Fertilizing or Reseeding?
Question:A couple of weeks ago i posted a Q about my lawn being almost dead and got lots of good answers, i followed instructions watering the lawn almost every morning for 2 weeks. Now, there is green grass in some places so it's not a lost cause but there are plenty bare patches almost 50% of the lawn. What do i need to do now?
Answers:
Charlotte...we really need more info so we can be of help. :) What part of the country do you live in? What type of grass do you have?
If you are in the south and have bermuda - fertilize.
In the north and have fescue - reseed.
There are so many variables - so give us a little more info and perhaps we can help you have a trrific lawn. :)
Hi. I'm not sure who gave you instructions on watering the seeded area in the morning once a day for two weeks, but it was incomplete. Seeded areas must remain moist 24 hours a day, seven days a week for two to three weeks, or more, depending on which species of grass seed you plant. This is achieved by watering for a cycle of ten minutes, four times a day at evenly spaced intervals. If you can't be there to do this, one purchases a watering timer that can. Home Depot and Lowe's carry them. $25-$60. (If you don't want to keep the timer after it's done it's job, just keep your receipt and return it. )
OK. That covers what you did NOT do, and why you are where you are. Here's what TO do.
You need to fertilize, regardless. Use a starter fertilizer, (High middle number), N-P-K, 18-24-12 or close to that ratio. Fertilize the whole area.
We are heading into the heat of summer so I advise against planting any more seed now unless you are hell bent on having a full lawn for the summer, or won't be upset by a nice crabgrass and weed crop which will result by prepping the soil now for reseeding.
Assuming you will wait on reseeding, just get the grass seed that took up to speed.
Anytime in September is the best time to reseed. In SC, you can safely seed into October also.
Mow a notch lower than normal, and rent a core aerator. Aerate the entire are in two passes at 45 degrees of each other. Apply same type of seed as before at rate suggested on bag. Apply pelletized lime at a rate of 40lbs/1000 sq. ft. (East of the Mississippi), and a starter fertilizer at the suggested rate. Water as above. Within four weeks, the entire area will be ready for mowing, and look uniform. Fertilize again, with a winterizer, six weeks after you complete the reseeding. If you follow these instructions, you will achieve the desired outcome.
More Related Questions & Answers...