Lawn Seeding

Hi Stan,

I've heard your suggestion regarding over-seeding tired old lawns in the fall and have the following questions:
1. At what rate do you suggest applying the seed?
2. How is the seed affected by spring clean-up (especially power raking)?
3. Is there a red fescue, k blue grass mix available (I assume that is what my lawn is as it is from local sod vendors)? If not, is one of the two seeds a better choice?

Thanks,
John P.S.
Nice web-site, very convenient.

John - A timely topic. Over-seeding the lawn can be done during active growth or during late fall or early spring. If your lawn maintenance includes early spring roto raking or de thatching - the first application can be done as soon as the process is complete. If the lawn at this time of year is such that grass seed when applied, will make contact with a half inch of thatch between the grass leaves, then do it now. The watering in fall after seeding, is best done in mid October to mid November. If spring seeding, roll the lawn after seeding to be sure the seeds are in contact with the pre roto raked area. Then broadcast a thin layer of sifted top soil that the seed can germinate under, then grow through. Water well, and carry on with normal maintenance procedures. Rates of application vary with the varieties of grass seed. The usual amount is 1 pound of seed to 1,000 square feet of ground. The cheaper the seed the more you can use. There are many blends of seed, but the best for our region will include the creeping red, brome, timothy and Kentucky blue. Look for Canada number one, Tuff Turf, or Playground mix. The percentage of seed varieties for any of the mixes will be listed on the pac.

Goodluck..