Overseeding is when you add seeds to an existing lawn to help improve its appearance and thickness. By overseeding, your lawn also becomes more vibrant and resistant to pesky weeds and moss.
Not only that, it’s the perfect technique to plug holes or empty spaces in your grass lawn. The most popular grass to use is of course Bermuda grass.
Bermuda grass is one of the most versatile lawns you can grow. It is tough, grows fast with deep roots, and is incredibly hardy. No wonder it’s used on golf courses, estates, and gardens around the world.
With that in mind, we’re here to show you how simple (and important) overseeding Bermuda grass can be. We’re confident your lawn will grow to new heights this year.
First, When Should You Start to Overseed Bermuda Grass?
Like everything in the garden, time is important. You need to create ideal conditions so that your lawn can take fold and grow strong, and seasons play a huge part in this.
For that reason, it’s best to start overseeding in early autumn and spring, because the soil is warmer and the air is cooler which helps seeds take form.
Additionally, because Bermuda grass becomes dormant in the wintertime, it’s best to avoid anything lawn-related during this time.
Before you overseed, it’s important to mow your existing lawn so that seeds won’t have competition for space, light, and resources.
How Long Do You Have to Water Bermuda Seed When Overseeding?
Like any newly sowed lawn, overseeding Bermuda grass requires care, attention, and water, at least in the initial stages.
When you’ve sowed your seeds, you should water your Bermuda grass daily, until such a time you see it taking shape and setting in deep roots (usually 3-4 weeks).
At this time, you can then add fertilizer to your overseeded Bermuda grass.
What Fertilizers Should I Buy for Bermuda Grass?
Because Bermuda grass is well adapted to hot climates to warm weather and climate, you might consider buying a fertilizer that will add nutrients and minerals to your soil. Phosphorus and nitrogen are key ingredients you should be looking out for.
Especially if you are overseeding in autumn time, you might consider a fertilizer that helps the lawn with weather resistances such as frost.
Mowing – How Low Do I Cut Grass After Overseeding Bermuda?
With the fertilizer added, you should expect incredible growth from your Bermuda grass. Which leads us to the next question, how low do you cut the grass?
You must wait long enough for your new grass to establish roots. It’s best to wait until the lawn has reached at least 3 inches before cutting. After this, you can start regularly maintaining the length of your new lawn by mowing every week.
Pesky Pests
As with any garden, pests can wreak havoc on your overseeding lawns, very quickly. And although Bermuda grass is tough and hardy, your new lawn will be vulnerable.
Depending on where you are in the world, pests range from insects (including beetles, worms), birds, to small mammals such as moles, raccoons, and mice.
It’s also worth noting that you don’t want larger animals such as deer or cattle trampling on your new turf. Take preventative measures by creating a barricade around overseeded spots of your lawn.
Easy Ways to Maintain Your Lawn
There are a number of tools and equipment you can invest in to make overseeding Bermuda grass much easier. Each one will save you time, effort, and money.
The first is a drip irrigation system, which uses plastic tubes to carry water in very small amounts, directly to the root of the seed or plant. It’s very efficient with water, and with your time, as once it’s connected up to the hose it will do all the work!
Similarly, a soaker hose is a semi-porous hose that also applies water very slowly, across its entire length – perfect for open lawns and overseeding small patches.
Oscillating sprinklers are also an obvious tool to consider because they cover large swathes of lawn with every stroke and work on lawn pressure. Simply set it up, and let it do all the watering for you!
If you’re going down the traditional hose route, you should consider sprinkler heads/nozzles which can be changed depending on your needs. Use mist spraying to gently water baby seeds, and eventually change to spray or jet nozzles for more powerful watering.
Lastly, one piece of garden equipment which could make a massive difference financially is a rain barrel. Especially if you are going to be watering a large lawn throughout the year, rain barrels collect rainfall and repurpose it around your garden.
Expert Tips:
- Mow your lawn before overseeding to give seeds the best chance of taking root.
- Avoid walking on your lawn early on, as this may damage seedlings.
- Protect your lawn from pests, birds and family pets.
- Ensure the lawn is kept moist, especially during dry weather.
- Remember, the best times to overseed are autumn and spring when soil is warmer and the air is cooler.
- Be careful of harmful pesticides that may harm/kill your young lawn.
- Consider investing in garden equipment (drip irrigation, sprinklers, hose reels, etc.) that can help manage your lawn.
Conclusion
Bermuda grass is a key building-block to restoring your lawn and transforming your entire garden. It’s thick, develops deep roots, and grows quickly – what more could you ask for?
It’s no wonder Bermuda grass is the obvious seed to choose from when overseeding. But like everything in your garden, it requires care and attention.
By planning how and when you will overseed, you will protect your seeds and allow them to take root. Deciding on what fertilizer and weed protection you need beforehand is also key to giving your lawn the best defense against pests and extreme weather.
And by investing in helpful gardening tools, you won’t have to spend endless hours maintaining your growing lawn. The result will be a luscious green lawn, with thick coverage and no brown spots.
The only thing left to do is dust off the lawnmower, and prepare to cut a lawn full of tough grass!