Knowing your location helps us recommend plants that will thrive in your climate, based on your Growing Zone.
Posted By High Country Gardens Content Team on Mar 19, 2015 · Revised on Sep 17, 2025
by High Country Gardens
We recommend leveling the planting area as much as possible to eliminate high or low spots. Till the soil if possible about 4-6 inches deep, as the soil should be loose and clump-free before planting. If your area is already somewhat bare and even, we recommend skipping the tilling process as it can promote new weed growth or unwanted grass growth. You can then add Plant Success Granular Mycorrhizal Root Inoculant to improve seed germination.
After your soil is prepared, apply the seed at the recommended rate. Planting rates vary depending on the size of the seed: Blue Grama Grass Hachita Seed: 4 lbs covers 1000 square feet No Mow Lawn Grass Seed: 5 lbs covers 1000 square feet; 10 lbs covers 2000 square feet Low Work and Water Dwarf Fescue Grass Seed:5 lbs covers 500 square feet,10 lbs covers 1000 square feet.
If you’re still unsure of how much seed to use in your area, please give us a call at 800-925-9387, or Live Chat with us. To ensure that you are spreading the seed evenly, scatter 1/2 of the seed walking north to south and 1/2 of the seed walking east to west.
If you have poor soil, you could lightly apply an organic fertilizer after seeding, although this is not a necessary step for strong growth. We recommend using Yum Yum mix to amend your soil.
Many choose to cover their grass seed after planting, even though this is not necessary. If you do choose to cover your seed to help retain moisture and hold the seed in place, we recommend a maximum depth of 1/4”. You can cover the seed with topsoil, clean wheat or barley straw, or peat moss. Coated seeds such as Bermuda and Clover seeds should not be covered more than an 1/8” deep.
Water gently and regularly, keeping the seeds moist until they begin to sprout. This could mean watering more than once a day if you’re having a dry spell. Once the seeds sprout, water deeply and less frequently. This helps to ensure a deep rooted, healthy lawn or meadow.
Do not mow until your lawn is at the recommended height. For most grasses, this is about 3-6 weeks after planting, but could be longer depending on growing conditions. Remember to be gentle when mowing the first few times -- the seedlings will be somewhat tender.
After mowing several times, you can apply an organic fertilizer to promote strong growth, but this is not a necessary step. Remember: It may take weeks or even a month for the seeds to grow.
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