[jlp613]

How big is your yard? How big were the 4 bags?

It's 2000 sq ft in total, but I was seeding a 1000 sq ft area.

 

[jlp613]

WOW! As @hal said: just keep seed moist and see how it does. Most likely the rye & fescue will easily beat the KBG to germination and you won't get much if any KBG germination.

One thing I notice is it looks like you just broadcast the seed on top of existing soil. Not a good method to ensure germination. Next time I would highly recommend you slice seed (most effective way I've seen for seeding). Slice seeding really intermixes the seed into the soil, ensuring much better germination rate.

Well after broadcasting the seed, I used the backside of a rake to incorporate it in, then covered everything with a 1/4 of screened topsoil.

 

[jlp613]

In fact, now that I think of it, go rent a slice seeder and slice that seed into the soil NOW! I did 4 lawns last Saturday and I broadcast seed 1st, then sliced it into soil immediately after.
I followed advice from several knowledgable folks who said broadcast seed 1st, then slice it into soil. Last year I used the seed box on the slice seeder so slicing/seeding all at once. Seed lever kept moving on me and one can't see amount of seed being dropped. Broadcasting 1st ensures better, more even coverage.

I'll have to try the slice seeder next time.

 

[jlp613]

I've never applied seed at the rate on the package, usually about three times what the instructions say.

Really? And you don't have problems?

 

[jlp613]

It isn't going to matter, because most of those seeds will not germinate anyway. You need to incorporate them in into the soil or add top soil on top.

I took this pic before I raked the seed in and added 1/4 inch of top soil on top. I've read that the seeds can get overcrowded and weak (assuming most of them do germinate). So I'm just hoping that won't happen.

 

[jlp613]

WOW! As @hal said: just keep seed moist and see how it does. Most likely the rye & fescue will easily beat the KBG to germination and you won't get much if any KBG germination.

One thing I notice is it looks like you just broadcast the seed on top of existing soil. Not a good method to ensure germination. Next time I would highly recommend you slice seed (most effective way I've seen for seeding). Slice seeding really intermixes the seed into the soil, ensuring much better germination rate.

Is there any truth to the idea that IF all the seeds germinated, I would get problems with fungus because of lack of airflow from too much grass?

 

[jlp613]

I stopped reading at Roundup.

You sure you're in the right place?

 

[jlp613]

Leave the grass seed down and post a bunch of before pics for us.

Then follow up with some after pics every few days.

 

[jlp613]

Here's the progress after 13 days:

 

[jlp613]

I put down starter fertilizer when I seeded. I was planning on putting down regular fertilizer in 6 weeks.

 

[jlp613]

Massachusetts

 

[jlp613]

Maybe I'll do it 4 weeks from now instead.

When do you think I should start mowing? I'm always afraid that walking on the delicate new seedlings will crush them.

 

[jlp613]

Here's how it looks almost 4 weeks later. My only problem right now (besides some weeds) is the mower wheels are flattening the grass. Is this because the grass is so young or are there other possible causes?