Overseeding Your Cool-Season Lawn

TWO DAYS BEFORE SEEDING:
• Water to about 1” deep if your soil is dry.

ONE DAY BEFORE SEEDING:
• Set Mower to scalp existing grass 1”-1½” high. Bag the clippings.
• Aerate with a Core Aerator if soil is very compacted. (optional)
• Amend soil with Hi-Yield Fast Acting Gypsum (for heavy clay) or ferti-lome HuMic (for excess organic matter such as grass or leaf clippings). (optional)

THE DAY OF SEEDING:
• Rake the area. A Vertislicer/Verticutter can be used for large areas.
• Using a Broadcast Spreader, seed at the recommended rate: (too much seed promotes disease)

Johnson's Blue Ribbon Fescue Blend Grass Seed
3-5 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. for overseeding
6-8 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. for new lawns

• Rake or verticut back over the area to cover the seed slightly.
• Using a Broadcast Spreader, apply ferti-lome New Lawn Starter Fertilizer at the rate recommended on the bag. Water in, but not to the point of puddling or runoff.

UNTIL NEW GRASS IS 1½” TALL:
• Water 3-4 times daily, but not to the point of puddling or runoff.

WHEN GRASS IS 1½” - 3” TALL:
• Reduce the frequency of watering, but water deeply (about 1” deep).

WHEN GRASS IS 3” TALL:
• Reset mower height 2½” - 3” high. Mow new grass (don’t take off more than ⅓ of grass blades).

30 DAYS AFTER SEEDING:
• For spring seeding: Apply ferti-lome Green Maker. For fall seeding: Apply ferti-lome Winterizer two times - once 30 days after seeding, and again 30 days after the first application.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What’s a “cool season” lawn? Fescue, bluegrass or ryegrass. Cool season lawns grow best in spring and fall. Fescue is the best cool season grass for our area.

When is the best time to seed? Fall is the best time to seed. Spring is the second best time.

What is “overseeding”? Applying seed to bare or thin areas in an existing lawn. How do I control weeds in my new lawn? Wait until after the new grass has been mowed 3 times, then spray with ferti-lome Weed Free Zone.

How can I keep my new lawn looking great? Our 5-Step ferti-lome Lawn Care Program has everything you need - including instructions - for a full year of do-it-yourself lawn care.