How to Pre-germinate Grass Seed | A Complete Guide

Summary

In this video, JJ from the Lawn Lab demonstrates how to pre-germinate grass seed, allowing for faster and more controlled lawn growth. By soaking the seed for 24 hours, removing toxins, and keeping it moist for a few days, you can kickstart germination. JJ also discusses how to mix the soaked seed with Morganite, a soil conditioner, and how to spread it evenly over your lawn. This method ensures your grass, including slow-germinating varieties like Kentucky bluegrass, starts growing quickly and reliably, giving you more control over your lawn's success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Pre-germinating grass seed involves soaking the seeds to speed up the germination process, giving you more control over your lawn care.
• 😀 Different types of grass seeds have varying germination times: rye grass takes 4-5 days, Turf-type tall fescue takes 7-14 days, and Kentucky bluegrass can take up to 21 days.
• 😀 Soak your grass seed for 24 hours, then change the water and soak again for another 12 hours before drying the seed out to prevent it from being submerged too long.
• 😀 The soaking process helps to release toxins from the seeds, which would naturally deter other plants, ensuring a cleaner and more efficient germination.
• 😀 After 24 hours of soaking, place the seed in a dry area with some moisture exposure, but avoid direct sunlight to prevent it from drying out completely.
• 😀 Once the seed has soaked and dried out, it's ready to be mixed with a medium like Morganite before spreading on the lawn.
• 😀 The recommended ratio of Morganite to grass seed is 4 lbs of Morganite for every 1 lb of grass seed, though using 3 lbs can still be effective.
• 😀 Be sure to mix the soaked seed and medium well for an even spread, and avoid over-wetting the seed when it's time to water it on the lawn.
• 😀 After spreading the mixture on your lawn, water it regularly (twice a day for 5 minutes) to help the seeds germinate without over-saturating the area.
• 😀 Different grass types (such as Turf-type tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass) can be used together, with their germination times not causing issues due to the way they interact with moisture and each other.

Q & A

What is pre-germinating grass seed, and why is it useful?

Pre-germinating grass seed involves soaking the seed to force it to begin germination earlier than it would naturally. This process gives you more control over the timing and success of your lawn, ensuring that the seed germinates faster and is less dependent on weather conditions like rain or storms.

How long does it typically take for different types of grass to germinate naturally?

Rye grass germinates in about 4 to 5 days, Turf-type tall fescue in 7 to 14 days, and Kentucky bluegrass can take up to 21 days to germinate.

What is the purpose of soaking the grass seed in water for 24 hours?

Soaking the grass seed for 24 hours helps remove toxins that the seed excretes. These toxins prevent other plants from competing with the grass for resources. Changing the water every 12 hours removes these toxins and prepares the seed for germination.

What happens if you continue soaking the grass seed beyond the first 24 hours?

After the first 24 hours, you should stop soaking the seed in water and instead keep it moist. Continuing to soak the seed past 24 hours may result in an overly saturated environment, which isn't ideal for the grass seed to start germinating in natural conditions.

Why should the grass seed not be exposed to direct sunlight after soaking?

Direct sunlight can dry out the grass seed too quickly, hindering germination. The seed should be placed in a shaded area, such as a patio or gravel surface, where it can remain moist but not submerged in water.

How do you know when the grass seed is ready to be spread on the lawn?

The grass seed is ready to be spread once it has been soaked for 24 hours and then allowed to dry a bit. After this, the seed should be mixed with a medium like Morganite to aid in even distribution across the yard.

How much Morganite should be mixed with the grass seed?

The recommended ratio is 4 pounds of Morganite for every 1 pound of grass seed. However, the speaker in the video suggests reducing this to 3 pounds of Morganite per pound of seed for better results.

What are the benefits of mixing Morganite with pre-germinated grass seed?

Mixing Morganite with the pre-germinated seed helps with even distribution when spreading the seed across the lawn. Morganite also helps retain moisture, which is essential for the seed to continue germinating and establishing roots.

How does the germination of different grass varieties (Turf-type Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass) work together?

Turf-type tall fescue germinates first, followed by Kentucky bluegrass. The fescue grass will be well-established and provide a foundation of moisture in the soil, allowing the Kentucky bluegrass to germinate effectively despite having a longer germination period.

What is the importance of using a spreader when distributing the grass seed?

Using a spreader ensures that the grass seed is evenly distributed across the yard. It helps avoid clumping and uneven coverage, which can lead to patchy growth. The speaker emphasizes adjusting the spreader setting based on the specific coverage needed for the area.