[GWhunter]

I've posted a little in the irrigation section about my project. It seems that the costs have caught up with me on this project and I need to rain them in.
So I'd like comments on my plan and my best chances for sucess. I've got an area about 12500 sqft. I've had my soil tested and added the proper amendments(1200lbs of lime) mixed in the top 6" of soil with my harley rake. I've removed as many rocks as humanly possible here in eastern CT. I just brought in 75yds of premium topsoil compost and would like to spread it 2-3" then rake into the existing soil. I them planned to seed with 50% perenial rye and 25% kbb 25% fescue. I really wanted to hydro seed and irrigate but I just can't swing it. I also need to add a good starter fert and would like to know when I should lay the seed. Also I was planning on getting my grade set then a final harley raking. I then was going to roll it with 100lbs roller. I then was going to use a broadcast spreader to throw the seed. What is my best option after that. I plan on using several tower sprinlers on timers to keep the moisture correct. Now I know I'd get the best results with hydro or sod and sprinklers but I just can't swing it. I plan on overseeding this fall and again next spring. I also want to add a crab grass control (tupersan) is this possible without hydro seeding?

Thanks
Matt

 

[hotshot4819]

first of all...
this is a typical sob story for me... people spending thousands of dollars of loam and compost, and then skimping on the seeding...

Honestly, you could get that hydroseeding for 750 bucks.

your going to spend half of that on seed, and risk the chance of wash out,:nono:

 

[GWhunter]

Sob story huh, well that's half the price of the cheapest hydro seeding quote I've gotten. Thanks for the super constructive reply.

Matt

 

[BlackDog3]

I know its a decent size area but have you ever considered sod?

Chris

 

[hotshot4819]

I told you i would go down there! you have a cash ready for me. and ill be there . 900 ... SIMPLE AS THAT!!
ill even throw in an extra bag of fert for ya to spread a few week after..

And I know you may doubt the price...
But that will include, WOOD mulch for water retension and erosion control. Lime. Fertilizer, Tack, A Park and Athletic Seed mixture at 8lbs per 1000.

 

[rcreech]

That small of a lawn...just broadcast it and roll it in. Strawing would be optional.

You should be able to get the seed for about $100 and you would have about $30 in straw and $12 in starter.

I wouldn't personally seed it that way...but if you are on a budget it should work for ya!

 

[GWhunter]

I'm going to use a the stated grass mix. I called for pricing this morning. The seed is going to run me $250. The cost of the topsoil is the real killer for me. It just cost me over $1700 for the dirt alone.

Matt

 

[rcreech]

I'm going to use a the stated grass mix. I called for pricing this morning. The seed is going to run me $250. The cost of the topsoil is the real killer for me. It just cost me over $1700 for the dirt alone.

Matt

You are getting screwed on the seed!
For that amount of area that sounds about right on the topsoil.

I am paying $.76 right now for my TTTF/PR mix and I can get a 50/50 PR/KB for $1.06 right now.

Better shop around as you should be able to buy your seed for under $100.

 

[JB1]

I'm going to use a the stated grass mix. I called for pricing this morning. The seed is going to run me $250. The cost of the topsoil is the real killer for me. It just cost me over $1700 for the dirt alone.

Matt

was vaseline included in the price.

 

[SeedPro]

first of all...
this is a typical sob story for me... people spending thousands of dollars of loam and compost, and then skimping on the seeding...

Honestly, you could get that hydroseeding for 750 bucks.

your going to spend half of that on seed, and risk the chance of wash out,:nono:

he will spend 375 dollars to seed 12,500 sq ft? On what planet. At most he will spend 75 dollars.

Reading down I see him say 250. O.P. you can get a 50 pound bag of seed for 100 dollars at JDL. Maybe a tad more for a one time purchaser.

 

[GWhunter]

The seed store is recommending 300lbs of seed. I'm going to make a few more calls. The kbb is premium tuff grade. The chewings fescue an perenial rye are improved variety.

Matt

 

[JB1]

was vaseline included in the price.

300 pounds, reread the quote above.

 

[hotshot4819]

he will spend 375 dollars to seed 12,500 sq ft? On what planet. At most he will spend 75 dollars.

Reading down I see him say 250. O.P. you can get a 50 pound bag of seed for 100 dollars at JDL. Maybe a tad more for a one time purchaser.

I was saying, he would spend that much on seed, with his plans.
Seeding of first application, Second seeding in fall and a third seeding in spring.. that also was assuming he purchased fert for each application...

 

[hotshot4819]

Ya, 300lbs is INSANE. people think that going that heavy is better...
its not tho.. its makes the new seedling compete fir survival, and makes a hige mess...

 

[rcreech]

If I was using TTTF I would only be going 9#/k for a total of 108#.

You should be able to get by with even less!

You need to get recommendations from people that know what they are doing and not your "seed guy".

 

[RigglePLC]

Matt,
Tupersan for crabgrass when seeding is about twice the cost of standard crabgrass control--and lasts half as long. (Add $120.) For seed--usual rate is about 4 pounds per thousand--you need about 50 pounds. Look for Lesco Athletic Blend, at John Deere landscapes. Omit the fine fescue (inexpensive filler). Add plenty of water, and feed it starter fert, followed by heavy fert for first 6 months. Let us know how it works out--don't forget the pictures.

 

[hotshot4819]

Im not a huge Fan of the whole Tuperspan idea either..
From what i have read, it can kill a percentage of the new seed...

I personally think going with 8lbs per 1k of seed, with a very heavy feeding of fert at the proper times, will help establish and smother out the weeds.

Yes, i also think the seed guy is pushing his product to a customer willing to listen....

 

[rcreech]

I do a lot of seeding and this is what I do!

Seed and use starter
Hit with starter again in 4 weeks
Once grass has been mowed a couple times hit with a pre/fert and broadleaf.

This is a cheap way to go and you will get very good results!

First year will be a little challenge but if you keep the water on it if needed you will be fine.

Year 2 it will look like a gold course!

 

[hotshot4819]

For someone that does so much seeding , your explanation seems to be lacking alot of detail...
What does someone like your consider ALOT of seeding. How many acres per year...

 

[rcreech]

For someone that does so much seeding , your explanation seems to be lacking alot of detail...
What does someone like your consider ALOT of seeding. How many acres per year...

:laugh:

Between 25-30+ acres/year. Click on my name and go to my home page and you can see my equipment!

What kind of detail are you looking for! I have given you all the info you need! If you want more "detail" I can cover you up with it.

If you are trying to go cheap...you won't be able to afford my details!

I run a 48" Landpride slice seeder (which is my picture above hooked to the JD) and I also have a 72" Primary seeder.