DIY Lawn Restoration 101: 5 Tips for Reseeding Your Outdoor Spaces

Lawn restoration: what a wonderful thing to be thinking about in January in northern MN! Though you guys know I’m not a huge fan of “lawns” these same steps will work in overseed your yard with anything you choose. I still dream of someday tipping over our entire backyard and planting dandelions, clover and creeping charlie to remove our grass, eliminate most of our mowing and give all of our visiting critters and insects some much needed nutrition throughout the spring a summer. Here’s to thoughts of spring and summer!

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)

A vibrant, lush lawn is often a source of pride for homeowners. However, as the seasons change, yards can become stressed and start to fade from their former glory. If you find your lawn is looking bare and weed-ridden, it may be time to reseed. Since reseeding is essentially a do-over for your bettered yard, ensure you’re working within the proper conditions to allow the new seed to thrive.

Depending on where you live, the conditions for healthy seeds will vary. You should reseed cool weather lawns in the fall, while warm weather grasses germinate best in late winter after the last hard frost. If you live between these climate zones, consider a spring seed expedition to avoid drastic weather changes that can negatively impact growth.

While the whole process might seem daunting, there are many benefits to DIY reseeding. By sidestepping professional aid, you save money and gain hands-on experience that will come in handy as you tend to your grass in the future. Before you get started, brush up on a few reseeding tips to help along the process.

Choose a high-quality grass seed

The very first thing you’ll need to do is decide which grass seed to use. Pay close attention to your climate to ensure you’re selecting compatible variations and steer clear of low-quality seed that can wreak havoc on your lawn. Instead, purchase high-quality seeds from reputable retailers like these for lush, vibrant growth. If you’re still struggling with pesky bare spots, try planting clover seed to aid in nitrogen production and stimulate seed growth.

Prepare your outdoor space

Reseeding is a complete do-over for your lawn, which means you’ll have to remove the remaining vegetation to rework the space. One convenient method of eradicating existing grass or weeds is to cover the area with a plastic film for a few weeks. Rake the dead plants out of the soil and till thoroughly to create a welcoming environment for the new grass. While you’re at it, consider reworking your landscape to accompany your new, vibrant lawn. 

Fertilize the soil

To give your seeds a fighting chance at survival, fertilize your soil thoroughly before planting. Lawn care experts have designed starter-specific fertilizers to aid in germination techniques. When you’re sifting through brand after brand, look for kits made to stimulate grass renewal to streamline the process.

Distribute the seeds

Once your soil is tilled and fertilized, it’s time to spread the seed evenly over the ground, either manually, utilizing the flat side of a rake, or mechanically, via seed spreaders that speed up the process. Carefully avoid areas you want to keep bare and follow distribution instructions to a T to guarantee successful implantation and sidestep inhibited growth.

Carefully tend reseeded areas

After you’ve spread the grass seed, cover your soil with mulch to stimulate growth and protect delicate seedlings. For DIY landscapers reseeding in the fall, a light layer of leaves can act as a natural mulch, or you can opt for store-bought products with various nutrients. Additionally, you should implement a strict watering regime, but be careful not to overwater and wash the seeds away.

A thriving lawn is in your grasp

Reseeding your lawn means starting from the ground up, but don’t be discouraged. When your yard features more weeds than grass, your DIY prowess can help you establish a healthy and vibrant lawn you can enjoy once again. 

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)