Seeding your lawn in October can be one step you can take to prepare your lawn for next year.
Your lawn may go dormant in winter, but you still have time in October to seed any bare patches and prepare for the growth of a thicker, greener lawn in spring. Seeding your lawn in October is often better than waiting for spring when weeds and cold weather can hinder your efforts. Newly planted grass seed prefers warm soil, and the soil going into Fall will be warmer than the soil going into Spring. In October, you can encourage your grass roots to reach deep and establish the plant before the winter weather sets in. The team at Scientific Plant Service can help you determine which soil tests, fertilizers, and lawn care applications you may need to apply to see the best results this season.
Test and Amend Soil pH
Scientific Plant Service can test your soil to analyze which nutrients it may need and what your soil pH is. If the soil pH is not balanced, it can encourage weed growth and limit the nutrients available to your grass. The soil test results can help Scientific Plant Service determine which fertilizer your lawn needs to create an environment ideal for growth. Any nutrient deficiency will limit the health and growth of your lawn.
Prepare the Soil and Seeds
Correct soil preparation is vital to growing a healthy lawn. To prepare the soil for seeding your lawn, rake the seeding areas to prepare the ground for seeding. Next, apply the seed with a spreader to guarantee even coverage. Do not bury newly planted grass seed more than ¼ inch in depth.
Once the seed is applied, turn your rake over and gently move it back and forth to just cover the seed. Seed-to-soil contact is essential and will enhance germination. In October, your lawn may experience the first frost of the season, but lawns can still grow with sunny days ahead. However, the first frost will help kill off any existing crabgrass. If you notice bare spots after the crabgrass has died, you can fill in the spots with new grass seed.
Fertilize
Fertilizing in the fall will help when seeding your lawn in October. Typically, a slow release fertilizer containing nitrogen will encourage lawn health throughout the rest of the year.
Control Weed Growth
Seeding your lawn in October is beneficial because fewer weeds compete for nutrients. Weed control is generally limited to broadleaf weeds. Spot treatment is most effective if you notice a few weeds throughout your lawn. If you have a lot of weeds, a broader application may be applied. Scientific Plant Service can recommend the best actions to take to eliminate weeds without hindering your lawn growth.
Mow Into Late Fall
Keep mowing your lawn as it continues growing. Be sure the mower blades are sharp and in good working order. You can leave dry clippings on your lawn to return nutrients to your grass.
These combined lawn care treatments will help encourage growth when seeding your lawn in October. When you seed in the fall, you can expect to see greener, healthier grass next spring and get a head start on your spring and summer landscape.
Scientific Plant Service Is Your Go-To Source In Landscape Healthcare
Scientific Plant Service, located in Baltimore, is a privately owned corporation, chartered in Maryland in 1957 by Frank J. Burke. We started as a full-service Arborists specializing in the care of shade trees and ornamental shrubs, but today we are a Lawn Care company that is a huge part of the community. From aquatic environments and snow management to deer and mole control, SPS has services tailored specifically for your lawn and landscape.
We offer services in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia, including: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Calvert counties in MD, as well as Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church in VA. For more information, contact us online, or call us at 410-321-0970. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Pinterest.