I didn't water grass seed first few days, still a chance?
Question:We just bought a new home. They put grass seed in, and didn't tell us anything. It rained the next day. Then we didn;t water for like 4-5 days. And then we watered like crazy. Now, 1.5 weeks later, Some grass sprouted in shady areas 2-3 days ago, but the rest of the lot is pretty barren. Is there a chance that grass will sprout later, or is our watering futile now? Is the seed dead? We live in upstate NY, where it snows a LOT, but the grass never dies. I don't know what kind of seed. Help appreciated!
Answers:
Most prepackaged grass seed is a mixture of seed types. In upper NY I would expect the mixture to be some annual rye grass, perennial rye grass and Kentucky bluegrass. The rye grasses will usually germinate in 3-5 days after you start watering. Kentucky bluegrass seeds will take 14-21 days to germinate. If its been 1.5 weeks & you see little in the way of germination you propbably are out of luck. Especially with the fact that the shaded seed has sprouted. I would expect more of the shaded seed to survive because its less likely to have completely dried out during this same period. Wait a couple more days to see if you get more germination, but I think your probably going to need to reseed. Here is a good link with tips on starting a lawn from seed: http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/lawntalk/la...
I am thinking that the seed washed away in places but I do believe it will grow where ever it is just like nature intended
i suggest that you reseed. It's cheap. There's plenty of growing time. After spreading the seed lightly rale to stop the birds from eating the seed. Lightly water twice a day, dawn & dusk, for two days. Once a day for 2 weeks. Then let nature have it. Had your current seed never seen water it would still be dormant and ready for wet. But once watered it's life cycle has begun.
Keep watering it and it will come out. Some grass seed sprouts slow and 4 or 5 dry days shouldn't hurt it.
Call the folks that seeded it the first time to find out what kind they used. They might reseed it for nothing. If not go buy some seed, gently rake the areas and sow the seed, just toss big old handfuls out there in a big arc. Then cover it with straw to keep the moisture in and keep birds from eating it. Water liberally(often) and wait. It'll pop up before you know it.
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