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If you’re hoping to grow a healthy, emerald lawn, then watering has to be at the top of your priority list. As you might expect, proper watering is essential for helping the grass to establish strong roots – but there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach when it comes to giving your grass seeds the best chance to thrive. The type of seed, soil type, climate, and time of year can all influence the amount of water and frequency of watering you’ll need. So let’s jump right in and uncover the secrets to growing grass seeds into a beautiful lawn.
When to water new grass seed
Watering new grass seed should be done as soon as you’ve finished sowing. To help with the germination process, make sure that the soil is consistently moist, but not too wet. The last thing you want to do is waterlog your seeds!
I always advise doing your watering in the morning or late afternoon, when it’s slightly cooler. Avoid bringing out the watering can during the hottest part of the day, as the water will likely evaporate too quickly.
How much water to give grass seed
The amount of water you should give to new grass seeds is going to vary depending on a couple of factors, namely the soil type and the climate in which you’re growing.
Sandy soils will require more water as they do not retain moisture well, while clay soils retain moisture better but may become waterlogged if overwatered. A good rule of thumb is to give about an inch of water per week, divided into two to three watering sessions.
If your soil becomes too wet and waterlogged, there’s a chance that your seeds can become suffocated, preventing their development. Overwatering can also encourage the growth of harmful fungi, like root rot, which can actually kill nascent plants.
How often should you water new grass seed?
In much the same way as the quantity of water, the frequency of your watering will depend on the climate and soil type. If you’re growing in hot and dry conditions, your lawn will naturally require more frequent watering than if you were growing in a cooler climate.
However, as a general rule, we recommend that new grass seed should be watered at least once a day until it germinates. At that point, you can gradually reduce to once a week as the grass becomes established.
Germination typically takes around 5-10 days, although it can take longer in some instances depending on the type of grass and the soil temperature. To know when your seeds have germinated, look out for tiny sprouts of grass emerging from the soil. Once they start to appear, you can begin to decrease the frequency of your watering.
So to sum up, watering new grass seeds is essential for successful germination and strong root development. By following these tips, you’ll be able to establish a beautiful and healthy lawn that will be the envy of your neighborhood. Remember to keep the soil consistently moist, without overwatering or underwatering, and adjust the watering frequency based on the soil type and climate. Happy gardening!
