Planting a new lawn from seed

What you'll need

• seed
• irrigation 
• rake
• spreader
• fertilizer (optional)
• straw or other mulch cover (optional)

Step 1: Warm season grass or Cool season grass

One of the most important steps in establishing a lawn is choosing the right turf.  Based on the amount of direct sunlight an area receives and the irrigation that will be provided, you can choose what turf variety will do best for the prepared site. In Oklahoma there are three main turf varieties used for residential and commercial lawns. Bermuda grass & Zoysia grass (warm season) are most commonly used in full sun areas. Zoysia grass can tolerate areas of light to moderate shade.  Fescue grass (cool season)  is most commonly used in areas of moderate to dense shade.  

Step 2: Prepare the soil

A well prepared seed bed will maximize the seed germination. In order to incorporate the seed into the soil, the soil must be loosened.  This can be done by tilling, raking or plowing.  The idea is to loosen the soil enough to create a good lodging place and protection for the seeds. A common mistake is to work the soil too finely, so that after watering the surface tends to crust over and dry out quickly. Break the top surface of the soil to about ½ to 1 inch deep so that the seeds will make good contact with the soil and so favorable conditions exist for young root growth. Any large debris (rocks, sticks)should be removed and low spots should be leveled. 

Step 3: Seed & fertilize

The grass seed can be spread using either a drop or rotary spreader or by hand depending on the size of area..  It is very important to follow the seeding rates recommended by the manufacturer. The seeding rates should be listed on the seed label.  Seeding at too high of rate actually will create seed competition and can result in reduced germination rates.  After spreading the seed, incorporate the seed into the soil by raking.  Seed needs to be in the top 1/4 inch of the seed bed.  To encourage healthy growth of new plants it is beneficial to provide nutrients through fertilization. This can be done at the time of seeding or shortly after.

Step 4: Cover seed and mulch if necessary

In some areas such as slopes or open areas exposed to weather it may be beneficial to cover or mulch the seed.  You can use straw, grass clippings, or a specifically designed mulch.  Only a small amount of cover or mulch is needed so that the seed bed is clearly visible through the mulch. It is important that seedlings receive plenty of sunlight.

Step 5: Keep the area constantly moist – a critical step

Keep the seed bed constantly moist to start germination. Irrigate often, rather than deeply as seed germinates. Only the top inch of soil needs to be kept moist but it needs to be moist throughout the entire germination process.  On days in which high winds may dry out the seed bed more quickly, it may be necessary to irrigate more than once. Once germination starts, keep the area moist until the seedlings are well established.

Once your lawn is established, irrigate thoroughly once or twice a week. See more on watering in our lawn care tips section.

Step 6: Mow carefully

Begin mowing as soon as the seedlings are about 1 1/2 to 2 inches tall for bermuda grass or 3 to 4 inches tall for fescue grass. Once your lawn is established you can re-incorporate weed control.