Can You Grow Grass Without Covering The Seed

I tested whether or not uncovered grass seed can grow a new lawn this Spring. I did this because I get questions all the time about grass seed germinating if it's just placed on the ground on bar dirt.

In previous years I tested this out in a controlled environment but this year I decided to test it out in the hardest of conditions a 1000 square foot spring lawn at high elevation.

If you are thinking about trying to grow grass from seed over a full lawn then you should understand how much more difficult it is when you opt to leave the seed uncovered. Every time I've grown grass before this and likely every time I'll do this in the future I'll be covering the seed up with a top-dressing of some kind.

I recommend you cover yours even if it costs a bit more money than you'd like to spend; it will save you lots of time and work and your results will be much better and consistent.

If you plan on spreading peat moss on top of the seed then consider getting a peat moss spreader. Yes, it's a one-trick pony but it's probably going to save you money in the long run by limiting your loss of seed during the germination stages.

◙◙◙◙ More About Me & Other Related Links ◙◙◙◙

(My Other Channels)

My Latest Yard Tour

My Lawn's Change Log

All About Me & What I Do

Premium Content Available Here

I'm Also On Instagram

[oilman]

I was thatching my lawn and had many bare spots. I simply over seeded (did not cover it ) the whole lawn with Black Beauty. The bare spots did have a harder time germinating but where the seeds went into the non bare areas did very well because it is protected from the sun. When I over seed again in the early spring the bare spots that had weak results will have slightly better results because there is some grass there now. Rolling it in will have better results because you are pressing the seeds into the dirt for a better result in the bare areas. I always find that I see the full results 1 year later. That's when the grass is fully grown and you can see how it grew into the spots. Not to mention the overall appearance of the lawn will change. Black Beauty is expensive compared to other brands, but I have the best outcome with it.

[norain]

we covered with news papper it held the water kept the sun off and just mowed the paper into the lawn later. worked for us .

[gk]

Thanks Yes I’m tired of covering the seed with topsoil all the time ✌️👍🇨🇦

[kenta]

I used to cover my seed with straw. It works but the straw will be there a long time. If I pick out the straw, the grass pulls out with it. So now I use bagged grass clippings and it works great. I hand sprinkle the clipping for about 80% coverage of the seed. Need some sun to get through but moisture stays good. Nothing to pick up later.

[Bluepilled-ct]

We grow 250 acres of rye grass by just spreading it on the surface. Depends on soil moisture. In dry times we direct drill, otherwise it works perfectly

[BLUE_]

I love the research you r doing not covering grass I did the same thing a month or two ago at a bare spot. It's taking a while to grow fully, however, it's coming along....

Keep me posted on the progress...

BLUE

[robertlark]

Just had a tree removed with huge roots. Lots of lawn damage, so think this is perfect advice. Thanks TM!

[JP-uejj]

Found this vid very helpful, mentioned key points others seems to miss

No way am I a professional, have been successful over the yrs doing several lawns on my properties. Never covered just constant spraying of water with a heap of plastic bags as makeshift scarecrows. Seemed to work

Certainly will take a few pointers from this particular vid as I’m about to redo my backyard.

Thanks a heap

[jinxtacy]

What a strange neighborhood. I love it. So much character.

[heehee]

Wonderful video! I sowed the seeds 4 weeks ago and they are doing very well. However, yesterday's extremely heavy hail caused significant damage in several spots. I think it's probably okay, but I've given up on seeking perfection. I can fix it later.

[tribulation]

Don't worry about those types of birds in the video Those are American Robin's. They don't eat seed but like the fresh soil because it's easier to pick off worms and other bugs.

[El_El_Guapo]

I would think priming the seed for a few days would expedite the process if you don't plan to cover the seed. This was a fun watch.

[UncleFjester]

I have a lot of rough area with native grasses and weeds, I can't mow it. My intention is to toss a lot of seed out days before all of my aspens cover everything and then the snow. My hope is a fair portion of seed will germinate in the spring when things warm up. this has lowered my expectations on any results. So thanks

[timjohnson]

Great topic. When you throw a thin layer of dirt on the seeds, doesn’t it just rinse off with all the watering?
Seems like you would need a thick layer. Instead i just try to loosen the dirt with a de thatcher rake before throwing the seeds. But not sure if this is the best method.

[codykulesza]

I’ve had a hill in my yard that has been eroding the past few years last year I filled the soil seeded then lightly compacted some grass grew but barely, this year I just heavily over seeded and extremely lightly raked it in and it took off this year

[JwlsMambo]

We have the same Costco playground! My kids love it 🎉

[raymondmcdonald]

Good advice for the newbie on careful watering. My new lawn I planted 2 years ago had the seed covered with topsoil but when the rains came made rivulets thus carrying away the seed. It took an extensive amount of repair and reseeding in the spring due to the size of the project. The lesson I learned was to put temporary drain lines diverting the water to non sensitive areas.

[motavice]

Here's what i did.
Leaf blow/rake any debri
Dethatch grass
Overseed
Cut grass with no bag
Water it which the seeds need but it pushes the cut grass down over and around the seed like a barrier for moisture and too much sun exposure.
It's worked great for me.

[iwayned]

I have completed a number of spot reseeding with co, mposted earth - but this video helped me to understand the process too! thanks.

[mikeo]

I use a drip line with rotating nozzles for the sunny spots, and it works very well.