Watering your new seeded lawn is not as simple as dumping a ton of water on it every so often. Too much or too little water are both unsuitable conditions for your lawn to grow. Overwatering can wash away seeds that have not yet taken root. Too little water will dry out the little sprouts and they will die.
So how much water does grass seed need? Let’s find out.
How Long to Water New Grass Seed
Prepare the soil with a good watering before you plant the seeds. 6 to 8 inches is a healthy amount of water for the soil several days before planting.
With new grass seed, the aim is to keep the soil moist. Waterlogged soil will suffocate the new seeds. It is best to water the grass seedlings 2 to 3 times a day for about 5 to 10 minutes each time. This way you replace any water that has evaporated without oversaturation. It amounts to 3-4 inches of water per week.
Once the grass seeds germinate, you should water for a longer period once a day. The frequency of watering should slowly reduce to a long soak of about 40 minutes on alternate days then cut down to 2-3 days a week. The aim of watering after germination is to assist the grass to form deeper roots. For this, less frequent watering is required.
Keep careful track of the weather. Showers and heavy rain will tell you how often to water grass seed. Skip the watering session after rains.
Install a good quality sprinkler system with a timer to automate this process for you. You might not wish to wake up early on a Saturday morning just to water the lawn.
Prevent Evaporation
Before watering the new grass seed for the first time, you need to protect it from evaporation. Spread straw mulch all over the seeded area before watering.
Water in the early morning and late afternoon, before and after the worst heat of the day. This will allow the water to seep into the soil before evaporating and also helps to conserve water. Avoid watering at night because the water will sit on the grass for too long and promote the growth of mold.
Lawn Care in Cumming
Watering the lawn effectively is a balancing act that takes into account the growth stage of the grass, type of soil, type of grass seed, and the layout of the land. Whether you are a DIY lawn enthusiast or you are looking for professional lawn care in Cumming, contact Absolute Lawn Pros today!
