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Do you need to put hay on top of grass seed?
Applying straw atop a flat seeded area is optional and generally beneficial to the seeds, but you should make sure the straw is dry and free from mold so it does not introduce mold to the area. There’s no benefit to using straw in humid or extremely wet weather, as the soil will already have all the moisture it needs.
Should you cover grass seed with hay?
A common way to protect grass seedlings is to place straw or hay on top of the soil. This practice helps keep the fresh seed warm and moist until they develop a strong root system. This straw blanket also keeps the seeds from being: blown away during windy days.
How do you use hay for grass seed?
Apply hay to cover the seeded area at a rate of 1 bale per 1000 square feet. Scatter the straw so that you can look down through the application and see the ground. Lightly till the soil and rake it smooth. Set a spreader to apply seed at a rate of 20 percent as a starting point.
When should you remove hay from new grass?
The straw should not be removed before the first mowing, when the grass is two- to three-inches tall. If the mulch is thin and already beginning to rot, it is not necessary to remove it at all. The first few mowings should be done with a bagger.
Will spreading hay make grass grow?
Hay helps grass seed grow in several ways. Grass seed needs to stay consistently moist to germinate, and spreading hay over the area helps hold in moisture without letting the ground get too wet, which could make the seeds moldy.
How long does it take for hay seed to germinate?
between 7 and 30 days
Generally speaking, it takes between 7 and 30 days for grass seed germination to begin. However, it’s important to know that host of factors can influence how fast your grass grows — including weather, grass type, and soil.
Do birds eat grass seed?
Sparrows, finches, buntings, pigeons, even parakeets — these are just a few of the seed-eating birds you’ll have to watch out for. The best time to sow grass seeds is in late summer through to mid-autumn. At this time of the year, birds should have plenty of wild seeds and berries to feast on.
Should I cover my new grass seed with straw?
A: Spreading a thin layer of straw on a newly sown patch of grass is a good way to increase success. The mulch will keep the soil moist and protect the seedlings. First note that one uses straw not hay since hay has seeds that will germinate with the grass seed.