How to overseed a lawn
Overseeding, if done correctly, will fill in bare spots in a lawn and choke out weeds.
“At its most basic, overseeding adds more grass to a lawn without turning the topsoil,” according to BobVila.com. “For many homeowners, overseeding is part of general lawn maintenance. Some lawns might need overseeding once a year if drought or disease threaten the grass, and other lawns might need it every few years only to brighten the grass and keep it full. “A few basic tools like a lawn mower, seed spreader, fertilizer spreader, and rake make up the basics needed for overseeding. With the right grass seed and timing, overseeding will restore the lawn and make it hard to resist spending the day lounging in the yard.”
Here's how to do it:
• Aerate your soil. If your lawn has a thick layer of compact soil, grass and roots (thatch), you might need aerate it. This will create holes that allow water, oxygen and nutrients to penetrate.
• Mow your lawn shorter than usual and bag the clippings. This will help the grass seed reach the soil. Afterward, be sure to rake and remove any debris from your lawn.
• Amend your soil. Do a soil test to determine your soil's type and pH. This will tell you which, if any, amendments (lime, wood ash, sulfur, peat moss, etc.) you need to suitably grow certain grasses.
• Selecting the proper seed type. “Choose a grass seed designed for your climate or region and that complements the existing grass. ... Warmseason grasses grow best in a climate like that of the southern United States. Consulting the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (available here: https:// planthardiness.ars.usda. gov/PHZMWeb/) can help determine the average local climate to choose the appropriate grass type. Look for grass seed that's rated by the National Turf Evaluation Program because these varieties have been tested and found resistant to disease, drought, and common pests.”
• Seed the lawn. Either with a seed spreader or by hand, spread about 16 grass seeds per square inch of soil. Seed density depends on how thick your lawn is already (your lawn might require fewer seed per square inch).
• Fertilize. Using a spreader, scatter fertilizer around the perimeter first. Then, move in straight rows to fertilize the interior of the lawn.
• Water your lawn. “After fertilizing, water the lawn for a short time each day. Water in the morning to maximize the water intake. More evaporation occurs during the afternoon and evening, which means it will take more water to get the same benefits. You don't want to overwater, since this can wash the seed away, prevent germination, or encourage thatch development and the growth of fungus and weeds. If there are puddles or the ground feels spongy, cut back on the watering time.”