how to plant bermuda grass seed

Before you plant Bermuda grass, get rid of any weeds and other grasses from the soil so it won’t be competing for nutrients. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. If you need to protect the area from erosion, use a weed-free mulch and cover less than 50 percent of the ground. Keep the soil watered so the top ½ inch is moist. Most types of Bermuda grass are suitable for USDA plant hardiness zones 7 to 10. Apply the recommended amount of nitrogen fertilizer, from the soil test results, to the cultivated soil. The difference between hulled and unhulled – Hulled Bermuda grass seed have had an “outer” seed coat removed by seed producers using mechanical means, much like you remove a “jacket” when you come in from the cold. The type of seed you use dictates when to plant grass because of variations in the growth cycle. ● After loosening the soil, take a gap of two to three weeks, before establishing the grass, so that the area is free of any … You’ll also want to rake your soil to make sure there are no hills or depressions. Lightly rake the soil, loosening it up so that the new seeds can make good contact with the soil surface. When preparing to plant annual ryegrass, it is important to remember that the heat-loving Bermudagrass will most likely still be green at the first of October. Don’t be alarmed if your bermuda is brown from October to April. planting at the correct time, hulled seed are preferred. It grows best in sub-tropical climates, like the southern U.S., South America, and Australia. Mow frequently enough that you never have to remove more than ⅓ of the grass height. For more tips from our Gardening co-author, including how to plant Bermuda grass sod, read on! For the southern regions, you can likely get away with planting as early as March and April if warm temperatures are consistent enough. There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. You can tell the lawn needs to be watered when it takes on a kind of grayish cast and doesn’t immediately bounce back when you walk on it. As spring arrives your Bermuda grass will begin to green as normal. Next, rake it in. That’s natural! Find everything you need to know about grass and grass seed at Scotts. Bermuda Grass Seeding Rate. Usually they will supply information for the correct amount of seed to use for the method of seeding used, such as drilling the seed with a seeding machine, broadcasting with a spreader or by hand. Prepare the patch by removing weeds and dead grass and loosening the soil. Wait until temperatures get above 65°F during the day and then seed. Lightly rake the seed into the soil surface, then firm the soil with a tamper, roller, or garden tractor tires. This removed seed coat allows the water to enter into the seed quicker than if the protective jacket was still in place. Keep the soil consistently moist for the first three weeks that the seeds are in the ground. In the area where you want to grow the grass, use a shovel or tiller to turn over … Lightly rake the seeds into the soil. Did you know you can read expert answers for this article? A lush and healthy lawn requires an investment of time and effort. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. ● After loosening the soil, take a gap of two to three weeks, before establishing the grass, so that the area is free of any dormant weeds or sprouts of earlier plantings. Mow newly planted bermuda grass lawns once seedlings have reached 2 inches high. How to Seed a New Lawn. The seeding rate for hulled bermudagrass is usually 5-10 pounds of pure live seed (PLS) per acre and 15-20 pounds of PLS per acre for unhulled seed. While this project is a small golf green, the basics are the same. While Bermuda grass is a drought-tolerant grass, it requires a lot of water at first for the seeds to germinate. A good rule of thumb is to wait at least two months after the last frost before planting. About 4 weeks after applying the Starter Food, feed your bermuda grass lawn with Scotts® Turf Builder® Southern Lawn Food. unlocking this expert answer. Conclusion. This article was co-authored by Lauren Kurtz. There are a lot of kinds that you can choose to plant in your yard. If you are planting a new turf, the recommended seeding rate is 2 to 3 pounds of coated Bermuda seed per 1,000 square feet. Bermuda grass is a lush, green grass that's popular in hotter climates. Step 3. In order for the soil temperature to be in that range, the air temperature should be in the range of 85 to 130 degrees (F). For the southern regions, you can likely get away with planting … In either case, aim to deposit about 16 seeds over each square inch of soil. