Question
I live in Indianapolis and built a new home in October 2005. Grass only cam up in patches. Within the past 2 weeks I used a tiller to break up the ground about 4"-6" deep where there was no grass. I then put down Scott's turfbuilder 27-3-3 fertilizer and Scott's Classic seed blend both with a broadcast spreader. I then raked over lightly to cover the seed. My problem is that it is has been very sunny and hot, 80 degrees, the past week. I am unable to water during the day since I have to work. By the time I get jhomw the dirt is pretty much dry. Is this going to kill the germination process and do you have any suggestions?

Thanks,
Dan

Answer
Seeds need to be kept consistently moist until germination or the seeds die. I would probably buy a new bag of seeds and re-seed the area. Then cover the seeds with a bale of straw (available at garden centers). One bale will cover approximately 1000 sq feet. A light covering will help keep moisture and will not prevent seeds from germinating. Water every morning before going to work and then in the evening when you get back.

Another option is to buy a $20-$40 water time (battery driven plastic box which is about 5x5" and which you attached to the fosset). Leave the fosset open. The timer will open and close for the water to the gardening hose.

Then connect your hose to the water timer and set the garden lawn sprinkler in the middle of the seedbed. Set the lawn sprinkler to come on at 8,noon, 2pm and 5 pm for 10-15 minutes each time).

If you have larger areas to seed, you can use a plastic Y (a splitter) and attach this Y after the water timer. Then run two seperate gardening water hoses connected to the Y and set up two sprinklers.

A plastic Y is available at garden centers, home depot, lowes, walmart etc in the garden section. It costs approximately $3-5.