Be the Green Side of the Grass
Is your lawn looking a bit tired, patchy, or just plain sad? It’s time to give it a little TLC with a topdressing and overseeding makeover. Think of it as a spa day for your grass—a rejuvenating treatment that leaves it lush, green, and ready to show off. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to transform your lawn from "meh" to magnificent.
1. Rake It Up!
First things first, grab either a hard rake or a fan rake and give your lawn a good combing. This isn’t a gentle massage; you’re removing all that dead grass and debris that’s been hanging around like an unwanted guest. If your lawn is longer than ½ inch, mow it down to that length. Trust me, it makes the next steps a breeze.
2. Spread the Love with Topdressing
Now that your lawn is looking neat, it’s time for the topdressing. Use a triple mix (a blend of soil, compost, and peat moss) and spread it evenly across the lawn. Keep the layer between ¼ inch and ½ inch deep—any thicker and you risk smothering your grass rather than feeding it. This top layer provides nutrients, improves soil structure, and creates the perfect bed for your new seeds.
3. Seed Like a Pro
Next up is seeding. Spread the grass seed evenly over your newly topdressed lawn. Be careful not to let any seeds wander into your garden beds unless you’re aiming for a grass-and-tulip mashup.
4. Feed the Need with Organic Fertilizer
After seeding, it’s time to feed. Apply an organic fertilizer over the entire lawn. This gives your new grass the nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy. Plus, it’s better for the environment and your soil in the long run.
5. Lightly Rake for Best Results
Grab your fan rake again and lightly rake the entire area. This step helps to tuck the seeds just below the surface, where they’ll have the best chance to germinate. You don’t need to bury them deep—just a light dusting will do.
6. Roll On (Optional)
If you happen to have a roller lying around, now’s the time to use it. Rolling the lawn helps to firm the soil and ensure good contact between the seeds and the soil. But if you don’t have one, don’t sweat it—your seeds will still germinate just fine without it.
7. Water, Water, Water
Water the entire lawn thoroughly, making sure each section gets a good 30 minutes of hydration. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the seeds have germinated. This usually takes about 6 to 10 days, depending on the weather and how diligent you are with watering.
8. Spot Seed Any Missed Areas
Once your new grass starts to sprout, you might notice a few bare patches. No worries—just grab some more seed and fill in those spots. It’s like giving your lawn a little touch-up.
9. Mow High and Let It Fly
When it’s time to mow, set your mower to its highest setting and leave it there for the entire season. This encourages deep root growth, which makes your lawn more drought-resistant and lush. Plus, taller grass shades out weeds, giving you a healthier lawn with less effort.
So there you have it! With these simple steps, your lawn will be the envy of the neighbourhood, ready to withstand the Canadian climate and look fabulous doing it.
Happy gardening!
From the vaults....
Here's a way back from Mike the Gardening Guy. In this video, Mike will show you how to topdress & overseed your lawn.