How to Seed
Prepare
Mow
To ensure the seed reaches the soil, mow the lawn on the lowest setting and bag the clippings.
Rake
Use a metal rake to remove debris, rocks, and thatch that has built up. Rake vigorously to create grooves in the top layer of soil. Fill in any holes and level the ground with additional topsoil if necessary.
Amend
Test your soil pH to check that it is in a healthy range for grass plants to grow. Optimal pH for cool-season lawns is 6.2 to 7.0. For soils with a pH below 6.2, use Jonathan Green Mag-I-Cal® Plus for Lawns in Acidic & Hard Soil to rapidly raise soil pH. For a pH above 7.0, use Mag-I-Cal® Plus for Lawns in Alkaline & Hard Soil to lower soil pH.
Apply
Set
To evenly distribute grass seed, use a spreader suitable for your specific lawn size. Set the spreader according to the recommended setting on the packaging or use our Spreader Settings Tool above. Make sure to update the setting with each product you apply.
Spread
Carefully read and follow all instructions on the product labels prior to application. Before spreading, calculate the amount of seed needed for the square footage of your lawn.
For new lawns:
Start by filling the spreader with half of the grass seed. Apply the seed around the perimeter of the lawn to establish a turning area. Make straight passes back and forth across the length of the lawn in one direction (north to south) and then the remaining seed in a perpendicular direction (east to west) within the outlined area. Overlap slightly between passes and close the hopper when turning. Walk at a steady pace for even distribution. This crisscross pattern ensures even coverage and helps prevent bare spots in new lawns.
For overseeding:
Begin by spreading the seed along the perimeter of your lawn. Make straight passes back and forth across the length of the lawn in a mowing pattern until the entire area is covered. Overlap slightly between passes and close the hopper when turning. Walk at a steady pace for even distribution.
Rake
After seeding, gently rake the soil with a metal rake to incorporate the grass seed into the top quarter-inch of soil. This will improve seed-to-soil contact and promote germination.
Fertilize
Maximize seedling growth and root development by applying starter fertilizer along with the seed. Fill your spreader on a hard surface to avoid fertilizer burn. Start by applying fertilizer around the lawn’s perimeter to establish a turning area. Then, make back-and-forth passes within the outlined area, ensuring overlap for complete coverage. Sweep any excess granules off of hard surfaces and back onto the lawn.
Water
Immediately after seeding, thoroughly water the area but not to the point of run-off or puddles.
Maintain
Water
Keep the soil consistently moist by watering lightly several times a day, or as needed, to prevent drying out. Avoid excessive watering that may cause pooling or runoff. Continue watering daily for a few weeks until the grass plants reach a height of 2 – 2.5 inches. As the grass seed germinates, gradually reduce the frequency of watering while increasing the amount applied to encourage deeper root growth.
Mow
Begin mowing when the new grass has reached a height of 3 – 4 inches. Make sure the mower has sharp blades. Be careful not to scalp the lawn, low mowing will stress the root system and encourage the growth of weeds.