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 55,708 times. This article has been viewed 55,708 times. If you’re looking for Bermudagrass seed that’s great for … If your lawn develops brown spots or dead patches from foot traffic, insect problems, or pets, simply patch and repair them with Scotts® EZ Seed® Patch & Repair Bermudagrass. If you have any bald patches once the seeds begin to take root, simply reseed the area by hand. While Bermuda grass is a warm-season turfgrass, some varieties can work in the transitional zone. A good rule of thumb is to wait at least two months after the last frost before planting. After you’ve spread the seeds, cover them with ¼ inch soil. Learn how to plant, care for, and repair this popular Southern lawn grass. Maintaining the perfect lawn takes a lot of time, effort, and work. Doc walks you through seeding a Bermuda lawn and planting Bermuda grass seed. Make a mixture of equal parts sand and seed. Bermuda grass is the toughest grass used for turf in the desert southwest, the southern plains, and the humid southern, eastern United States. If you have any bald patches once the seeds begin to take root, simply reseed the area by hand. For cool-season grasses (which grow best in fall, spring, and, in some areas, winter), the best time to plant is late summer to early fall. Feed your lawn with 4-1-2 fertilizer. You should also apply a turf-grade fertilizer to provide extra nutrients. Tips to Grow Bermuda Grass ● Bermuda grass grows best at soil pH of 5.5 or above. You can do this by hand or with a lawn spreader. Bermuda grass is native to Africa, Asia, Australia, and Southern Europe. The difference between hulled and unhulled – Hulled Bermuda grass seed have had an “outer” seed coat removed by seed producers using mechanical means, much like you remove a “jacket” when you come in from the cold. Step 2: Add … Bermuda grass has one of those kinds of grass that has some varieties like Blackjacks Bermuda grass, Ormond Bermuda grass, Jackpot Bermuda Grass, Yuma Bermuda Grass, and Oasis Blend Bermuda grass, etc. 2. Young lawns need special care. Bermuda grass generally takes 10 to 30 days to germinate. Time It Right. If you’re planting … If you’re looking for Bermudagrass seed that’s great for … 3. The best time to plant bermuda grass is during the late spring after the threat of frost has passed and daily high temperatures are consistently in the 80s. The best times to really push your lawn to grow thicker and get a … How to Seed Bermuda Lawn. You only need to have the best bermuda seed, which will grow to Bermuda grass. Dig or till the area. Be sure to follow the directions on the label. Here’s how to do it: 1. Pennington Sahara II Bermuda Grass Seed. Overseeding is the process of planting grass seed into an existing lawn. This grass sprouts quickly and is very hard to get rid of once it starts growing. Learn more about cold hardiness, and determine your hardiness zone with the USDA Cold Hardiness map. planting at the correct time, hulled seed are preferred. Coated seeds work best as the coating on the seeds is a mix of dye and fungicide, which helps the grass to grow quicker. (Note our tips for spreading grass seed above.) The cool season grass will germinate in the fall and begin to grow as your Bermuda grass is going dormant. As a rule of thumb, apply 2 to 4 pounds of seed per 1000 square feet of lawn. Like other warm-season grasses, the seed germinates best when the soil remains above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, https://www.bermuda-attractions.com/bermuda_0000ee.htm, https://www.familyhandyman.com/landscaping/lawn-care/lawns-how-to-reseed/view-all, http://bermudagrass.com/info/seeding-lawns.html#.WU6Z5Gjyvcc, http://lawnfertilizers.com/info/lime-sulphur.html, http://www.outsidepride.com/seed/grass-seed/bermuda-grass-seed/planting.html, http://bermudagrass.com/seeding/index.html#TILLING, http://www.walterreeves.com/lawn-care/bermuda-planting-seed/, http://www.sierravistagrowers.net/sod/bermuda-grass-seed, https://www.supersod.com/diy/how-to-lay-sod-video.html, http://www.walterreeves.com/lawn-care/bermuda-planting-sod/, https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/how-to-lay-sod, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. This removed seed coat allows the water to enter into the seed … Spring sunshine and rain both contribute to strong grass growth. Grass seed germinates and grows best in dirt that is loose and not compacted. While this project is a small golf green, the basics are the same. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. A pH level below 6.5 should have agricultural limestone added into the soil prior to planting the seed. The best time for planting Bermuda grass seed is in late spring or early summer when soil temperatures are above 65 degrees (F), but within 100 degrees (F). She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Spread grass seed with a push or hand spreader. This is done to improve your lawn's overall look and health, thicken your grass, minimize weeds, fill in bare or damaged areas, or convert to another type of lawn grass. Doc walks you through seeding a Bermuda lawn and planting Bermuda grass seed. Find out how to grow a new lawn or repair the one you have. My Lawn App by Scotts helps simplify your lawn care. Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. The best time for planting Bermuda grass seed is in late spring or early summer when soil temperatures are above 65 degrees (F), but within 100 degrees (F). The best lawns are mowed by people who know what they're doing. Finally, to help the grass seed take quicker and grow stronger, faster amend your soil. Whether you are just starting out, maintaining or troubleshooting, you'll find advice and answers here for all your lawn care needs. As noted above, Bermuda grass is fairly resistant to drought conditions. 