3 conditions to avoid when watering new grass seed
If you have recently planted a new grass seed, you are hopefully aware of the importance of keeping it adequately watered during its germination and regrowth. If not, here are some conditions to avoid that will help ensure that the grass seeds you planted grow into the beautiful lawn you dream of.
First of all, it is very bad to overwater newly planted grass seed. Too much water will cause the seeds to float and mess up the even distribution that should have been created in the planting process. Also, a lot of overwatering will cause the seeds to float completely away from the area where you planted them. Obviously, washing your new grass seed in the street is a bad idea. If you are using a sprinkler to water your new seeds, keep in mind that shaded areas will tend to hold water longer since they don’t get as much sun. Less evaporation means these areas will require less watering to keep grass seeds moist. Additionally, over-watering newly planted grass seeds can also cause the seeds to rot if the water pools and sits for long periods of time. Rotten and moldy seeds will not sprout.
Underwatering grass seed is another common mistake when caring for a newly planted patch of grass. Seeds must have moisture in order to germinate properly. If you plan to be out of town, now is not the time to plant new grass seed, as it will need frequent small doses of water throughout the day. Underwatering is common no matter what season you decide to plant. Be sure to water often so the top inch or three of soil stays moist throughout the day without drowning your new seeds.
Uneven watering occurs when sections of your new lawn are over-watered and under-watered. This situation is more common when you use a timed or non-timed irrigation system to water your new grass seed. If you have a system that can be adjusted, do it before planting so that shady areas and any areas that can get waterlogged get less watering and areas with especially bright sun throughout the day get a little more. If you can’t do this with your sprinkler system, you may need to resort to manual watering to achieve the desired results with your new lawn.
Planting a new lawn is a time-consuming endeavor that will pay off for years to come if done correctly. However, if not done correctly, you may be wasting your time and will have to start over with new grass seed.
