Using Grass Seed
Creating a lawn from scratch is a rewarding but time consuming task that needs a few steps to get the best results. Following these few hints will ensure you get the lush green lawn you were hoping for.
Prepare the soil. No matter what type of soil you have, or whether it’s bare soil or an old lawn, you need to aerate it properly before even thinking about applying any seed. Ensure the area is properly aerated and add a thin layer of compost afterwards. This will help break up the soil, give the roots some space to grow and add nutrients to the area they will be growing in.
Use the right seed. Not all grass is the same. If you are planting from seed you need to select a variety that can cope with the Naples climate. It will need to be able to cope with constant sunlight, heat and the sandy soil we have down here. The previously suggested centipede grass is an option, but there are many others to choose from.
Time is of the essence. Once you have chosen your seed variety you will need to plant it at the appropriate time. Some types can be planted in warm seasons, and others will grow best if planted in a cool season. Warm season is generally April and May for planting, whereas cool is best in the fall.
Spread ‘em. Spread the seed evenly throughout the planting area, preferably with a rotary spreader to get an even coverage.
Water. Once the seeds are down you need to expose them to moisture to wake them up. This will need to be fairly constant throughout the germination period. A useful tip would be to water lightly three times a day before sundown to prevent any moss of fungal growth. A top dressing of straw can also help stop the moisture evaporating during the Naples sun, aiding growth significantly.
Stay off the grass. The new lawn area should be a no go to everyone while it is trying to become established. If you used a warm season grass seed then you will need to stay away for up to three months, whereas a cool season grass if fairly stable after six weeks.
Following these simple steps will increase your chances of success with a grass seed lawn by orders or magnitude.
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