Assume a 1,000 Square Foot Area (33 feet x 33 feet)

1. Lawns should have a minimum of 4 inches of loam spread before seeding.

2. If the subsoil is sandy 1 to 2 inches of clay should be spread over the area before you spread the loam.

3. After loam has been smoothed and graded, apply starter fertilizer. We recommend Bonide Lawn Seed Starter Fertilizer 10-25-12. We carry a 4 lb. shaker which covers 1,250 square feet.

4. Apply lime to loam. Application rate is 75 lbs. per 1,000 square feet for heavy clay base soils, or 50 lbs. per 1,000 square feet for sandy soils.

5. Rototill or rake in lime and starter fertilizer.

6. Finish grade.

7. Apply grass seed. Approximately 5 lbs. per 1,000 square feet.

8.  Rake lightly with bamboo rake to plant seed. After raking, only about 1/5 of the seed will be visible on top of the soil.

9. Roll loam to firm seed bed. Make sure the roller is dry or you will pick up the seed.

10. Apply hay or straw 3 to 4 straw layers thick. Soil should be visible under hay.

11. Water as soon as possible to wet hay to prevent it from blowing around.

12. Water every two to three days if there is no rain. Water less as grass grows.

13. Set mower on high setting. First mowing when grass is 3 to 4 inches high. Lower mower height each mowing until desired height is reached.

14. Second fertilization 4 weeks after planting with regular lawn fertilizer, If lawn was planted in the spring. Lawns planted after mid June should not be fertilized again until the first of September.