Fall brings plenty of sunshine, soil still warm enough to germinate seeds and cooler air that invites grass to grow a strong root system — all reasons why fall is the best time for seeding your lawn. Planting grass seed in Maryland should be done between September 1st and October 31st.

Overseeing/seeding your lawn NOW can make your lawn up to 50% thicker next spring and better able to resist weeds and summer stress.

Here’s the basic steps…

Step 1: Prepare the Soil for Seeding.
Loosening the soil helps in starting a new grass or overseeding an existing lawn. Roto-tilling, aerating, or heavy raking are some methods that can be used.

Step 2: Correct Soil pH.
A pH level between 6.0 and 6.8 is best for nutrient availability. (A quick do-it-yourself soil test is available in our store.) Lime allows fertilizer to react with your lawn more readily. Our in-house experts can help you determine the best way to adjust your soil’s pH.

Step 3: Apply Starter Fertilizer.
When seeding you should only use a starter fertilizer. We recommend waiting about a month in between winterizing your lawn and seeding and fertilizing. You can winterize as late as November, so you have plenty of time.

Step 4: Apply Grass Seed.
Select a grass seed appropriate to the area you are seeding (i.e Full Sun, Sun/Shade, Full Shade). Apply grass seed with a broadcast spreader for open areas or a drop spreader for areas with landscaping and flower beds.

Step 5: Protect your New Grass Seed.
Cover the new seed with Peat Moss or straw to prevent the seed from washing away, especially if the new seed is on an incline.

Step 6: Water, Water, Water!
With a garden hose or sprinkler, lightly water the re-seeded area two or three times a day, preferably during the early morning or early evening. Stick with this watering schedule until the new grass is one to two inches tall. Once the grass reaches this height, you can cut back to watering to once a week.

Step 7: Watch your grass grow!