overseeding to make the lawn thick, you should consider mowing the current lawn first. Doing this reduces grass height so that the new grass seedlings you intend on planting have room to grow. Ensure that you cut the grass in your lawn to a height of 1-1/1 inches. When you mow the lawn, dethatch it.
Aeration and overseeding
Once you are ready to overseed the lawn, take your time to choose the right type of grass seed. Fill the bare spots in your yard with the right type of grass seed so that your lawn will thicken first. Before you overseed the lawn, you should not forget to aerate it. Doing this can break up the earth to enhance root penetration. It can also allow nutrients and water to enter easier.
You should aerate when new grass has the best chance of growing in the region. Avoid aerating and overseeding in the middle of summer. If, for instance, you are dealing with cool-season grasses, you should aerate in early spring or fall. For warm-season grasses, aerate in late spring. Ensure that the soil is slightly moist before aerating. Dry soil is not the best since it is hard to penetrate.
Watering
The new grass seeds that you plant on the grass need enough water for them to grow. Ensure that you water all the overseeded areas. You should keep at least ¼ inch of topsoil moist during the first few days of overseeding the lawn. The soil should have adequate moisture to support root development. After some time, resume your regular watering schedule.
Mow
Once you overseed the lawn, you should give it a rest for a couple of days. Wait for more than a week before you think of mowing it. Giving it time allows the new grass seeds to settle. You should mow the yard between ten days and three weeks after overseeding.
If you mow the lawn a few days after overseeding, the new grass can suffer stress. Before you get the lawnmower, ensure that the lawn is at the longest height. Avoid removing above 1/3 of the grass blade length in a single cutting.
You should also consider the type of grass you have planted before mowing. Every grass type has a different rate of germination. Knowing the ideal height of the turf you have planted can help you assess whether it is time to mow or not. Here are some of the optimal heights of different grass types.
Warm-season grass | Cool-season grass |
|---|---|
Bermuda-0.5-2.5 inches | Kentucky bluegrass-0.75-3.5 inches |
Bufallo-1.5-4 inches | Perennial ryegrass-0.75-2.5 inches |
Zoysia-0.5-3 inches | Tall Fescue-1.5-4 inches |
Bahia-2.5-4 inches | Fine Fescue-1.5-4 inches |
St. Augustine- 1-3 inches | |
Centipede-1-2.5 inches |
Fertilizing
Avoid using fertilizer on the lawn the first three weeks after you have overseeded the yard. Since the lawn has some grass before overseeding, applying fertilizer can accelerate the growth of the old grass. If this happens, the old grass will grow fast and create shade, preventing the new grass seeds from getting enough sunlight. You can avoid this by fertilizing after root establishment occurs.
Use the right machinery
Apart from knowing when to mow after overseeding, you should also use the right machine. Once you get the right machinery for this task, you should learn how to use it correctly. If, for instance, you have a walk-behind aerator, you have to lift the handle to avoid damaging the turf. Some gardeners spin the unit when turning. This is wrong since it can cause compaction and result in bare spots on the lawn in the future.
Conclusion
Every gardener should understand the importance of timing. Doing different tasks at the right time can help you grow a healthy-looking lawn. You should mow two weeks after overseeding. Pay attention to other crucial tips we have offered to get the best results.
FAQs
What does overseeding require for the grass seeds to grow well?
It needs watering, fertilizing, and proper mowing for the roots to develop properly.
How often should I water the new grass on my lawn?
You should water the new grass seeds at least once or twice a day, especially if the weather is hot.
William Smith
William Smith has been rendering his services to a botanical garden for the better part of his adult life and has recently moved to landscaping firms. His love for gardens has been nurtured since he was a kid, evident from the various garden centers and estates that have benefited from his services. Smith is a natural when it comes to gardening and when combined with his acquired degree in landscape design, you can expect a high-quality professional job, thanks to his experience and expertise. During his free time, Smith does gardening as a hobby and runs forums where he offers expert ideas on gardening.