The Germination of Kentucky Bluegrass Seeds

Remove all debris, including weeds and rocks, from the lawn bed. Collect a soil sample, and submit it to the county cooperative extension service for a nutrient and pH analysis. The lab report you receive tells which amendments and how much of each to apply to prepare the soil for growing Kentucky bluegrass.

Till the soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. Spread 3 to 6 cubic yards of manure per 1000 square feet over the surface. Broadcast any amendments and fertilizers recommended in the soil analysis report. Incorporate everything into the ground with a rototiller.

Rake the seedbed to create a smooth surface. Push a lawn roller over it to firm the ground.

Buy 2 to 3 pounds of grass seeds per 1000 square feet of surface. Divide the amount into two equal parts. Pour one half into a seed spreader.

Sow the first half of Kentucky bluegrass seeds as you move back and forth in one direction. Place the second half of the seeds into the spreader. Broadcast it by walking in a direction perpendicular to the previous one. If you first moved north to south, now sow the seeds from east to west. This method prevents bare spots.

Rake the seeds lightly to promote adequate contact with the soil surface. Push them slightly into the ground by running a lawn roller over the seeded surface.

Irrigate the seedbed to a depth of 4 inches. Keep the seeds and soil moist for successful germination. Irrigate the grass seedlings to a depth of 6 to 8 inches once a week. Water established Kentucky bluegrass lawns to the same depth, but wait until the blades wilt. Mow the new lawn for the first time when the grass reaches 3 inches in height. Take it down to 2 inches, and keep the grass at that length.