Lawn Thread - MEGA

[sk8r3124]

Summer is the worst time to seed, so one thing I have been doing is giving the seeds a jumpstart. I have been mixing peatmoss and seed in a big tupperware container. Water it so it is damp, then lightly cover it up to keep the moisture in and not evaporate in the sun. Seeds will germinate in the tupperware, and after about a week, you start to see small blades of grass. Thats when I take it out to the lawn and spread over the bad spots. Doing it this way I don't have to worry about the birds eating the seeds, the wind blowing them away, or the sun drying them out. I also installed an irrigation system last year....so after the patch has been put down....its still getting plenty of water early in the morning.

[nismodrifter]

I've watched videos re this method. Will give it a shot. Have a few patches to repair still.

[ThePenIsMightier]

Overkill iMO. If you can keep it moist, it will grow. Daily watering.
"Everyone" spreads seed and waters weekly and then gets the typical results.
It does sound like a bad or old batch of EZ Seed is floating around, though.

[bjstare]

I water mine twice daily minimum when I’m trying to get stuff to sprout.

[89coupe]

Water & feed is key.

[killramos]

I was thinking to myself as I mowed my lawn this evening… imagine what we could accomplish as a species if we gave less of a shit about growing grass

[Disoblige]

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I was thinking to myself as I mowed my lawn this evening… imagine what we could accomplish as a species if we gave less of a shit about growing grass

What about frequent visits to the wand wash?

[killramos]

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What about frequent visits to the wand wash?

Far fewer hours in my case. But sure.

[you&me]

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I was thinking to myself as I mowed my lawn this evening… imagine what we could accomplish as a species if we gave less of a shit about growing grass

Mowing your lawn is on the wrong end of the cost/benefit spectrum.

[killramos]

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Mowing your lawn is on the wrong end of the cost/benefit spectrum.

You’re not wrong

[sxtasy]

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I was thinking to myself as I mowed my lawn this evening… imagine what we could accomplish as a species if we gave less of a shit about growing grass

haha true
With that said I spent way too much time researching how to grow grass from seed after a total failed attempt and dollars wasted trying to reseed my back lawn. The following year I got it figured out and have full lawns front and back from seed. A few tips:

Timing- Ideal time to seed is mid to late August for Albertans, the summer heat is tapering off, but still has enough time to establish before winter. Early spring is another time to seed, but is difficult due to weed pressure. Don't waste your time trying to seed during any other point, you might be able to do it with a lot of water and cooler temps during the summer.

Seed to soil contact- very important, if your seed is not somewhat embedded in the dirt, it won't grow. If you are seeding a small patch, pat it down into the soil with your hand. If you are seeding a large area, roll the seed into the dirt with one of those big landscape rollers.

Cover the seed- I like to sprinkle peat moss overtop of the seed, it works well. It absorbs and holds the moisture and protects it from birds, which will feast on seeds.

Water- I watered at least three times a day, it needs to stay moist, but if you water too much (pooling) it will wash the seed away.

Fertilize- There's a Scotts product, starter fertilizer, I spread some at time of seeding, then I'll usually apply a second round after about three weeks.

Seed selection- If you can, find a higher end seed than what the big box stores sell. If you want a seed that grows quick, Perennial Rye grass is a good choice for our climate, it germinates quickly. Kentucky Bluegrass takes a lot longer to germinate, but has other good characteristics, like spreading and filling in with Rhizomes. A good choice is usually a mix of KBG and PRG.

Weeds- Canada herbicide restrictions sucks for being able to control weeds. If you are growing a new lawn from seed you're going to have to deal with this shit. Some things that help, if you are planting a new lawn, encourage weed growth from the soil before you seed (lots of water) and kill all the weeds with roundup. If you are seeding an entire lawn it is definitely worth it to import Tenacity herbicide from the US for weed control on a newly seeded lawn. I apply it at time of seeding.

[suntan]

^ This is the way.

Spruce It Up has some great in-house grass mixes.

[88CRX]

Can I dethatch my lawn still? Front yard is struggling and there appears to be a layer of dead shit holding it back.

And recommendation for a dethatching machine thingy?

[killramos]

IMO if it’s not doing well you likely aren’t hurting it by working on the thatch

[ThePenIsMightier]

Just slapped some Turf Builder "Pro" down on the lawn last night. Hopefully rain today.
Profit.

*not saying this like anyone cares... More for my own records, LoL!

[88CRX]

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Just slapped some Turf Builder "Pro" down on the lawn last night. Hopefully rain today.
Profit.

*not saying this like anyone cares... More for my own records, LoL!

We all care. That’s why we’re here.

- - - Updated - - -

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IMO if it’s not doing well you likely aren’t hurting it by working on the thatch

I mean it’s ok and growing. But it’s not thick.

[birdman86]

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I used EZ seed like 3 weeks ago and nothing

I planted some probably 2-3 weeks ago and its growing in great…bought in lethbridge. I’ve been watering twice daily the while time, and not just getting it wet but a full saturation.

[Disoblige]

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I planted some probably 2-3 weeks ago and its growing in great…bought in lethbridge. I’ve been watering twice daily the while time, and not just getting it wet but a full saturation.

It's day 2 for 2nd attempt so I am trying to see if this works. Thanks.

[dj_rice]

Had big patch where my dog pisses over winter that was yellow and dead. Raked out all the dead grass, loosened the soil. Spread Scotts Awesome Grass seed mix and my remaining EZ Seed jug. And watered for a few days. Also helped that it rained for a few days as well. But we got sproutlings!!!!! Its growing boysss. I was worried the Grass seed and EZ Seed was too old as its been 2-3 years since I bought them

[ThePenIsMightier]

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We all care. That’s why we’re here...

*gets five-eighths chubby...