It is recommended to seed your new lawn in spring or early fall when temperatures are mild, dew is present with cooler nights and there’s moisture in the soil. When sowing your seed in the spring or fall, soil temperatures are ideal between around 10-15 degrees Celsius for seeds to germinate. When soil temperatures are below that, some cool-season grasses won’t germinate or will take longer to germinate so patience is important!
Mow grass as needed.
Make sure the mower blades are sharp, and only cut about 1/3 of the grass height at a time.
- Choose the Right Grass Seed
- Select the right type of grass: Choose a grass variety suited to your region). Common types include Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass.
- Choose the right seed blend: Select a mix of grass types for better growth and to suit your climate and conditions. There are blends specific to shady areas, low maintenance blends and high wear tolerance.
- Prepare the Soil
- Clear the area: Remove any debris, dead grass, weeds, rocks, or sticks from the lawn. If there are patches of bare soil, rake them smooth.
- Mow the existing grass: Cut the grass as short as possible without scalping it. This allows the new seeds to make contact with the soil.
- Loosen the soil: Use a rake or a lawn dethatcher to loosen the top 1-2 inches of soil. This promotes seed-to-soil contact and better germination.
- Aerate the soil (optional): If your soil is compacted, consider aerating it to allow water, nutrients, and air to reach the roots better.
- Spread the Seed
- Choose a spreader: Use a broadcast or drop spreader to evenly distribute the seeds. A broadcast spreader works well for larger areas, while a drop spreader is more accurate for smaller, specific areas.
- Spread the seed evenly: Follow the seed bag’s recommended coverage rate.
- Use a crisscross pattern: For even coverage, spread the seed in two directions (north to south, then east to west).
- Cover the Seeds
- Lightly rake the area: After seeding, lightly rake the area to ensure the seeds are in contact with the soil.
- Apply a thin layer of soil or mulch: You can lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer (about 1/4 inch) of soil, compost, or mulch to help retain moisture and protect the seeds from birds.
- Watering
- Water thoroughly: Water the seeded area gently to settle the soil and ensure the seeds are moistened.
- Keep the soil moist: Water frequently (but lightly) until the grass seeds germinate, typically 2-3 times a day depending on the weather. Once the seeds start sprouting, reduce watering to once a day.
- Avoid overwatering: Too much water can wash away the seeds or cause fungal diseases.
- Maintain the Lawn
- Avoid heavy foot traffic: Don’t walk on the newly seeded areas until the grass is established.
- Fertilize the lawn: After the grass has germinated and grown to a few inches tall, you can apply a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.
- Mow when needed: Once the grass reaches around 3-4 inches tall, mow it for the first time. Make sure the mower blades are sharp, and only cut about 1/3 of the grass height at a time.
- Monitor for weeds: Keep an eye out for weeds, and remove them as they appear.
- Be Patient
- Allow time for growth: Grass usually takes 2-3 weeks to begin sprouting and up to 6-8 weeks for the full lawn to establish itself. Be patient and give it time to grow.
- Adjust care as needed: Depending on weather conditions and the type of grass, you may need to adjust watering, mowing, and fertilizing.
By following these steps, you’ll give your new lawn the best chance to grow strong and healthy.
Download PDF Steps Here
When less than 50% of a lawn consists of desirable turf, renovation procedures are recommended.
- Check for insect, disease and soil problems and correct as needed.
- Apply non-selective herbicide or remove all damaged turf to bare soil.
- Mow the lawn to a height of about one inch.
- Power rake or hand rake thatch to establish seed to soil contact.
- Apply 3 – 5 lbs per 1000 sq. ft. (1.3 – 2.3 kg 100 sq m) of nitrogen-based, slow release fertilizer
- Rake or rough the surface of the soil focusing on bare spots.
- Spread seed with a drop- or hand-cranked “broadcast” spreader.
- Drag or rake the grass so the seed comes in contact with the soil.
- Water the seedbed lightly so the soil surface is moist.
- Continue light, intermittent watering so the soil does not become hard or baked.
- When the seedlings reach a height of 2 – 3 inches (5 – 7 cm), mow to a height of 1½ inches (4 cm) with a sharp mower when the grass is not wet. Never mow more than one-third of the leaf blade off per cutting.
Microclover® Brand White Clover (Coated)
Coated: 50% Seed, 50% Coating
Microclover® brand white clover was developed for use in lawns. It grows in wet and shade conditions, provides nitrogen fixation and drought tolerance, which requires less fertilizer and longer periods between irrigation. To maintain its microstructure, Microclover® must be regularly mowed or it will grow to 6-7 inches tall.
