Bluegrasses
1. Prepare seed bed
- Minimum of 4-6 inches of good topsoil
- Remove stones
- Work soil and rake out lumps.
2. Spread fertilizer
- 15-30-15 at 5.75 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft./ 5 bags per acre max. Minimum rate is 3 bags per acre or 3.4 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft
3. Spread seed
- Spread evenly at the rate recommended for your specific variety.
4. Lightly rake
- Lightly rake in seed and fertilizer – mix the seed within the 1/4 inch of soil.
5. Apply Mulch
- Spread EZ Straw Mulch, Pennmulch, Loose Hydromulch, or straw blanket to protect and enhance establishment.
6. Water! Water! Water!
- After seeding, water frequently but light (10-20 minutes). This would be 2 to 3 times per day, depending on how hot and dry the weather is. Continue this frequent watering for 10 days to 2 weeks. Ryegrass should be greening up by now.
- After 10 days to 2 weeks, water 1 to 2 times per day, 30-45 minutes each. Bluegrass will start to germinate after about 3 weeks of water.
- After 3-4 weeks, reduce the frequency of watering, but increase the length of time the sprinkler is on. After about 2-3 months you should be watering 1-2 times per week, applying 1 inch of water per week.
7. After 3-4 weeks
- After 3-4 weeks, apply 3.5 lbs. of 15-30- 15 per 1000 sq. ft.. Repeat this for the first 3 months of establishment.
8. MOW! MOW! MOW!
- Mow the new grass as soon as it reaches 2” with very sharp mower blades. Cut off about 1/3 of the grass blade per mowing. Take extra care not to tear up the new turf. By mowing soon and often, the slower-growing Kentucky Bluegrass varieties will have a much better opportunity to fill in.