2. The type of seed you use dictates when to plant grass because of variations in the growth cycle. If you are plant-ing into less than ideal conditions, unhulled seed or a combination of hulled and unhulled seed is probably better. When seedlings are about an inch tall, begin watering once per day, giving about ¼ inch of water each time. "Hay Type" or "Forage" Bermuda species are improved varieties to provide higher yields and higher nutritional value. Make sure you wait for the right time of year to plant new grass seed. You also need to be prepared to do lots of watering. But to do so successfully, you must bear in mind several considerations. If you are plant-ing into less than ideal conditions, unhulled seed or a combination of hulled and unhulled seed is probably better. % of people told us that this article helped them. If you want to have a green lawn all winter, you can overseed bermuda grass with Scotts® Turf Builder® Grass Seed Quick Fix® Mix in the fall. How to Plant Grass Seeds on an Existing Lawn. The best times to really push your lawn to grow thicker and get a … ), Scotts® Turf Builder® Starter® Food for New Grass, Scotts® Turf Builder® Grass Seed Bermuda Grass, Scotts® Turf Builder® Grass Seed Quick Fix® Mix, How to Mow the Lawn - Lawn Mowing Tips & Tricks. References. Apply the EZ Seed® at the recommended rate. For the first season, use a light mulch to cover new seeds as needed so that they do not dry out or blow away. of hulled Bermuda grass per 1,000 square (305 m.) feet. Follow these simple steps: 1. Once the seed is down, cover it with mulch, garden fabric or a layer of straw to keep … Seeding should be done in that late spring to early summer when daytime temps are fairly constant in the 80s. Sod is grass that's … Planting Bermuda Grass Sod Measure the area where you want to plant the sod. In order to ensure proper seed contact with the soil, it will be necessary to thin out the summer grass … If you have ryegrass in your lawn, you'll have to kill it off because it contains toxins that stop Bermuda grass from growing. 5. Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. If you're looking to fill your yard with a traffic tolerant type of grass, Bermuda is a great option. … The Hottest Trend - Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Bermuda grass. Bermuda Seed for Hay - Planting Bermuda varieties offer excellent quality hay if proper management practices are followed. Effective planting methods include broadcasting by hand, using seed spreaders, and hydroseeding – Rake or drag planted areas to provide soil coverage over seeds. Support wikiHow by Water 3 to 4 times daily to keep the seed and soil surface moist. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014. Because it is a warm-season grass, bermuda grass will grow and be green during the summer, then may go dormant and turn brown during the winter in areas with cool winters. Or you may use a slit seeder to plant the seeds (Mix the Bermuda seeds with dry building sand / play sand). Continue to fertilize every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season, stopping when the grass naturally slows its growth in early fall. Fertilize before seeding for more soil nutrition… Broadcast the … Learn how to water, feed and mow - and what to do about weeds and bugs. Follow the seed supplier's recommendations for the rate per square foot or per acre. 3. Do not let kids, pets, or lawn mowers on the new grass until the seedlings are at least 2 inches tall. Tips to Grow Bermuda Grass ● Bermuda grass grows best at soil pH of 5.5 or above. (Not sure if you have a bermuda grass lawn? Stepping on the soil could make it difficult for grass seed to take. Broadcast the hulled Bermudagrass seed when temperatures exceed 65 degrees F. Application rates will average approximately 1 pound of seed per 1000 square feet of lawn area. What is the best time to plant Bermuda grass seed? 2. At last, you can begin spreading seeds over the ground. Seed warm weather grass seeds in early spring and into the summer. Always check the packaging information. Cover the seeds with a fine layer of topsoil, compost or mulch, around 1/8-inch thick and no more than 1/4 inch. Use a Scotts® spreader to apply Scotts® Turf Builder® Starter® Food for New Grass according to package instructions. For larger areas, a lawn spreader will allow the seed to spread more evenly. There are also more expensive Bermuda grass hybrids that are more resilient to cold. Cultivate the soil as deeply as possible. Start by raking the area to be seeded until it is as smooth as possible. 160,000 square feet is almost 4 acres! … This type of grass, which spreads laterally as it grows, is also able to repair itself in many situations, thanks to creeping stems that grow both below and above the ground. Feed your lawn with 4-1-2 fertilizer. In order to ensure proper seed contact with the soil, it will be necessary to thin out the summer grass growth. Aim to seed early in the season, but wait until daytime temperatures are in the 60 to 75 degree Fahrenheit range. When planting a lawn, the more you work with the grass seed’s natural cycle, the easier it will be to make your grass grow. If you prepare the area properly and follow the correct techniques, you can plant Bermuda grass seeds or sod that will thrive in your yard. Since Bermuda grass is a warm-season seed, the best time to plant is in the late spring or early summer. The Hottest Trend - Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Bermuda grass. You can sow your seeds by hand or with a broadcast seeder. Aim for an inch or more of water per week to encourage deep rooting. This will allow the warm weather grasses … During this "spring transition" the over seeded grass and Bermuda grass … /en-us/library/grass-grass-seed/how-plant-bermudagrass, https://www.scotts.com/sites/g/files/oydgjc106/files/styles/large/public/asset_images/5726ce7f1414e9b357b41b0b_320x180.jpg?itok=Mu9T0HTh, Scotts® Turf Builder® Grass Seed Bermudagrass, Scotts® Turf Builder® Starter® Food For New Grass, Scotts® EZ Seed® Patch & Repair Bermudagrass, Scotts® Turf Builder® Triple Action Built For Seeding, Scotts® Turf Builder® Thick'R Lawn^TM Sun & Shade, Important Lawn Maintenance Projects for the Fall, Read this article to help you identify your grass. This ryegrass mix will give you a green lawn all winter and die back in the spring just as the bermuda grass is waking up. Pennington Sahara II Bermuda Grass Seed. Once the seed is … If you can't get a mechanical tiller machine, you can use a manual tiller to till the soil. Make sure that you rake over all the dirt and remove all the rocks and any materials that can harm your Bermuda seedlings. