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Establishing Turfgrass

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.