Q: What should I do if my seeds aren’t sprouting?

• <div><p>If it&rsquo;s been a few weeks and you haven&rsquo;t seen anything pop up, double-check your seed packet and make sure you didn&rsquo;t miss any steps. Did they need cold stratification (putting seeds in the freezer and then transferring to water before planting)? Do they have an exceptionally long germination period? </p><p> If you&rsquo;ve followed all of the directions closely, you may just have had a bad batch of seeds. (Sadly, it happens.)</p></div>

Question 1

What should I do if my seeds aren’t sprouting?

Accepted Answer

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If it’s been a few weeks and you haven’t seen anything pop up, double-check your seed packet and make sure you didn’t miss any steps. Did they need cold stratification (putting seeds in the freezer and then transferring to water before planting)? Do they have an exceptionally long germination period?

If you’ve followed all of the directions closely, you may just have had a bad batch of seeds. (Sadly, it happens.)

Question 2

Can you just throw Bermuda seeds down?

Accepted Answer

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If thrown on the ground and left, some Bermuda seeds will sprout on the surface, but you will have a diminished germination rate. It’s best to cultivate the area before spreading the seeds for optimal results. Rake the area first and then evenly distribute the Bermuda seeds. Cover the space with about ¼ inch of soil before watering the area.

Question 3

When can I mow after overseeding ryegrass?

Accepted Answer

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Wait at least three weeks after overseeding ryegrass before breaking out the lawn mower. Mowing sooner will tear up much of the delicate, newly seeded ryegrass as it won't have established strong roots to anchor it yet.

Question 4

How long can grass seed be stored and still germinate?

Accepted Answer

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When stored under ideal conditions, grass seed lasts anywhere from 10 to 18 months from the testing date without any real decrease in the germination rate. You can still use the seeds after this timeframe, but the germination rates drop 10% to 20% each year.

If you’re just embarking on an overseeding project, using seeds that have been in storage for a few years isn’t too big of a deal. However, if you’re planning on redoing your entire landscape, your best bet for a healthy, luscious lawn is to use new seeds.

Question 5

How much does it cost to hydroseed a 1/2-acre lawn?

Accepted Answer

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It costs $1,500 on average to hydroseed a 1/2-acre lawn professionally. DIY hydroseeding costs about $300 to $500 for the machine rental, plus the cost of your seed, mulch, and fertilizer. Often, it makes sense to hire a local lawn seeding service to hydroseed for you to ensure the best coverage and growth.