The Grass Doctor

What is the best way to go about planting/reseeding a law in VA?

I live in Virginia. I am trying to fix up my grandfathers lawn. I am trying to do it at a minimal cost and with limited time because its already the end of September. I haven't had the soil's ph tested but it hasn't been limed in many many years. It is also overtaken by crab grass but there is some grass patches. What is the best way to go about getting it full of healthy grass without spending a fortune. I have made arrangements to have someone to core aerate it and put down starter fertilizer and seed. I bought the pelleted lime. Should I rake the yard first to break up some of the crab grass so the lime, fertilizer and seed can make it to the soil or should i go ahead and lime it first then rake and sow the seeds. How much lime, using a drop seeder, should i put on the lawn for an untested soil ph. Is this time of year, end of september beginning of october, ok to plant tall fescue blend? any help or tips is greatly appreciated. lawn not law

Public Comments

1. I'd call a local nursery or county extension service. What practices that work in the sandy soil of Virginia Beach may not work in the red clay soil of the mountains of southwest Virginia or the Shenandoah Valley. Lime may or may not help (or hurt) your lawn.