To prepare your lawn for overseeding, we recommend verticutting, power raking or using the lowest setting on your lawn mower. This process will reduce the thatch and help assure seed contact with the soil. Seed may be hand broadcast, or spread with a drop spreader. Spread half of the seed in one direction, and the other half across the path of the first, to ensure even distribution. If your lawn was treated with pre-emergence weed killer in late summer, the pre-emergence residue may also prevent development of the rye grass.

Seeds must stay moist in order to germinate. Some form of top dressing, such as peat moss or forest mulch will help hold moisture. The recommended amount is 1/4 to 1/2 an inch deep. Watering should be applied in frequent light sprinklings. Flooding could float the seeds away.

During the first 7-10 days, the soil surface should be kept moist. Water the area 6-8 times a day at 5 minutes per cycle.  After 10 days, watering should be gradually reduced to 2-3 times a week.  Check the soil moisture content with a long screwdriver. If the screwdriver goes in easily and comes out damp, no water is needed. If you have standing water, cut back on your watering! After your Rye lawn is established, we recommend watering 20-30 minutes at least twice a week.

The recommended mowing height for the perennial rye grass is 1 1/2 to 2 inches. Mowing should begin when half or more of the area has grown past the selected height. Your winter lawn should be mowed once a week for maximum health and color.

It is best to provide only sufficient fertilizer to maintain vigor.  Use 1/4 to 1/2 lb. of ammonium nitrate per 1,000-sq. ft. of lawn every three weeks. This is the maximum amount that should be applied.