overseeding in NY

[vspvideo]

Hello all! I've been lurking around for some time, and have received some awesome tips from all you pros. I've decided to try overseeding on my established lawn. First of all, i live in upstate NY- Clifton Park to be exact. Anyone from this area knows how sandy the soil here is.. 3 days after a week of rain, my lawn is on its way to browning:(
So, about 4 years ago, we installed an irrigation system. I would have thought that a decent watering schedule would have helped my lawn fill in.. Although it is green it is not lush- or as full as one would expect. The front lawn gets morning sun, the rear gets afternoon sun, so i know i have enough sunlight to grow- for my flower beds have no problems producing...
I follow the Scott's fertilization program with OK results...Still had crabgrass even though i put down preventer in the spring.... I have recently received a soil analysis from Cornell co-op, and have attached the .pdf
I have purchased and received 25 lbs of Midnight KGB (i have about 16500 square ft) which i wish to overseed with.
My plan is to:
cut lawn, and power rake
suck all the clippings up
rent a slit seeder
Starter fertilizer
water, water, water...
I have heard also of pre-soaking the seeds in water/epsom salts...Is this worth it? Also, should i Aerate as well, or will the slit seeder do the trick.?Finally, how healthy is my soil? Should i change my nutrient schedule?
The leaves will start falling soon. After i spread the seed, how long should i wait to mow? ( i have a cyclone rake that sucks up all the leaves- but i don't want to suck the seed up..)

Thanks all in advance..
David

[lush&green]

You probably don't want to use KBG this time of year as it may not germinate because it is a slow germinator. More of a p. Ryegrass blend would be better. Everything else sounds good.

[Please_Be_Green]

You probably don't want to use KBG this time of year as it may not germinate because it is a slow germinator. More of a p. Ryegrass blend would be better. Everything else sounds good.

I agree with this statement... You are far north... Full germination possibly in Oct... When do you normally get a first freeze? I'm sure you spent good money on the MIDNIGHT KBG... Not sure you'll get your moneys worth if you spread it now.

[Kiril]

If your soil is that sandy then you need some compost. I recommend you find a good source of bulk compost and start a regular top dressing program.

[vspvideo]

Thanks all.. Right now, it's kinda cold up here...THe temps are supposed to be high 60's to low 70's next week. I bought 25 lbs of midnight from seedland. com I am leaning towards spreading next week, when at least the temp's are supposed to be warmer in the afternoon and night. Also leaning towards aerating rather than slit...If the seeds won't germinate now, they will germinate in spring, no.. ??I suppose i could mix the bag with some rye, or would that be a waste of money??
Thanks all,
David

[Smallaxe]

Here in Wisco we are 40s at nite and 70s in the day. Frost expected any time but the ground is still warm. The ground may freeze in October, but more likely in Dec. and if we get snow cover early, perhaps not at all.

KBG is not all that hard to germinate. Compost will accelerate the process, but still with proper moisture you should be able to get it going in 2 weeks. I have used KBG to fill in dog stops all summer.

There is a big difference between ryegrass and KBG. If you want Bluegrass then plant it!! Then overseed in the spring - when - the ground is still freezing at nite and thawing in the daytime. Don't worry about CG until the soil and weather are hot.

[vspvideo]

Smallaxe
Thanks. BTW what is CG?

[vspvideo]

oh DUh
Nevermind...
are you suggesting overseeding now AND in the early spring?
Im hoping a thicker turf will suffocate the CG eventually...
Also, are you in favor of slit, aeration, or both...
thanks Smallaxe

[Smallaxe]

Yes, overseeding both times of year will usually yield your best results.

A slit seeder is overkill if you are just thickening up the lawn with already established grass.
Aeration is good for thatch and making holes for compost and other ammendments to drop into, but isn't the best seed bed for grass seed.

For me 'overseeding' is a term that indicates broadcasting seed in thin areas. Which I do anytime the weather looks conducive to it.

Of course the best way to thicken a lawn of KBG is proper cultural practices.

[schreibdave]

Personally, I think it's a little late to put down KBG. I would hold off and dormant seed once it gets too cold for germination.

If you really want to improve your lawn, I would take the advice about adding compost to your soil.

When I lived in Delmar (1/2 hr away for those not in the area) I would go to the Bethlehem Compost facility with a pickup or trailer, have them load me up with compost or even finely ground mulch if that's all they had - and I would spread it on my lawn about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Then I would rent an areator and aerate the heck out of it. Then you can fertilize and once it gets cold, dormant seed.

The idea is to add some more organic matter to that sand that you have. Your family and neighbors will think that you have lost your mind but your lawn will love you for it.

I suspect that Saratoga Cnty or Clifton Park have a compost facility where you can get the stuff for free.

[vspvideo]

Thanks Schreibdve
i took advantage of our nice weather and overseeded already...I guess time will tell.. I was going to get 2 yds of compost to topdress, but might wait until spring. I power raked and aerated, and rented a slit seeder. It's supposed to be in the 60-70's all week,and next week doesn't look that bad either. I will hold off on my cyclone rake for 3 or so weeks, as to not suck up the seed. I do have a backpack blower i intend on using to get rid of the leaves...But i also think the falling leaves will create a nice barrier for the seed to germinate beneath... So my neighbors might get a little annoyed with all my leaves blowing on their lawn.. oh well... I plan on getting some compost maybe friday- spreading that stuff on 3/4 acre will be a pain in the arse...There's no easy way to do it that i know of...
Thanks
dave