New Fall Seeding

14 years ago

Hi ALl,

First time poster here so please excuse my lack of knowledge. I recently renovated the entire lawn (aprox 1 acre at my new home). I reseeded the lawn approx 2 weeks ago. I noticed that grass started to germinate about a week ago. My question is regarding mowing and lime/winter fertilizer application.

I planted a sun/shade mixture with a few different strands of grass seed. When I look at the new lawn I notice that some of the grass is shooting up much quicker than some of the other strains. Should I wait to mow until all of the grass is approx 3 inches high, or just when any of the new grass gets that high? Alternatively, should I not mow it at all until next spring because of the late seeding?

Secondly, I want to do a lime/winter fertilizer application. Should I look to do this toward the end of November/first week of December when the ground freezes up a bit? Or should I not be doing anything and wait until next Spring?

The PH of my lawn is between 5.5 and 6, so I need to get it up a bit for optimal growing.

Also I have an irrigation that is currently watering the grass for 10 minutes in each zone three times daily.

Thanks in advance for your help

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Comments (4)

tiemco
14 years ago
Since you used a sun and shade mix, you are going to get different growth rates. The tallest blades you have are perennial rye, whereas the shorter stuff is probably fine fescue, kentucky bluegrass, or both. What are the grass types listed on the bag of seed you used? In any case, you don't want new grass to get too long, as it will flop over on itself, and the shorter seedlings. You should mow it this fall, don't let it go till next year as mowing will encourage thickening, tillering and maturation. Since it has only been two weeks, I would wait at least another week before you mow. Ideally you want to mow it when it gets to 3 inches, but letting it get to 4 is OK. Walking on seedlings isn't the best idea, but they can be more resilient than you think. When you mow use the bag attachment as you don't want the clippings to smother the new grass, especially the shorter seedlings.
Dcarollolaw
Original Author
14 years ago
Great information. Thank you. What height should I mow the grass?

Also, I want to do a lime a winter fertilizer application. The ph of my lawn is currently between 5.5 and 6.

Can I add both a winter fertilizer and lime at the same time?

Should I wait until after I mow the lawn a couple of times?
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tiemco
14 years ago
The rule for mowing grass is that you generally don't remove more than 1/3rd of the blade. New grass usually gets mowed when it hits three inches, and you would cut it down to two. If you let yours get to four inches you can take it down to 2.75. Then in a few days you can takes it down two 2 if you want.

Fertilizer and lime applications should be separated by two weeks. Make sure you use the correct lime. Winterizer should be applied late in the season when top growth has stopped, but the ground isn't frozen. It should be all quick release nitrogen. I would wait till you mow a few times before you add the lime.
kidhorn
14 years ago
I would wait until the spring to put down lime. Your pH doesn't need immediate attention and you should avoid putting down anything that may stress the new grass. I would wait several weeks before putting down any fertilizer for the same reason.