will grass seed start to spread out and fill in?

Question

i have planted some grass seed. it is starting to germinate, but looks like pine needles sticking out. will it start to spread itself out and cover the area? if so...when? also, will the grass start to thicken?

Answer 1

Seeds germinate at different rates. When you seed a lawn and the first seedlings appear, you may end up with patches that are a couple inches long before the rest even pops up. Not to worry. A lot of the seeds may not sprout until a week or so after the first ones. And, the ones that have popped up grow super fast.

Over the next coupla-few days, you're going to look outside one morning and be shocked and amazed at the emerald carpet that seems to have magically appeared overnight.

You also should make sure you're watering correctly. When you first spread the seed, you have to keep the whole area moist by watering with a light spray (so as not to wash away the seed) 3 or 4 times a day for a few minutes at a time. Once the lawn looks like an emerald carpet of seedlings, switch to once or twice a day for 10 minutes.

When the grass is about 3 or 4 inches long, it's time for the first mowing. Don't water the day you mow, or you'll get bogged down in a muddy mess and the wheels of the mower will create ruts in the lawn. After you mow, immediately water for a few minutes.

Over the next couple of weeks, reduce the watering schedule to less frequent watering for longer amounts of time (every other day for 10 minutes, a couple times a week for 20-30 minutes, etc.) Your goal for an established lawn is to water once a week for about an hour at a time. This will promote deep root growth, which will result in a lawn that tolerates drought better.

Answer 2

It takes a while...but yes it will get thicker. The roots will spread and you will get grows from that. Just don't let it get too dry. You can water a little each day...best early in the day...instead of late at night. Even after the frost has killed off the top blades...you still need to water a little during the winter months if you don't get any rain or snow. A dry winter can kill off all you have grown so far.

Answer 3

Yup. The first thing to learn about establishing a lawn from seed is patience. It looks horrible for quite a few months, but should be looking good next spring.