Advantages over installing sod are that it is less costly and there are a greater variety of grasses to choose from. While there is a lot of labor involved, the beautiful results are well worth your time. This article will contain many tips to help make the process easier.

When starting a lawn from seed, be aware that it is going to take a lot of care. If you are an avid gardener, this probably won't be a problem for you. If you are replacing a very large lawn, you may want to hire someone to help you remove old sod. Seeding results are better if you remove old grass before you begin. This can be done by removing 1 foot sections with a spade. If you are starting from scratch you will want to till the area in order to remove old root clumps or debris and rake it till you get the level you desire.

Your next decision will be what seeds to purchase. Take your climate into consideration, consider whether the area is shady or wet and also determine what type of soil you have. This will help you make the perfect choice for your lawn. There are also ornamental grasses you may want to consider. If your soil doesn't drain well, you will need to add some sand to the mixture before planting the grass seed. This will stop the ground becoming waterlogged. You will also want to check the pH level of your soil. Ideally, most lawns thrive with a pH level of 6.5-7.0, so if yours isn't in this range you may need to add some amendments to attain this level.

If you have decided to start your lawn from seed, one thing you should think about is how much maintenance is required once the grass is established. Some varieties need little or no mowing, and others require mowing more often. Some also require more moisture, so watering may be necessary.

Once you have chosen yor seed it's time to get the soil ready. The first step you should taking after preparing the site is to add a layer of organic material to your topsoil. Some people choose not to use topsoil. In this case, use peat moss, compost and manure, and make sure this is at one inch thick at a minimum. Leave the mixture loose so that the roots of the grass seed can spread.

As you can see, starting a lawn from seed does require quite a bit of work - but it is well worth the effort. You may also add fertilizer about a week before seeding. Just follow the manufacturer's instructions for this step. After all the preparation is complete, you are ready to seed! Again, follow manufacturer's instructions. They will tell you how much seed to use on a certain size area.

You can seed by hand or use a spreader - or both, this is completely up to you. If you have a large area it is useful to divide it into smaller sections and sow a portion of the seed into each section. To ensure you have an even spread sow the seed in two directions. Rake the seed into the soil so that it is slightly covered. If birds are likely to be attracted to the area you can criss cross string about 4 inches above the soil surface.

Now, wait for your grass to grow! It should only take about 7-14 days before the seedlings appear. During dry periods, you will need to water and this is best done in the evening. Use a fine mist so as not to dislodge the seeds. Until your lawn becomes established, try to keep pets and visitors off of the grass.

Starting a lawn from seed does require effort and attention on your part. To keep you motivated during the process, just picture the lush green lawn you will have in a short time! Your neighbors will be envious.