How to Plant Grass Seed in 6 Simple Steps

A little preparation before you plant grass seed paves the way for a lush lawn. That annoying bare spot or rough ground disturbed by a recent renovation will need prepping before you start seeding. And if you’re wondering how to start a brand new lawn from seed, doing some prep across the entire area first is the key to getting a thick stand of turf.

This guide will take the guesswork out of preparation. Plus you’ll get essential tips for choosing the best type of grass seed to use and tending the seedlings after they germinate. So get your lawn mower ready—your fresh new grass will be ready for its first trim in just a few weeks.

Best Types of Grass Seed

Begin by choosing the right grass seed for your location. Grass seed is divided into two board categories based on hardiness. Warm-season grass species thrive in Zone 7 and above and include Bahia, Bermuda, centipede, St. Augustine, and zoysia species. Cool-season grasses tolerate freezing temperatures and grow well in Zone 6 and below. Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass are common cool-season grasses.

In addition to winter hardiness, grass species differ in their ability to grow in sun or shade, handle foot traffic, and tolerate dry conditions. Visit a local garden center or box store to learn more about the types of grass species available in your area. Grass seed is often sold as a mix of species for a specific growing condition or combination of conditions. For example, you may find a grass seed mix for shade and dry conditions or a mix for full sun and high foot traffic. Read the packaging carefully to choose the right seed for your particular site.

When to Plant Grass Seed

The best time to seed turf grass depends on your location. If you live in Zone 7 and above plant warm-season grass from March through September. Warm-season grasses thrive in the heat and will germinate in hot weather when there is ample moisture to support growth. Homeowners in Zone 6 and below should seed cold-season grass from mid-August through mid-October. Moderate soil temperatures, combined with cool air temperatures and somewhat regular rainfall, make autumn the opportune time to plant cool-season grass seed.

Steps for Planting Grass Seed

After choosing the best seed mix for your location and determining the best time to seed, it’s time to prepare the site and plant. Whether you are planting Bermuda grass or Kentucky bluegrass, the process is generally the same. Seed a bare patch or an entirely new lawn with this 6-step method.

1. Remove Weeds

Remove existing grass or weeds. Use a shovel to dig out plants, being careful to remove as many roots as possible. If the area to be seeded is large and filled with weeds, consider renting a seed cutter to make fast work of the job.

2. Enrich the Soil and Smooth Surface

After removing weeds, add a 2-inch layer of well-decomposed compost. Organic matter such as compost can improve soil drainage while adding valuable nutrients. Next, till the soil to about 4 inches. Tilling will mix the compost into the native soil and will help prepare the seedbed. After tilling, use a stiff garden rake to rake the area smoothly, contouring it as needed, and removing any rocks or large clods of soil. Your goal is to create a smooth, loose soil surface that will become a welcome mat for grass seed.

3. Plan the Grass Seed

Sow grass seed over small areas by scattering it by hand. A drop spreader makes this job easier for larger areas. No matter the method you use, spread the seed on a calm day—the wind will scatter the seed unevenly. Check the seed bag for the seeding rate. Rates are usually recommended as pounds per 1,000 square feet. For best results, sow half the seed recommended for an area in one direction. Then spread the remaining half of the seed at a right angle to the first portion.

4. Protect the Seed

Rake the entire area to cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. A leaf rake is a perfect tool for small areas. For larger areas, you may want to use a harrow, which is pulled behind a lawn tractor. Spread a thin layer of weed-free straw over the site to help conserve moisture and prevent seeds from blowing or washing away. 

5. Water the Seed

Use a lawn sprinkler to water the seedbed lightly. Water frequently enough to keep the soil surface moist but not saturated. Overwatering can cause seeds to run off the site or sink deeply into the soil where they will not germinate. Water lightly a couple of times a day until seedlings emerge in about 2-4 weeks. After that, continue watering once a day or so until the new grass is at least 2 inches tall.  

6. Mow New Grass and Control Weeds

Begin mowing the new turf when it reaches about 4 inches tall. Mow regularly, maintaining it at about 3 inches tall. After mowing and maintaining the grass for two months or so, it is safe to use a weed prevention product to keep crabgrass and other invaders from overtaking new turf. Read product labels carefully for application instructions.