How to Plant Kentucky 31 Fescue

Fescue grass is a highly adapted turf variety that lends itself especially well to cool-weather locations. But, don't let this cool-weather attribute fool you. Fescue adapts itself to sunny locations as well, even though cool weather and shade are its preferences. Fescue grows easily but, for accelerated establishment, requires a little tender loving care.

Granulated fertilizer, 0-20-20
Granulated fertilizer, 10-10-10
Garden tiller
Kentucky 31 fescue seed
Metal rake
Seed spreader

Instructions

- 1
  Spread a high phosphorous fertilizer on the entire lawn with the ratio 75 lbs. of 0-20-20 fertilizer per 1,000 square feet to increase your soil's phosphorous content. Fescue seedlings do best in a high-phosphorous soil.
- 2
  Till the soil, mixing in the fertilizer well.
- 3
  Smooth and level the entire area, breaking up clumps of soil, raking to a fine consistency.
- 4
  Broadcast 10-10-10 fertilizer to the entire seed bed at a rate of 15 lbs. per 1,000 square feet and rake in lightly.
- 5
  Sprinkle on the Kentucky 31 fescue seed at a rate of 10 lbs, minimum, per 1,000 square feet. As fescue grass grows in clumps, you should consider a rate of 15 or 20 lbs. per 1,000 square feet for complete ground coverage once the grass seedlings emerge. Water well immediately after broadcasting the seed.
- 6
  Water to a depth of 4 to 6 inches twice per week and continue regular watering throughout the growing season.

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