Best lawn irrigation specialists near Troy, MT

Unfortunately, garages are one of the worst places to store grass seeds, despite their proximity to yards. Garages are hot and humid, two environmental traits that are detrimental to grass seeds. Grass seed has the best chance of survival in a dry space with temperatures ranging from 30 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. 

With that in mind, the best place to store seeds is in a sealed container in the refrigerator or in the coolest part of your home. Also, limit your seeds’ access to sunlight for the best germination results down the line. 

Yes, but the best approach is to apply fertilizer well before you actually sprinkle the seeds. Apply fertilizer with an NPK ratio somewhere around 10-10-20, or 10-10-10, depending on soil test results and the type of grass you're planting, about six to eight weeks before planting grass seed. This mix added to loosened soil will give the grass seed its best chance of getting off to a solid start. 

No, it's not a good idea to put grass seed directly on top of dead grass. For successful germination and growth, grass seed needs good soil contact. To prepare the area, start by removing the dead grass using a shovel or a sod cutter. Then, loosen the soil, add soil amendments if necessary, and spread the grass seed evenly. This allows the seed to come into direct contact with the soil, promoting better germination and establishing a healthier lawn.

Even the most shade-tolerant turf grass needs at least three or four hours of full sunlight or a good amount of partial sunlight throughout the day. You might want to look at other gardening options for full shade, like plants that can survive in full shade, hardscaping, or structural architecture, to still get that yard of your dreams without compromising on your landscaping design.