On May 10, 11:46 am, "bent" wrote:
wrote





"I am waiting a little longer still before I seed. I think it will be
done
in 4 to 6 weeks, but doesn't matter when you start, the end is the
end"
I took this to mean that you are going to seed in 4-6 weeks. If you
mean you're going to seed sometime real soon and the grass will be up
by that time, then what you're proposing makes more sense. But, I
would get the seed down immediately.
As I said earlier, I'd wager that your real problem with poor
germination is elsewhere. I didn;t see any response about how you
seeded, ie, did you get good soil/seed contact via a slice seeder or
other method, or did you just throw some seed around. Getting good
soil contact can make a huge difference in germination rates.
So, you plan to seed sometime in the coming weeks, then water for
just a month? Now that is a prescription for disaster. How do you
expect seedlings to survive in July/August? The watering should be
backed off gradually. And going into summer, with new seedlings, I
would expect to water continuously every 2-3 days or so in hot
weather, if it hasn't rained.

May start today. Not really sure how long it will take, but if it takes
longer than 6 weeks, that is a very narrow window, but thats what I'm
pointing out.


Wow, how big of an area are you doing that it could take so long?



This is interesting, as I suspected, I wonder if there is deception for
profit involved. Just pointing out what is working for me, in Toronto.
Oops, not really sure if it works yet.

I break up the surface of the existing lawn soil, and spread that around
evenly, loosened. Depending on how deep or quality that area is, I may add
Top Soil (I have used different soils, and suspect using "Garden Soil" was
part of my problem - like to know more about what should-shouldn't use &
why. I think peat and moisture materials are good in the soil for
germination, but soon after there is nothing for roots to live in) and
spread it around evenly. Then I'd sprinkle seeds with a handheld broadcast
spreader. Then I'd hand and/or shovel bomb some more new "Top Soil" ("Top
Soil is the name of the newest bags I'm trying.), and maybe spread it
around. May do a little patting, with end of 8" garden rake. What I am
going for is a little layer below, and a little layer above. I try to water
lightly to not expose the seeds, and may add soil after. I rely that the
watering compacts the mix a bit, but can't say I've tamped it down; covered
it up in a tight packing. If it were obvious a large number of seeds were
sitting right on the surface of the soil I'd add more soil. I don't have a
roller handy, and that'd probly trek everything everywhere. However I could
make a tamping plate if I need some compaction.

Instead of all that work, why not just mow it short (if needed), and
rent a slice seeder? You can rent one for around $50 for a half day,
$80/day here. Might want to core aerate it first, which can be rented
for similar amount. You can easily do 1/2 acre or an acre in a day,
smaller lawn in 1/2 day, instead of killing yourself. And the seed
will be in the soil at the right depth, where you will get excellent
germination.