How dense should grass seed cover the ground for starting a new lawn?

Question

I have a Scotts drop spreader (model 1000, aka El Cheapo) and using the suggested setting on the back of my Scotts grass seed hardly drops any seeds. Do your best to describe the coverage... maybe seeds per square inch or how high to bump the setting on the spreader. Thank you!

I have a Scotts drop spreader (model 1000, aka El Cheapo) and using the suggested setting on the back of my Scotts grass seed hardly drops any seeds. Do your best to describe the coverage... maybe seeds per square inch or how high to bump the setting on the spreader. Planting a Fescue/Bluegrass mix, nearly full sun and in MN. Thank you!

Answer 1

Sounds like you have both Scotts seed and spreader. They make the settings so that, if the spreader is calibrated correctly, it's going to go down at the proper rate.

But to give you some general figures a bluegrass/rye mix will usually cover 200 sq ft per lb. A bluegrass mix will cover 400 sq ft per lb.

If you don't think you're getting these coverages call Scotts toll free number on the bag and they will instruct you how to calibrate your spreader.

Answer 2

where do you live? what kind of grass are you planting? For instance bermuda will spread on its own, where as fescue needs to be spread thicker. Most likely you have a germinating seed grass, it wont look like much but one seed will go a long way. Follow directions on bag of grass seed for your climate and area and should be fine.

Answer 3

less than a centimeter a part, otherwise u will not have a good turf, don't be cheap spend the money and have a nice lawn!