Grab a beer! How can beer help out your lawn?

Got Beer? Then seed your lawn!

Ok, it is just in quick tips later in the article but who doesn’t want to read about beer!

I want to seed parts of my lawn. Is there anything I need to know before I start?

Before seeding any part of your lawn, it is important to remember that seeding is likely one of the hardest things to accomplish properly. First thing you will need to do is determine which seed is best for your lawn, and that will depend on what part of the country you live in. When seeding it is important to remember that seeds are in a dormant state and are covered with a waxy coating, which, depending on the seed, will mean an extended period of time before it will germinate once it is put out on the lawn. Watering is the biggest component of getting your seed to germinate properly, as it will require up to 4 weeks of daily watering ensuring the seed stays moist in order for it to germinate. Plus if you happen to go away for a few days and the seed dries out at any time after you have started watering it, the seed will die. Here are some of the important tips to remember below:

• Pick the right seed for the area you are seeding. For example, if it is a shaded area you will want to buy a shade hardy seed. Also, the right cultivar is important so that it matches what you already have growing in your lawn.

• The best time to seed is in the fall when the soil temperatures are warm and the nights are cooler.

• Soil temperatures must be above 55 degrees F in order for the seed to germinate.

• Make sure that the seed has contact with the soil. The best way for this to happen is by combining an overseeding with anaeration or top dressing.

• Overseeding a healthy lawn without doing it in combination with aeration first is a waste of seed, as very little (if any) will germinate as there is no soil contact for the seed to germinate in.

• Watering must be done daily for 15-20 minutes in order to keep the seed moist, especially if there is no supplemental water from natural rainfall.

• Remember: if you plan on seeding in the spring, Weed Man applies an application of pre-emergent which will prevent the seeds from germinating.

How much seed do I need for my lawn?

When overseeding your lawn, the amount of seed required will depend on how large an area you are planning on seeding. Typically you will want around 4 – 6 pounds of seed per thousand square feet.

How can I get small areas that are bare or thin to fill in quickly?

One small trick to help get your seed to germinate quickly is to take a bucket and place a few pounds of seed in it and then pour some beer over it until it is entirely moist. Place the bucket in the refrigerator overnight, as the beer will help break down the waxy coating. This will allow the seed to germinate in about half the time. Once the seed has been placed in the fridge overnight, remove it and mix it in with some soil and then rake it into the bare or thin areas. Make sure to keep it watered for the next few weeks and you should see it germinate very quickly.

If you have any further questions about seeding your lawn or have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your Minneapolis / St. Paul  Lawn Care Professionals at Weed Man.

WE CARE FOR YOUR LAWN!!