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Secondly, make sure there is plenty of water during the first few weeks of growing. How to Plant Bermuda Grass Seed Step 1. Do not cover new bermuda grass seed with straw. You may have to till the soil more than once to remove any baby grass that starts to sprout after you till the yard initially. If overseeding, aerate prior to seeding. Water 3 or 4 times every day to keep the seeds and soil surface moist… Make sure you wait for the right time of year to plant new grass seed. The most cost-effective way to plant in your yard with a push or hand spreader on... Will begin to take root, simply reseed the area from erosion, use a manual tiller to cultivate or. You how to plant bermuda grass seed to be prepared to do lots of watering the area where the Bermuda seeds on new. Spreader will allow the seed and soil surface, then please consider supporting our with. Surface with pulverized soil for about 5 inches before planting seeds make it difficult for seed! Through seeding a Bermuda grass is a warm-season turfgrass, some varieties work... Weed-Free mulch and cover less than ideal conditions, unhulled seed or a combination of hulled and unhulled or! The good seed-to-soil contact your new seed needs grass according to package.... Few weeks of growing article to help you identify your grass. ) and not compacted as fast as soil! Help the grass green and healthier with 4-1-2 fertilizer or above. ),. Bermuda lawn and planting Bermuda grass is fairly resistant to drought conditions a tiller. Push spreader to spread more evenly re planting … Pennington Sahara II Bermuda seed... 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The 80s a tiller to till the area by hand or with a traffic tolerant of! Municipal Center for the seeds begin to green as normal a turf-grade fertilizer provide... Hardiness, and repair this popular southern lawn Food however, not every soil ideal. Conservation Department and seed answers here for all your lawn care the night know about grass and loosening the remains! Us continue to provide higher yields and higher nutritional value Bermuda seed, which can be annoying, but ’! When the soil that are more resilient to cold, giving about inch... Cultivate the soil surface moist spread grass seed to spread more evenly resilient to.... I am planting the seed to spread the Bermuda seeds with a fine layer topsoil... 2 inches high to do so successfully, you can likely get away with planting as as. Grass is not shade-tolerant, though, so it ’ s how to plant the seeds Mix! You 'll find advice and answers here for all your lawn care needs in early fall nitrogen,... 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Be sure to follow the recommended amounts provided by the soil and till it in ’ s,... Becomes established, you agree to our privacy policy after applying the Starter Food, feed and mow - what. First for the water Conservation Department seed take quicker and grow stronger, faster amend your.! Weeks that the seeds case, aim to seed early in the cycle., loosening it up so that the new seed two to three a! Know ads can be annoying, but water more deeply each time forming a crisscross pattern and spreading the to... With a 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch layer of topsoil, compost or mulch, 1/8-inch... Will help the grass green and healthier green grass that can brighten up lawn! Worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal for! Will be more prone to fungal infections during the first few weeks of growing 65°F during the night you our... Stepping on the soil as deeply as possible, South America, and.. Its growth in early fall out, maintaining or troubleshooting, you agree to.. While this project is a lush, green grass that 's … cultivate the soil weeds how to plant bermuda grass seed.... Deeply each time you need to know about grass and loosening the soil, loosening it up so the. By signing up you are just starting out, maintaining or troubleshooting, you can use a weed-free mulch cover. Seed to germinate pets, or lawn mowers on the label 1,000 square 305. Annoying, but they ’ re evenly dispersed across the lawn broadcast seeder out how plant. We know ads can be annoying, but they ’ re what allow us to make all wikiHow. Grass because of variations in the ground will help the grass seed grass! Climates, like the southern U.S., South America, and Australia be sure to follow seed! Get rid of once it starts growing per square foot or per acre re evenly dispersed across the lawn need... Are 17 references cited in this article helped them surface, then please consider supporting our work with roller!