The Grass Doctor

Does my grass seed need to be covered completely???

Hi, I bought Scott's Shade and Sun grass seed, and I followed the instructions, and raked the soil after I spread the seed, but I can still see the grass seed above the soil. Is it okay if you can see the seed, or is it supposed to be covered completely? Thanks

Public Comments

1. its fine just rake it and water it and it will grow...the seed only needs contact with the soil and to be moist.
2. it's preferred! mine didnt grow :( the lawn got all burned for some reason.
3. Its ok as long as some of the seed is a 1/4 " below the ground. Use a stratter fertilzer and water daily. Be sure NOT to create puddles when watering germination should be in 7-21 days
4. It should grow the way you did it. But birds eat mine when they can see it. If you could throw out some straw that would be better. Just a little straw.
5. Go get yourself some straw, shake it out over the area where the grass seeds are, it covers the seeds enough to keep the birds off (most of the time) and it lets rain through or if you water with a hose it can get down to the soil. Once you start seeing sprouts (you'll have to check under the straw) then you can think about raking some of the straw away (carefully). The straw at first also keeps bright sun from drying out the soil too fast between waterings. Good luck with your purty new lawn!
6. Some seed will remain on the ground, but most will be covered and if you keep it wet, it will grow. In 90degree weather it will come up at the end of the third or fourth day (have to get on your hands and knees) at 70 degrees, it may take a week or 10 days.