Spreading a layer of straw over a newly seeded lawn will help the seeds to germinate properly while protecting the seeds from wind, heavy rains, and birds or other hungry visitors. … Treating the hay before you spread it will eliminate most of the weed seeds so they don't end up sprouting in the middle of your new lawn.
Is it OK to cover grass seed with hay?
Should I cover new grass seed with hay?
Applying straw atop a flat seeded area is optional and generally beneficial to the seeds, but you should make sure the straw is dry and free from mold so it does not introduce mold to the area. There's no benefit to using straw in humid or extremely wet weather, as the soil will already have all the moisture it needs.
What is the best thing to cover grass seed with?
What to Cover New Grass Seed With
- Straw. Straw is one of the most commonly used materials for covering newly planted grass seed. …
- Compost. For an inexpensive green option, compost makes an ideal covering for new grass seeds. …
- Mulch. …
- Polyethylene Plastic.
Dec 15, 2018
How much hay do you put over grass seed?
For improved grass seed germination, ensure that the layer of straw that you apply over your newly-seeded lawn is no more than three inches thick. Usually, a single bale of straw should be enough to lightly cover about 1000 square feet of lawn area.
How do you use hay for grass seed?
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. Lightly till the soil and rake it smooth. Set a spreader to apply seed at a rate of 20 percent as a starting point.
How long do you leave hay on grass seed?
How long to leave straw on grass seed? Leave the straw mulching in place until the new grass seedlings have grown to a height of about 3 inches. This is usually anywhere between three-five weeks post-planting, depending on various factors such as weather conditions.
Why do you put hay over grass seed?
Not only does straw keep grass seed moist and warm, it also keeps the seed from blowing around on windy days or washing away during heavy rainstorms watering. … Straw also discourages birds and small mammals from feasting on the seed. As it decomposes, the straw contributes valuable nutrients to the soil.
Can you grow grass with just hay?
Hay helps grass seed grow in several ways. … Grass seed needs to stay consistently moist to germinate, and spreading hay over the area helps hold in moisture without letting the ground get too wet, which could make the seeds moldy.
What to do with hay after grass grows?
Once the grass gets growing and you start mowing, the straw will get chopped up and end up disappearing into the blades. If you've got mats here and there, rake them up and compost the straw. Or work it into a garden bed.