March 20th is the first day of spring. If you’re a landscaper or homeowner, this is the perfect time to lay down seed for the new Austin grass growing season. Here are some spring grass planting tips.
1. Types of grass
Bermuda and centipede grasses are the two most popular varieties here in south central Texas. Like most grasses, they do best when planted early in the spring season, when the temperatures are between 65 and 70 degrees.
2. Tidy up and prepare
Before you seed your lawn, you’ll need clean up your yard. This means removing anything that doesn’t belong, like toys and trash. You’ll also need to rototill all the areas you intend to seed. Otherwise, no grass will grow.
3. Spread and fertilize
You can scatter grass seeds around the yard using either a broadcast spreader or your hand. Spread starter fertilizer afterwards. Use a moderate amount and aim for coverage that is as even as possible.
4. Mix it up
Rake the whole yard, making sure that you bury the seeds and fertilizer together. Then spread one final layer of grass seed on top of the grass/fertilizer mixture. These seeds will eventually sink into the soil and take root.
5. Water thoroughly
Make sure to water the area you’ve planted, either by hand or using a sprinkler system. Keep people and dogs off the seeded area and make sure that the soil is moist enough to allow for proper germination, which usually takes about two weeks.
When you do water, be aware that Austin is still under Stage 2 water restrictions. You can hand-water any day of the week, but if you have a sprinkler system, you will need to abide by the schedule put out by Austin water.
At South Austin Irrigation, we’re proud to offer top-notch irrigation system service and repair that people trust. Whether you’re looking to invest in irrigation equipment or make the most of what you already have, contact us!
