When’s the Best Time to Reseed Your Lawn?

Do you know the best time to reseed your lawn? Although there are other times of year you can reseed your lawn, according to Purdue University, the best time is now.

“The density of many lawns can be improved by introducing seed into the lawn and allowing these plants to germinate. The optimum time to seed cool-season turfgrasses is between Aug. 15 and Sept. 1 in central Indiana and Illinois, a week earlier in northern Indiana and Illinois, and a week later in southern Indiana and Illinois.” — Purdue Extension — Lawn Improvement Programs

When’s the Best Time to Reseed Your Lawn?

7 Steps to Reseeding Your Lawn 

It’s been a tough summer on lawns in central Indiana. We’ve had record high temperatures, drought-like conditions, and the sun has been blistering. If like me, you’ve allowed your lawn to lay dormant during this summer of heat, you may have a few small dead spots that will require reseeding. Here’s what to do.

1. Mow the grass to an inch and ½. I know that’s 2 ½ to 3 inches shorter than you usually mow. The reason is to limit the competition from existing grass toward the seedlings.
2. “Aerify the area, punching 20 to 40 holes per ft2 with the largest tines available. This will increase the seed-soil contact and improve germination and establishment rate.” —  Purdue Extension
3. Treat your lawn with a high phosphorous fertilizer
4. Apply seed using a hand or powered seeder for even distribution. Bluegrass is a good choice for central Indiana.
5. Water 2 to 3 times per day. Rain that soaks the lawn counts as watering. Do not let the seedlings get dry. Without water, they will not grow.
6. When it gets above 1.5 inches, mow back to 1.5 inches. Over the next 3 or 4 weeks, slowly bring the mowing height up ½ inch at a time.
7. After 4 weeks, apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer.  

What if Your Lawn Has Died? 

If the lawn has large dead areas (be certain it’s t just) it may need tilling before adding seed. (Another option is resodding). Newly tilled soil should be seeded at a rate of 6-8 lbs. of seed per 1,000 sq. ft. of area. You should add specialized fertilizer for seed germination at a rate of 8-10 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. Next, rake the seed and fertilizer into the soil to ensure that the seed is covered with soil for the best possible germination.

As in reseeding your lawn, seeded tilled soil will need watered 2 to 3 times per day. The seed will not germinate well, and the grass will not grow without constant watering. Although Berger Hargis can help you with seeding your lawn, we are not available to water your lawn. That will be up to you.  

How Can We Help You?

Berger Hargis has a company philosophy of providing personal excellence for all our services. Our growth and success have been due entirely to our commitment to honest, excellent customer service. The company has been built on the referral business we have received due to this philosophy.

If we can answer any questions about how to control grubs, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us. 

And if your looking for a career where you can have fun at work, give us a call at (317) 243-0100.  

About the Author

Randy Clark is a speaker, coach, and author. He publishes a weekly blog at Randy Clark Leadership.com. Randy is passionate about social media, leadership development, and flower gardening. He’s a beer geek, and on weekends (after COVID-19), he can be found fronting the Rock & Roll band Under the Radar. He’s the proud father of two educators; he has four amazing grandchildren and a wife who dedicates her time to helping others. Randy is the author of the Amazon bestseller The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management.

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