Growing a lawn from seed or overseeding an existing lawn is highly rewarding. In just a few days, new grass shoots will transform into a lush, healthy lawn.
See Seed Application Rates below to find how much seed and soil you will need for your project. Use our Area Calculator to determine how much garden soil you will need.
Steps for New Seeding
Remove debris and loosen existing soil with a hard rake or rototiller. If required, add additional soil to the area. We suggest using our garden soil. Apply soil to the depth recommended per the application rates further down.
Tip: Use the back of the garden rake when spreading the soil to make it easy and even.
Use a hand or push spreader to evenly distribute the grass seed across the area.
Once planted, the seed can be raked or rolled into the soil using a lawn roller. This will improve seed germination and prevent birds from eating the seeds.
Tip: Cover seeds with no more than 1/4 inch of soil if raking.
Water the area lightly, but do not soak.
Seed Application Rates
New Lawn Seeding
5 pounds per 1,000 square feet
Planted on 2–3 inches of good quality garden soil, which provides the required nutrients for seeds to flourish.
Overseeding Existing Lawn
2–3 pounds per 1,000 square feet
Apply 1/4 inch of garden soil, making sure old grass blades are visible.
After planting the grass seed, continue to water the area as needed to maintain moist soil.
The seed will take 7 – 10 days to start germinating.
You should avoid traffic in the seeded area while seedlings are starting to grow.
The first mowing should be done once the grass reaches 3-4 inches in height and the ground can support the weight of you and your mower—usually about 4-6 weeks after seeding.
Tip: Set the mower to cut no more than 1/3 of the height of the grass to keep the lawn healthy and strong.
Once the seed is established, typically about 6 weeks after seeding, you can apply your first season-appropriate fertilizer.
