Lawn Seeding and Care

Art Knapp Lawn Seed is custom formulated to meet unique growing conditions of British Columbia. Specific certified seed varieties are combined to contribute their individual qualities to the entire blend, colour, density, disease or drought resistance. Certified varieties are genetically pure and free of weeds.

When To Seed

The best time to seed a lawn is late summer to early fall because the soil is still warm from the summer heat. Under ideal conditions of warm soil temperature and good moisture, the germination process will begin in 7-10 days. You can also seed in the springtime, if desired. Soil temperatures should be above 10°C (50°F) for successful germination. Dry weather or light showers are best. If it rains heavily after seeding, check to make sure the seed has not washed away.

Seeding A New Lawn

1. Prepare the Soil: Remove debris (rocks, wood, clumps). Treat weeds with herbicide if needed. Till soil to 15-20 cm (6-8 in). Add amendments (topsoil, peat moss, sand, lime). Rake level with a slight slope away from the house. Apply Art Knapp Lawn Starter 14-28-8 and rake into top 2.5 cm (1 in).
2. Applying Seed: Spread seed evenly (follow package rates). Lightly rake into top 0.5 cm (¼ in). Gently press/roll for good soil contact.
3. Water & Germinate: Water well, keep soil moist at all times. Mow at 8 cm (3 in). First cut: no shorter than 5 cm (2 in).
4. Maintaining Your New Lawn: Fertilize with Fabulawn 24-4-16 or Lawn Treat 13-5-7. Water deeply 1-2 times/week.

Established Lawns

• ✓De-mossing: If moss is a problem, use 9-3-6 Moss Control fertilizer in early spring.
• ✓Raking: A week after using 9-3-6, use a power or garden rake to remove dead moss.
• ✓Aerating: Aerate if soil is compact or heavy clay. Aerating improves drainage and allows air flow and fertilizer to get to the root zone.
• ✓Top Dressing: Use a sand and peat mix and spread evenly over the entire area to fill core holes and level out dips and pits.
• ✓Conditioning: If soil pH is high (8-8.5), apply Tiger 90 Sulphur. If pH is low (4.5-5.5), apply Dolomite Lime.
• ✓Fertilizing: One week after conditioning, start applying 24-4-16 every 2 months.
• ✓Weeding: Remove weeds by hand; if too severe, use a herbicide.
• ✓Mowing: Most lawns should be cut at 1-3 inches, once or twice a week. Cut no shorter than 2 inches during hot summer months.
• ✓Watering: One good soak, 1 inch per week. During hot summer months, twice a week.
• ✓Winter Preparation: Apply 6-3-12 from September to early November.

Over Seeding

To patch or repair existing lawns, mow the area to be re-seeded and remove clippings. Rake spots that are thin thoroughly, and loosen the soil to a depth of 2 inches. Scatter seed evenly according to the application rate. Spread a thin layer of soil over the seeded area and brush or rake lightly so seed filters into soil. Water with a fine spray and keep moist.