Not only will it protect the seed, but it will add nutrients to the soil. It is usually used as a soil amendment, but it also works as a protective covering for new grass seed. Peat moss is decomposed moss and other organic material harvested from peat bogs. The grass clippings will break down over time, adding nutrients to the soil. A thin layer of grass clippings will offer a layer of protection without smothering the new seedlings. Spread the clippings lightly over the grass seed.

This solution is as easy as mowing your lawn! Save the grass clippings after you mow. Here are a few ideas! Cover grass seed with grass clippings However, you don’t want to use a heavy material that will keep the seeds from sprouting and growing. The goal is to protect the seeds and young grass and keep the seeds from washing away. What is the best material to cover new grass seed? Unprotected grass seed can get dried out or washed away.ĭon’t waste grass seed and money! Protect your grass seed and seedlings with the right material so that it can grow healthy and strong. Be sure to bury seed for ¼ inch deep into the soil or cover them with a layer of mulch.Growing grass seems like it should be a simple lawn care task, right? Don’t just throw grass seed on the ground! It takes a little more thought and care to grow beautiful grass. They may be eaten by birds, blown away by wind or swept away by surface water run-off. Grass seed may fail to germinate if they are not covered well with soil or mulch. It’s also important to limit pets, stray dogs and cats from accessing the new lawn. Grass seedlings are also very delicate, a simple step on them can easily kill them. Wet soil together with grass seed can stick on the soles of your shoes and be carried away. Reduce traffic on a newly seeded ground for at least 4 weeks. New lawn require these nutrients to kick-start their growth.

Apply a fertilizer rich in nitrogen and phosphorus to stimulate shooting and proper roots development. Grass seed require adequate nutrients to grow and develop. Grass grows best in soil with a pH range of 5.8 – 7.2. If you have tried everything but still your grass fails to grow, it’s high time to check soil pH. Grass seed will not grow if the soil pH is incorrect. They include: Inadequate soil moisture, poor quality seed, wrong temperature, inadequate sunlight, lack of nutrients in the soil, unsuitable soil pH, presence of weed killers in the soil, traffic on a newly seeded area and improper seed-to-soil contact. There are various factors that can cause poor or failed germination. Ensure the seeded area receive adequate amount of sunlight. This can have a negative impact on germination of warm-season grass. Cloudy weather can also lower soil temperatures. The seed may fail to germinate in shady areas of your lawn. Light is essential for healthy growth of grass seedling. On the other hand, excess water can cause the seed to rot. If water is too little, the seed will dry out and stall germination process. Moisture must be adequate throughout the process. The seed absorb sufficient moisture to soften the seed coat before sprouting. Moisture is also a necessary condition for germination process to take place. Be sure to check soil temperature and not air temperature prior to planting your seed Moisture Warm-season grass require soil temperature range of 55 – 70 degrees Fahrenheit while cool-season grass prefer 45 – 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Soil temperature is supposed to be within appropriate range to initiate germination process. The plant is also able to get necessary water and nutrients that are deeper into the soil. Grass require a deep web-like rooting system to develop and grow healthy. Seeded lawn that is covered with soil, compost or mulch is likely to develop healthier roots as compared to when scattered on the surface of the soil. Other benefits of covering grass seed include: 1. Healthy Development of Roots All these can be achieved when the seeded lawn is covered. If you want your seed to germinate properly, you have to create favorable soil conditions such as right temperature and amount of moisture.

It help to promote even and proper germination. It is essential to cover your seeded lawn with fine soil, compost or mulch. Therefore, you need to keep them in one place until they germinate. Remember that it take up to 4 weeks for grass seed to germinate. Leaving seeded lawn uncovered also increases the chances of seed being carried away by wind or surface runoff from a heavy downpour.