Can I put grass seed on topsoil?
You can add a thin layer of organic matter to help the seed to germinate, but do not cover it over with top soil. ‘Never put topsoil over newly planted grass seed,’ says Yamaguchi. ‘This won’t provide healthy growing conditions – it will actually prevent the seedlings from sprouting by essentially suffocating them. ‘
How much topsoil should I put down before seeding?
We recommend putting down 2lbs per 1000 square feet of grass. (For an average lawn of 2500 square feet, we recommend 5 lbs). If you are only doing small spots, one or two handfuls per square foot should suffice. Scarify (rough up) the top layer of soil in the bare areas if you are not topdressing.
Should I compact topsoil before seeding?
Quality topsoil & drainage We recommend using topsoil which has up to 75% sand content by volume. If your existing soil does not drain well you may wish to amend it with sand and roto-till it in. The sub soil below the topsoil should not be excessively compact as this can create drainage issues.
How thick should topsoil be for grass seed?
Whether you start a lawn from seeds or use a vegetative planting method such as sod or plugs, the soil conditions largely determine how well the grass grows. Seeds, sod and plugs all require at least 4 to 6 inches of good topsoil for optimal health and growth.
Should you cover grass seed?
Very little soil is actually needed to cover the seeds, typically about ¼- inch, so simple raking will do the trick. If the seeds are not properly protected by existing grass or a thin layer of topsoil, they may dry before germination or be washed away by rain.
How deep should topsoil be for grass seed?
Grass roots grow between 4 and 6 inches long, so a layer of topsoil that’s 6 inches deep provides enough room for the roots to grow.
Should grass seed be covered with soil?
Grass seed doesn’t need to be covered with soil but it does need to be protected from birds. It helps if you can peg a layer of fine mesh over the area. Shade netting is ideal. It lets light and water through to where they’re needed but birds (and cats) can’t disturb the seed.
How many inches of topsoil is needed to grow grass?
How many inches of topsoil do I need for new grass?
How to prepare the soil for grass seed?
Consider a spreader for dispersing the grass seed over large areas. Now that you know your soil’s pH level, it’s time to prepare the soil for the grass seed. Preparing the soil is critical to ensuring your seed suc-cessfully takes root.
Should I add topsoil to my lawn?
If your lawn is generally healthy but requires a bit of maintenance where patches have been overfertilized or attacked by pests, then applying a light layer of compost is the best way to go. Here adding topsoil isn’t necessary because your existing topsoil layer is already healthy. Should I till my lawn?
Is your soil in Tip Top condition before sowing grass seed?
In this article we’re looking at how to ensure that your soil is in tip top condition before sowing grass seed. You’ll never get rid of weed seeds in the soil but in most cases, once your grass seed germinates, a nice thick sward of grass and regular mowing will sort out any cheeky annual weeds.
Can I reseed my lawn with topsoil?
Topsoil or compost for grass seed If your whole lawn is suffering and you’re reseeding the entire thing, then it’s likely that your existing topsoil is low quality. To fix this problem, it’s best to apply 3-4 inches of topsoil before you lay the seed, then top dress the new seeds with compost.