Have you seeded a new lawn? Then you must beware that keeping the seeds in place until they germinate is vital apart from initial watering. Although sunlight and moisture are crucial to germination, keeping seeds in good contact with the soil is also essential. That’s where putting straw over grass seeds comes in handy. So, why put straw on grass seeds? Keep reading to learn more.
You put straw on grass seeds to lock in moisture, boost germination, and prevent wind from blowing seeds away. Additionally, by covering the seeds with straw, you prevent birds, insects, and other small animals from feeding on the growing grass seeds. Furthermore, the decomposing straw enriches the soil with essential nutrients.
How to Grow Grass
Here is how you can grow grass seeds and achieve a beautiful and healthy lawn;
i. Wait for the right season to sod your lawn. If you want to plant cool-season grasses, wait until spring or early fall. Plant warm-season turf types like Bermuda grass and Zoysia in the early summer.
ii. Select the right grass seeds depending on location, lifestyle, and budget. Besides, think if your lawn will be getting high foot traffic or whether you’ll grow it under full sun or shade.
iii. Test your soil pH to ensure it’s 6.0 to 7.0, as that’s the ideal pH when seeding lawns.
iv. Prepare the ground by removing existing grass, rocks, and debris. Additionally, aerate the soil to ensure the ground is ideal for growing grass.
v. Level the surface and add topsoil if required to improve the soil quality.
vi. Seed the lawn and feed it the same day with a starter fertilizer.
vii. Cover up the seeds with a thin layer of soil. After that, mulch the area with a layer of straw to prevent seed movement.
viii. Water the new lawn by following the new sod watering schedule in your location.
ix. Maintain your lawn by mowing, dethatching, and fertilizing.
Why Do You Put Straw on Grass Seed?
Here are the five main reasons for putting straw on grass:
1. To lock in moisture
It’s necessary to keep the newly seeded lawn moist and warm to encourage germination. Straw helps retain water and warmth in the soil for a long time.
2. It boosts the germination process
The second reason why you should put straw on grass seed is to encourage grass seed to germinate, they must be in good contact with the soil. Therefore, burying the seeds by covering them with a thin layer of soil and straw is crucial.
3. Control seed movement
If you don’t cover the grass seeds with a layer of straw, strong winds might blow them away. Additionally, heavy rains might wash away these seeds if not well covered.
4. Bird Control
Birds and other critters like feeding on unprotected seeds. Therefore, covering them with straw help protect them from these predators.
5. Enrich the soil with nutrients
Decomposing straw releases essential nutrients to the soil, which helps the grass to grow healthy.
Why Put Straw on Grass Seed FAQs
Q: What does straw do for grass seed?
A: Straw helps lock in moisture and warmth in the soil, which is necessary for seed germination. It also prevents the seeds from blowing away and discourages birds and other critters from feeding on them.
Q: Does straw help grass grow?
A: Mulching the grass seeds with straw is essential for grass to grow. Remember, moisture, warmth, and good contact between the seeds and soil are crucial for grass to germinate and grow. Straw helps in all these conditions.
Final Thoughts
Various practices like watering and fertilizing are crucial for a newly seeded lawn. However, mulching the yard with a thin layer of straw is equally important.
If you are wondering why to put straw on grass seed, here are the reasons; It helps lock in moisture, boost the germination process, and to prevent seeds from blowing away.
Furthermore, straw helps prevent birds from feeding on grass seeds, and when decomposing, it enriches the soil with essential nutrients.
