Planting Perennial Ryegrass Seeds

One of the most common grass seeds is perennial ryegrass. The type of grass is used in the northern parts of the country because of its incredible resilience and being known as a cool weather grass. Ryegrass can come in an annual and a perennial version. Most of the lawns are usually perennials, but some people do elect to use the annual type.

Used for New Lawn Establishment

Perennial ryegrass is a low maintenance cool weather grass and one of the toughest and wearable turfs available. Ryegrass is also know for its quick germination period and is used extensively for establishing new lawns. It does require a little more fertilizer than other grass types, but is not damaged by over fertilizing.
Starting your new lawn with perennial ryegrass can be done easily with just a few steps.

Preparing the Ground

If you are going to be establishing a new lawn then taking some time to prepare the ground will make your planting your perennial ryegrass much easier. Using a rake, level out the yard. If you have a large area, then use a lawn tractor with a rake attachment.
Make sure any rocks are picked up and that the entire area is as level as you can get it. Take an aerator attachment and run over the surface to give the seeds a place to establish their roots for water to penetrate.

Spread Fertilizer

Using an all purpose fertilizer, spread it in a uniform manner over the entire surface area of the lawn.

Water Lawn

After you have spread out fertilizer on the lawn, then water the lawn with a lawn sprinkler that you can get the most coverage. Set it up for at least 15 minutes in each area for a good soaking, but not enough to make puddles and mud.

Plant Perennial Rye Grass Seed

Immediately after you water the fertilizer, then begin sowing your grass seed. Using your seed spreader will help you keep a level distribution so there will not be any bare spots. Make sure you have enough seed on hand. You will need approximately 10 lbs. of grass seed for every 1000 square feet of lawn.

Water a Second Time

After you have sewn your grass seed then take the time to thoroughly water the lawn again. Again, do not soak it so that there are puddles or mud. Keep a very close eye on how fast the water is drawn into the soil so you will know when to stop.

Water Once a Day

For a new lawn, water is essential to getting the nutrients it needs. Continue watering the new perennial ryegrass lawn once a day until the rye grass begins to sprout. This should be within 7 days after you have planted. Once the grass begins to sprout then water at least 4 times a week for a few weeks.