How to Lay Hay in the Winter to Grow Grass: Late January and early February provide an opportunity to plant grass seed in preparation for the upcoming warmer months of summer.
Keeping seed moist is an essential part of the process. By preparing and planting seed in the winter, the chances of the seeds receiving natural moisture from rain and snow increases. To help prevent the possibility of seed drying out, add a protective mulch layer of straw or hay to retain moisture and protect against the cold.
Overseeded and Thin Areas:
- Overseed established grass or thin areas in the lawn by first raking away any leaves, sticks or other debris. Work down to break up any thatch that exists and loosen the soil.
- Spread grass seed in smaller areas by hand or use a handheld spreader for larger areas. Apply the seed at a rate of at least 4 to 5 grass seeds per square inch of the area. Water the seed to prevent it from drying out between natural rain and snow fall.
- Apply hay to cover the seeded area at a rate of 1 bale per 1000 square feet. Scatter the straw so that you can look down through the application and see the ground. Avoid applying straw too heavily, as it will interfere with germination later on when the weather warms.
New Grass:
- Prepare a new planting site for grass by removing any debris and vegetation. Lightly till the soil and rake it smooth.
- Spread the seed by hand or with a mechanical spreader. Apply seed such as Fescue at a rate of 8 pounds per 1000 square feet. Set a spreader to apply seed at a rate of 20 percent as a starting point. Apply seed to a small area and adjust the spreader setting up or down to achieve coverage of 4 to 5 seeds per inch.
- Lightly rake the seeded area to incorporate the seed into the soil. Apply a light mulch covering of hay to the seeded area at a rate no more than 1 bale per 1000 square feet; you should see patches of soil between the pieces of straw when you are finished spreading it.
Visit North Fulton Feed for more tips on How to Lay Hay in the Winter to Grow Grass. In addition, we sell bulk seeds and more!
Article Source: Keith Dooley for Home Guides