It is difficult to plant grass seeds in lawns. It is important that the seeds grow into healthier, greener turfgrass. However, external factors such as birds, strong winds, and heavy rains can eat the seeds, leaving your lawn barren. Covering the seeds with peatmoss is a great way to ensure they reach maturity. Learn more about peatmoss and how it can be used on your lawn.
Can peat moss be used over grass seed?
Peat moss can be used to cover grass seeds during the establishment of a new lawn, or for adding seeds to existing bare spots. Peat moss can be used to cover grass seeds so they are protected from wind and rain. Birds will not eat them. Peat moss will keep the seeds moist and prevent them drying. Peat moss helps grass seeds germinate quicker than average.
How to cover grass seed with peat moss
Peat moss is dead, decayed sphagnum moss. You can cover grass seeds properly so that strong winds don’t blow them away and they mature into desirable turfgrass. Here’s how to cover grass seeds with peat moss.
1. Lawn preparation
Before covering the seeds with peatmoss, prepare the lawn. First, remove all debris. Next, use herbicides to kill any remaining seed weeds. This should be done at least two weeks prior to planting grass seeds. To loosen soil and prepare for new lawns, till the lawn to remove all weeds and debris. Rake through any holes or low spots to fill them with soil. Allot the ground evenly. When you are done, use a lawn roller or a sandpaper to compact the soil.
2. Spreading grass seeds
After preparing the lawn, spread grass seeds. The grass seeds should be spread evenly across the lawn. Spread the seeds evenly with your hands if you have a small area to cover. If you need a larger area, a spreader can be used. Water can be poured lightly onto the grass seeds. For small areas, you can use a mistbottle or a can with small holes to water the grass seeds. Don’t overwater or submerge.
3. Peat moss used to cover grass seeds
Use a spreader or your hands to add 1/4 inch of peat moss to the grass seeds. Allow the peatmoss to dry completely. Use less water than necessary. When the peat moss turns brown, water it at regular intervals. The seeds will germinate if they are watered twice daily. After five days, the grass will start to grow and the sprouts will appear from the peatmoss. Once the seedling is about an inch tall, reduce the frequency of watering to one per day. This will allow you to cover 1/2 inch with peat moss.
The benefits of peat moss spreading on grass seeds
Peat moss can be spread on grass seeds to reap its many benefits. If you are unsure how to help your grass seeds, read on.
1. It retains water.
Peat moss is a great choice for top dressing when you want to plant new seeds in your lawn. Low water retention capacity means that loose sandy soils can cause turf blade curl if they are not adequately watered. Peat moss can be added to grass seeds to improve water retention. When wet, peat moss can retain up to 20 times its dry weight. Because it acts as a sponge, peat moss holds water in its wet form for the roots of turfgrass. Peat moss can be added to ensure that water is always available for turf.
2. Water drainage and aeration are improved
Poorly draining soils make it difficult to grow turfgrass. Root rot and other diseases can be encouraged by them. Peat moss is loose, which allows water and air to reach the roots. Peat moss increases water drainage and aeration in soils that are poorly drained.
3. Protects grass seeds against elements and birds
Peat moss can be added to grass seeds to keep birds away and prevent them from becoming a pest.
Peat moss protects seeds from being carried away or washed away in heavy rains. If the grass seeds were not covered, birds would eat them and strong winds would blow them away before they germinate.
4. Peat moss isn’t a weed or pathogen that can be brought to your lawn by peat moss
If you want to avoid endless battles with weeds, add peat moss to your grass seeds. Peat moss is free from any seeds or weeds. Peat moss also doesn’t contain pathogens that can cause turf disease. Remove all weeds from your lawn and cover it with peat moss.
5. Promotes rapid sprouting of grass seeds
Peat moss is a good choice for lawns because of its high water retention capacity. Peat moss’ high water retention (20 times its dry weight), makes it possible to grow grass seeds. Peat moss is less dense, which allows for sunlight and air to penetrate. For seeds to grow and develop, they need water, sunlight, and air. These elements are available in large quantities in peat moss, which allows grass seeds to grow faster and produce more sprouts.
Straw vs. Peat moss – Which one is better?
Straw can be used to cover the seeds of grass when planting. Straw is a dried stalk of grasses that’s used to cover grass seed. Both are great for covering grass seeds. However, you should consider the differences between them before choosing which one to use. Below, we compare straw and peat moss.
1. Water retention capacity
Peat moss retains water up to 20 times its dry weight. Straw holds less water. Peat moss acts like a sponge and holds a lot of water to grow grass seeds. It can hold water 20 times its dry weight. It is preferred over straw in low water retention soils because of this. Straws, on the other hand, retain very little or moderate amounts of water. Even seeds can dry out if they are covered with straws.
2. Production rate of sprouts
Peat moss grows more sprouts quickly than straws, but makes sprouts grow slower. Peat moss is a high-water retention material, has good drainage, aeration and allows for more sunlight penetration. This makes peat moss seeds more productive and faster to grow. Straws, on the other hand, have a low water retention capacity, and are not able to allow for much sunlight penetration. Therefore, straws can slow down the growth of seeds, resulting in fewer sprouts.
3. Environmental hazards
Straws, on the other hand, are sustainable and can be harmful to the environment and peat moss cannot be recycled. Peat moss can’t be regenerated once it has been removed from a bog. Peat moss extracted from bogs can pollute the surrounding wetlands. Peat moss is not able to decompose and allows microorganisms living in it. If microorganisms don’t have soil to grow, they won’t be able to decompose organic matter and add nutrients. Straws can be used to encourage soil microorganisms and produce more nutrients for the turfgrass. The straws will also eventually decompose, releasing more nutrients to the turf.
4. Pathogens and weeds
Peat moss has no disease-causing pathogens or weeds. Straws are full of pathogens and weeds. Peat moss, which is a decayed sphagnum moss, has no weeds and does not contain any disease-causing pathogens. Because it does not introduce pathogens or weeds to the lawn, it is preferred. Straws, on the other hand, can contain weeds that may grow and infiltrate your lawn area if they are used to cover seeds.
How much peatmoss should I use to grow grass seeds
After planting grass seeds, add 1/4 inch of peatmoss to your lawn. Peat moss can be spread from 1-3 inches to the lawn before you plant seeds. Dip into 6 inches. Too much peatmoss in lawns can cause hydroxide to be produced, which makes the soil more acidic. An increase in soil acidity can lower soil pH and turf will not thrive in acidic soils.
Other ways to apply peat moss to lawns
Peat moss can also be used to cover seeds when overseeding or toppingdressing.
1. Overseeding
Spring and fall are the best times to oversee a lawn. To oversee your lawn with peatmoss, follow the steps below.
- Cut the grass to a minimum of 1/2 inch. To expose the soil, use a rake and remove any debris.
- For large areas, spread seeds using a spreader or your hands. For every 1000 square feet, apply 7 pounds of seeds.
- Use a roller to compact the soil.
- Place 1/4 inch of peatmoss on the area.
- Water the seeds frequently during the first 2 weeks to encourage sprouting. Don’t overwater or underwater.
- When the seedlings reach 2 inches in height, mow.
- After the second mowing, apply fertilizer.
2. Topdressing
Peat moss can be used to level low-growing lawns. To topdress with peat moss, follow the steps below.
- You will need to identify the areas that are thin and remove them from the lawn.
- Use a rake to aerate the area.
- Spread 1/4 to 1/2 inch of peatmoss on the area with a shovel or rake.
- To ensure that the area is level, insert a ruler in the peatmoss.