For mixtures, it is well-suited to fine-leaved, dense, high quality perennial ryegrasses. In dry areas or to combat chafer grub infestation, turf-type tall fescue is an optimal choice. Slender creeping red fescue and chewings fescue are also good partners where they find equilibrium with the Microclover®.
Benefits of Including Microclover® in Your Lawn Mix
- Nitrogen Fixation:
One of the most significant benefits of Microclover® is its ability to fix nitrogen from the air into the soil. This means that it naturally provides nutrients for the surrounding grasses, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and promoting healthier soil. - Drought Tolerance:
Microclover® is more drought-tolerant than many grasses. It retains moisture in the soil and helps maintain a greener lawn during dry periods, making it especially beneficial for BC’s summers, which can sometimes be dry. - Low Maintenance:
Microclover® stays green and healthy with minimal care. It requires less frequent mowing compared to grass, as it grows slowly and maintains a low height, especially in mixes with grass species. Additionally, it reduces the need for chemical inputs. - Weed Control:
Microclover® forms a dense mat, which can help to suppress weeds naturally by shading out weed seeds and reducing their ability to germinate. - Environmental Benefits:
Using Microclover® reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which can contribute to pollution in waterways. It also improves soil health by adding organic matter through its root system, enriching the soil over time. - Aesthetic Appeal:
Microclover® has a fine texture and small leaves, making it a visually appealing addition to a lawn. It creates a more uniform, green look without being as invasive as traditional white clover. - Reduced Lawn Fertilization Needs:
Because of its nitrogen-fixing ability, Microclover® reduces the need for additional fertilizer applications, saving on costs and reducing environmental impact.
In British Columbia (BC), cool-season grasses are commonly used for lawns, turf, and landscapes due to the region’s climate, which includes mild winters and moderate summers. These grasses thrive in the cooler temperatures of fall and spring, making them ideal for BC’s diverse environment. The most common cool-season grasses in BC include:
- Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis)
- Description: Kentucky bluegrass is one of the most popular lawn grasses in BC. It produces a dense, lush lawn with a rich green color. It is very drought-tolerant once established and has excellent cold tolerance.
- Best for: Lawns that receive moderate to full sunlight. It requires well-drained soil.
- Benefits: Excellent texture and color, with good resistance to disease and pests.
- Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne)
- Description: Perennial ryegrass is known for its quick germination and establishment. It has a fine texture and vibrant green color.
- Best for: Lawns with moderate foot traffic, as it establishes quickly and is durable.
- Benefits: Germinates quickly (7-14 days), making it a good choice for overseeding or establishing lawns in cooler climates. It also tolerates a variety of soil types.
- Fine Fescue (Festuca spp.)
- Description: Fine fescues are a group of grasses that include creeping red fescue, chewings fescue, hard fescue, and sheep fescue. These grasses are shade-tolerant and have a fine texture.
- Best for: Shady or low-light areas of the lawn, where other grasses may struggle.
- Benefits: Tolerant of drought, shade, and poor soil conditions, making them an excellent choice for lawns with difficult growing conditions.
- Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea)
- Description: Tall fescue is a coarser grass compared to others but is durable, drought-tolerant, and grows well in BC’s climate. It forms a dense, dark green turf.
- Best for: Lawns with heavy foot traffic or areas that experience higher temperatures or periods of drought.
- Benefits: It is more heat and drought-tolerant than other cool-season grasses and is less prone to disease.
- Creeping Red Fescue (Festuca rubra)
- Description: Creeping red fescue is an excellent choice for low-maintenance lawns and areas with shade. It spreads by rhizomes, helping it to fill in bare spots.
- Best for: Shaded areas and low-maintenance lawns.
- Benefits: Tolerates low light and poor soil conditions and is drought-tolerant once established.
- Bentgrass (Agrostis spp.)
- Description: Bentgrass is often used for fine lawns, golf courses, and athletic fields. It has a very fine texture and creates a smooth, lush surface.
- Best for: Lawns that are maintained with regular care. It does require more frequent mowing.
- Benefits: Provides a very fine, soft texture and is ideal for creating a high-quality, manicured lawn.
By selecting the right cool-season grass varieties and following proper lawn care practices, you’ll create a lush and durable lawn in BC.
