How much seed a lawn needs
Seeding rates are given in pounds per 1,000 square feet and depend mostly on seed size. Bluegrass seeds are tiny, so 2 to 3 pounds cover 1,000 sq ft, while ryegrass and tall fescue have large seeds and need 6 to 10 pounds.
- Seed needed = lawn area ÷ 1,000 × seeding rate
- Overseeding an existing lawn uses about half the new-lawn rate.
- Bags to buy = seed needed ÷ bag size, rounded up
Worked example
You are starting a 5,000 sq ft lawn with tall fescue at 7 lb per 1,000 sq ft and buy 5 lb bags at $30.
- Seed needed: 5,000 ÷ 1,000 × 7 = 35 lb.
- Bags: 35 ÷ 5 = 7 bags.
- Cost: 7 × $30 = $210.
To overseed the same lawn, you would need 17.5 lb, or 4 bags.
Seeding rates by grass type
| Grass | New lawn (lb per 1,000 sq ft) | Climate |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2 to 3 | Cool-season, north |
| Tall fescue | 6 to 8 | Cool-season, transition zone |
| Perennial ryegrass | 5 to 10 | Cool-season, quick cover |
| Fine fescue | 3 to 5 | Shade, low maintenance |
| Bermudagrass (hulled) | 1 to 2 | Warm-season, south |
| Zoysiagrass | 1 to 2 | Warm-season, slow to establish |
Check the bag label. Coated seed is heavier, so the rate printed by the manufacturer may be higher.
When to seed
- Cool-season grasses (bluegrass, fescue, ryegrass): late summer to early fall, when the soil is warm and weeds slow down. Spring is the second choice.
- Warm-season grasses (bermuda, zoysia, centipede): late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures reach about 65 °F.
Steps for a good result
- Test and prepare the soil. Loosen the top 2 to 4 inches, remove debris and level the surface.
- Spread in two passes at right angles with a broadcast or drop spreader for even coverage.
- Rake lightly so seed is covered by about 1/8 to 1/4 inch of soil.
- Keep it moist. Water lightly once or twice a day until the grass is about 2 inches tall.
- Mow when the grass reaches about one third above its target height.
More seed than the recommended rate does not make a thicker lawn. Seedlings crowd each other, compete for water and become more prone to disease.