Seeding rates by grass type
New lawn and overseeding rates in pounds per 1,000 square feet. Multiply by 4.9 to get grams per m². Always check the bag too, since blends and coated seed vary.
Planning the rest of the job? Use the Sod calculator and the Topsoil calculator too.
How does the calculation work?
Seed (lb) = area (ft²) ÷ 1,000 × rate
A new tall fescue lawn of 5,000 ft²: 5 × 7 = 35 lb, so two 20 lb bags. In metric, 465 m² at 34 g/m² is about 15.9 kg.
New lawn or overseeding?
A new lawn starts from bare soil, so it needs the full rate. Overseeding thickens grass that is already growing, so it needs roughly half. Coated seed weighs more for the same number of seeds, so use about one and a half times the rate, or follow the bag.
When and how should I sow?
Cool season grasses
Tall fescue, bluegrass, ryegrass and fine fescue.
Best sown late summer to early autumn
Warm season grasses
Bermuda, zoysia, centipede and buffalo grass.
Best sown late spring to early summer
Keep it moist
Water lightly once or twice a day until seedlings are about 2 in tall.
Most important in the first three weeks
First mow
Cut when the grass reaches 3 to 4 in, taking off no more than a third.
Use a sharp blade