Lessons in Lawn Seeding

Seed that's mixed with newspaper turns into a gooey mass when wet, and its consistency keeps the seed from washing away.

Spring or fall is an excellent time to seed your lawn or patch an old one. The first thing you need to do is loosen the soil, removing any dead grass and all the weeds. Now, you're ready for the seed. Make sure whatever you get is top quality. You can save a lot of money and buy the seed in bulk, or for more money, you can get a product that host Rebecca Kolls really likes--seed that's mixed with shredded newspaper.

"This stuff really works," Kolls says. "When it gets wet, it turns into this goopy mess–almost like glue. Its consistency keeps the seed in place, and the mulch helps retain water."

Apply a thin layer of the lawn patch, making sure to cover up all the open spaces, and then water thoroughly, using a gentle spray. Otherwise you'll wash the seed away. Make sure that the patch is completely saturated before you finish watering. You'll know it's wet enough if, when you touch the mulch, nothing sticks.

Be sure not to let your new seed bed dry out. That means you may be watering one, two, three times a day just to get the seed to germinate. And once the grass is growing, don't get too anxious with the lawnmower. You want to wait until the grass is about three to four inches tall.

Also in this Episode

Rebecca's Garden : Episode REB-660
•	Farmers' Markets
•	Plant Swap Party
•	Lessons in Lawn Seeding
•	Landscaping for Fall Color
•	Winterizing Water Lilies
•	Coach Dooley