UC IPM Online UC ANR home page UC IPM home page

UC IPM Home

SKIP navigation

 

How to Manage Pests

The UC Guide to Healthy Lawns

Seed, fertilize, and irrigate

Spread seed

Spread seed at the correct rate for your species throughout the lawn with a drop, broadcast, or handheld spreader. On bare areas, broadcast the seed two or three times the normal rate. Cover the seed to a depth of 1/16 to 1/8 inch by raking it in and lightly rolling or firming the soil. For summer turf establishment, a thin layer of mulch (no more than 1/4 inch thick) can be spread over the seeds with a peat spreader to protect the seeds and keep the soil moist.

Add fertilizer

Starter fertilizer should be applied at planting time.

Keep the soil moist

Schedule frequent, light irrigations to keep the soil moist, but not soaked, until the grass is well established.

Next step to overseeding your lawn

Maintenance

Photo of spreading seed with a handheld spreader

Photo of spreading mulch over seeds with a peat spreader


Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
All contents copyright © 2017 The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.

For noncommercial purposes only, any Web site may link directly to this page. FOR ALL OTHER USES or more information, read Legal Notices. Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual solutions to specific pest problems. See our Home page, or in the U.S., contact your local Cooperative Extension office for assistance.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California

Accessibility   Contact webmaster.