How Often Should I Water New Grass Seed?
New grass should be watered 2-3 times per day, for about 5-10 minutes each time. This may vary depending on your location, soil type, shade, etc. The goal is to keep the top two inches of soil moist at all times. Water daily until all of the grass seeds have germinated, then it will be ready to begin a regular watering schedule.
Before Planting New Grass Seed
A few days before planting your new grass seed, water the entire area about 6-8 inches deep each day. Once you’ve spread the seed, promptly spend about 5-10 minutes watering the top two inches of soil. The seeded area will need to stay moist so the grass seed doesn’t dry out and die.
Best Time of Day to Water New Grass Seed
Mornings and evenings are the best time of day to water new grass. This reduces the amount of evaporation and allows more water to be absorbed into the soil.
Avoid Overwatering
New seedlings can wash away with too much water. They can also be damaged by soil movement and pooling water. If you have low areas, reduce watering to prevent pooling, and water high areas by hand to ensure consistent water coverage.
How Much Water Does New Grass Need
How much water your new grass needs really depends on how much water is distributed from your sprinklers, soil conditions, and the weather. Typically, 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes in the evening should be enough to keep the top two inches of soil moist. As the seedlings begin to establish themselves, water longer and less often to encourage the roots take hold deeper into the soil.
Progressively spend more time watering in the morning and less in the evening so eventually you’re only watering in the mornings. Once all of the seeds have germinated, only about one inch of water is needed each week for lawns in Wichita and South Central Kansas (possibly more during the hottest parts of summer).
How Long Until My New Grass Grows
Grass seed germination time can range anywhere from 5-30 days. The seeds will not all sprout at the same time, so it’s important that the soil stays moist during this time until all seeds have germinated.
Reddi Irrigation Experts Are Here to Help
Watering new grass seed requires a great deal of attention and diligence to successfully grow a healthy lawn. A sprinkler system can help lighten the workload by regulating water usage and timing. Modern sprinkler systems can help you reduce water waste and improve lawn health. If you’re considering planting grass seed, but don’t have a sprinkler system, get in touch for an estimate.
Resources found on our website are provided as general guidelines, and Reddi Industries does not assume any liability resulting from the provided information.