Planting Grass Seed: High Country Gardens

Planting Grass Seed

June's hot, dry weather is just the time to plant Grama Grass seed, a warm weather grass. It’s relatively easy if you follow these guidelines...

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Topic: Grasses and Lawns
Keywords: grass seed, planting grass seed, seed, grass, Annuals, grasses, seeds
Date: June 2005

This hot dry weather is just the time to plant Grama Grass seed, a warm weather grass. It’s relatively easy if you take the time to following the guidelines below.

Preparing the Soil

Because most native grasses adapt well to poor soils, soil enrichment is not required. However improving the soil prior to planting will help sandy soils hold more water. First, though, clear the area of weeds and any remnants of former lawns.

Loosen soil to a depth of 3-4 inches; the comb the soil with a rake, leaving some to the side to cover the seeds.

Preparing the Seed and Sowing

Mix the seed with moist sand in a ratio of 1 part sand, 2 parts seed. This helps sow the seed evenly. Broadcast the seed/sand mixture by hand, then use the flat side of a rake to smooth the soil over the seeds. Top-dress with a thin layer of mulch to retain moisture and keep birds from eating the seed.

Planting Seeds on a Slope

After sowing, cover the soil with an erosion preventing material, like seed-free wheat or barley straw or aspen excelsior matting that can be pegged into place.

Watering and Germination

After sowing, water with a fine spray so the seeds won’t wash out. A few days later, water to a depth of 4-6 inches. Be prepared to water twice daily, morning and evening. Each time, water enough to keep the top inch of the soil damp. Continue twice daily watering until the grass has germinated.

Warm night temperatures and moist soil help grasses germinate, usually within 7 to 10 days. Less than ideal conditions such as windy weather, dry soil and cool nights (due to a cold snap) will delay sprouting. If the seeds have not germinated within 15 days, it may be necessary to re-sow.

Maintenance

Once established, native grass is very drought tolerant. To keep it green and actively growing, some extra water may be needed during the hottest part of the summer. Grama grass may brown in extended periods of hot, dry weather but quickly greens again after a few good rains.