Seeding After Lime Application: Timing and Soil Prep

Lime takes years to significantly alter soil pH—moving it roughly one inch per year. If you limed in mid-October in Babylon, NY, don't wait to seed. Apply topsoil where crabgrass was removed, then seed immediately. Lime won't hurt germination.

Skip fertilizer at seeding time—existing soil likely has sufficient nutrients. In spring, apply a slow-release organic nitrogen source like Milorganite (available at local garden centers) for sustained summer growth.

Grass prefers slightly acidic soil (pH 6.5–7.0). Over-liming pushes pH too high, which can be worse than slightly low pH. Test soil before liming next time.

Seed-to-soil contact is critical: rake seed in lightly, keep moist until germination, then transition to deeper, less frequent watering.