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ms01634

germination time?

16 years ago

Hi

I have revamped my lawn and overseeded 12 days ago today. I cut it short, power raked 2 times, and ran my spike aerator over it about 6 or 7 times to loosen some soil. I overseeded with Ultra Black Beauty by Jonathon Green. Used about 4 pounds for 1600 square feet. Watered 3 times a day for 10 minutes for a week, and cut back to 2 times a day. The grass mix is 80% TF and 20% KB. How much of the TF would you expect to see by now? I now the KB could take 3 weeks. None of my grass is any where near cutting length, and it is still pretty sparse. Not excited about this right now, but I dont want to throw more down just yet. Any thoughts? Oh I did use Jonathon Green starter fertilizer as well.

Comments (6)

  • 16 years ago

    Most TF has a germination time of 6-14 days. I put down some TF Friday afternoon, this morning I had visible seedlings poking up through the topdressing (5.5 days). I would expect most of yours to be germinated by now. What cultivar(s) of TF were in that mix you used? If you look at the seeds now in your lawn, do they at least have the root coming out of them? Did you top dress? Why did you decrease watering when there was no germination? The keys to germination are water, soil contact and temperature. If you just broadcasted the seeds over the soil, and didn't roll or topdress, germination will take longer than if you did all those things. If your seeds have no roots when you look at them they are probably not getting enough water. It has been pretty dry and sunny in the Northeast for the past 2 weeks, which doesn't make keeping your seeds moist.

  • 16 years ago

    Thanks tiemco.
    I cut back to twice a day watering because my soil was retaining the moisture and I was afraid of creating a fungus. Very rarely if ever during the last two weeks has my soil become dry. I do have alot of new blades visible, but not what I am used to seeing. I did NOT topdress OR roll my seed in. I broadcast spread it and began watering. I do notice much better germination in the one area where my dog destroyed it. That I did topdress, rake in the seed and tamp. I guess this will be a wait and see. Id rather that than crowd the seed.

  • 16 years ago

    You should definitely top dress at least an 1/8" or 1/4" of soil (if you do end up laying down more seed). That way the seed doesn't get fried by the sun, and it'll retain moisture better.

    I just use my hands and sprinkle it over the seed after I'm done seeding.

  • 16 years ago

    Well, after 14 days and roughly 30% germination, I said F'IT! Wet it all down, went over it again with a tractor attached rake, cut it as short as possible, cleaned it all up. Then I spread another dose of seed. This time I ran my tractor over it about 10 times (used it as a roller) and really sunk the seed into the moist soil. Im not sure if Im up to the work of bringing home bags of soil or peat moss to top dress though. At least I know i have good soil contact.

  • 16 years ago

    You never mention type of soil or the use of fertilizer.
    Might need to improve fertility!

  • 16 years ago

    I did use a Jonathan greene starter fertilizer two weeks ago. I did NOT re-fertilize this time. I wonder about the soil, all I know is I am at a ph of 7. Dont know anything else about it. If I had the money id rip it all out, sprinklers and all, and just have topsoil and sod delivered and a new irrigation system installed! I used to have the best looking lawn on the block, its been a slow decline over the past 3 or so years.