Seeding time depends on type of your grass

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Q: My lawn has several spots that Id like to re-seed. Can I do that job now? R.P., West Side

A: Perhaps. It just depends on what type of grass you have for a lawn.

If you are dealing with warm season grasses like native buffalo, blue grama or bermuda, I doubt the soil will stay warm enough, long enough for the re-seeded spots to gain a foothold.

If your lawn is made of cool season types of grass like Kentucky blue, any of the fescues or rye grasses then, yes, this is a grand time to do the re-seeding! One of the pluses, too, since the weather is cooling, is your chances of growing a crop of weeds at the same time is lessened.

First, youll want to scratch away any dead thatch out of the area down to dirt. If you need to bring the soil level up to grade, then spread top soil on the spots. Dampen it just a bit and spread the seed, then tamp it down firmly. You want the spots dampened so the seed is more apt to grabbing hold and sitting still, so to speak.

After tamping, cover the area with a slight -to -inch layer of top soil. Thatll keep the seed in place, assist in keeping the seed moist, and out of view of hungry birds!

For the next several weeks you will need to keep those spots sprinkled. Water at least twice a day and, maybe if the afternoon temperatures stay toasty, more often. Your goal is to not let those spots dry out. Within 10 to 15 days, the seed should have germinated and youll be seeing green.

Now, I will suggest you do not fertilize the lawn, spots and all, with a high-nitrogen content established lawn fertilizer. The young grass is still far too tender to deal with a full-strength feeding. If you feel the need and the established lawn would love it invest in a starter-style fertilizer making sure that it has a high level of phosphorus.

Its the phosphorus, the middle number of the fertilizer calculation, which is used by plantlife to feed and create healthy root. With cooler temperatures, adequate water and loving care from you, its a great time to re-seed your cool season grass style lawn.

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Seeding time depends on type of your grass