Create A More Lush And Green Lawn With A Simple Grass Seed Tip

Following the one-third rule when mowing and picking the best time of day to water your grass can help achieve your goal of having a lush, green lawn. However, what about getting that grass growing to begin with? Whether you are starting your yard from scratch, overseeding your existing grass, or patching brown spots on your lawn, making sure your grass seeds germinate is paramount. Per-germinating your grass seeds can help ensure success. Pre-germinating grass seeds may seem like a secret only professional landscapers know, but it is actually a simple trick that can help anyone create a more lush and green lawn.

Essentially, pre-germinating seeds is a means of allowing them to sprout before they are planted. The idea is to give them a head start before putting them in the ground. That said, you still need to properly prep the area. This can be done prior to or while the seeds are pre-germinating, which can take up to a week. So, the first step in the pre-germination process is planning and preparing.

As with any type of lawn seeding you do, it is important to determine how much seed you need based on the area you are covering and the type of grass being sown. Next, pick your time. The pre-germination process typically takes from a few days to a week. Once the first roots sprout, it is essential to get the seeds in the ground ASAP. So, check the forecast to ensure good planting conditions will occur during that window. Then you need to prep the lawn, by dethatching with a tool like the Green Rake, removing any weeds, and topdressing the area.

With the planning and prep work behind you, it's time to gather the necessary materials. In addition to your supply of seeds, you will need a bucket or tub, plenty of water, a brick or similar heavy object, and a cheesecloth or burlap bag. Depending on how much seed you are pre-germinating, you may need multiple buckets/tubs and sacks.

Next, pour the seeds into the sack, tie it off, and place it in the bottom of an empty bucket. Fill the bucket with water. The ratio of water to seeds should be at least 2 to 1, with 3 to 1 being even better. The seeds should be continuously covered in water, so adding enough water is essential. To make sure the sack of seeds goes to the bottom and stays there, place the brick on top of the sack.

While the seeds are germinating, the bucket should remain uncovered and be kept in a warm spot — somewhere they stay around 60 to 70 degrees. Every 12 to 24 hours, you should pour out the old water and replace it with a fresh dose. Continue this routine until the roots begin to emerge from the seeds. Once you see wispy white roots emerging from the majority of your seeds, drain off the water and plant them as soon as possible.