Seeding a New Lawn: Grade, Sow, Mulch, Water, and Maintain

New-home lawns need rough grading, finish grading, then seeding protocol. Sod is instant but costly; seed is economical and rewarding.

Seeding Process

Till seedbed. Starter fertilizer. Sow at 8 lbs/1000 sq ft (350 lbs/acre). Cross-hatch pattern (half N-S, half E-W). Drag (chain-link, board) to seat seed in soil, break cores. Straw mulch: 50% soil visible (~100 bales/acre).

Watering Regime

Initial soak to runoff. Daily light irrigation—never let surface dry. 1–1.5"/week target. Clay: wet 4–6"; sand: 8–10". Rain gauge essential. Adjust for rainfall. Drought tolerance builds after establishment.

Irrigation Options

In-ground automatic: ideal, timer-controlled, efficient. Costly.
Portable sprinklers: affordable, move for even coverage.
DIY soaker hose: punched garden hose, reposition periodically.

Fertilization Schedule

Starter (high P) at seeding. Month 1: 15-15-15 for N/P/K balance. Ongoing: 4×/year per maintenance calendar. Mow at 3 weeks (high). Consistency creates carpet.