Seeding a new zoysia lawn doesn’t have to be complicated. By following the steps outlined below, your lawn will soon be the jewel of the neighborhood!
Summary of the steps
Step 1: Pick the Correct Time to Seed
Planting Zoysia seed during the correct time of year is one of the biggest keys to planting a new lawn. Zoysia seed will not germinate in cold weather. Make sure that the very last threat of frost has passed before you begin to plant any seed.
But do not wait too late in the spring or summer to plant. You want your seeded Zoysia lawn to have plenty of time to grow before winter arrives. A general rule of thumb is to plant seven to fourteen days after the last frost.
Step 2: Remove Debris & Vegetation
Like starting almost anything new, it is best to start with a clean slate. Make sure to remove any debris, such as pine straw, thatch, sticks, or leaves. Removing weeds, vines, and any other living vegetation will remove competition for new Zoysia grass seeds.
Two weeks before your planting date, apply a non-selective herbicide to the target area. Round-Up Roundup Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate Plus is a common name brand herbicide.
Do not worry about the herbicide affecting your new grass seed. Glyphosate quickly breaks down in the soil.
Step 3: Fertilize
Zoysia flourishes with proper fertilization and zoysia seed is no different. If needed, apply a nitrogen-based fertilizer to the soil to prepare for planting. Compost is another alternative to applying fertilizer.
Plant zoysia grass seed in soil with a pH between six and seven. If your lawn has a pH deficiency, you should take steps to correct it before planting. You can discover more about soil pH here.
Step 4: Prepare the Ground
Using a rake, ensure that the ground is smooth and level. Also, while raking be sure to remove any remaining sticks or debris. Use a larger metal rake and then transition to the finer wire rakes for best results.
The area you are about to seed needs to be as debris-free as possible.
Step 5: Spread the Seed
Using a hand-held spreader, apply the Zoysia seed onto the prepared soil. Always follow the manufacturer’s application rates when applying Zoysia grass seed.
Step 6: Sow the Seeds into the Ground
After applying the seeds to the soil, the next step is to cover the seed with no more than ¼ of an inch of sand or soil. Covered seed is more likely to germinate than uncovered seed.
Freshly applied seeds should never be exposed to the direct elements if possible. Increasing seed-to-ground contact also aids in the germination process.
Finally, covering seeds deters animals and weather from disturbing them. Rollers, rakes, and spreaders are all tools that can help with covering zoysia grass seeds.
Step 7: Apply Water
Zoysia needs 1 to 1.25 inches of rain per week, and Zoysia seed is no different. Recently seeded soil needs to stay moist for at least 14 days. Water your newly sown lawns every day for at least two weeks.
If extreme temperatures are present, you may need to water twice per day. Ensure that standing water is not present and that the soil is draining to prevent rot and molding.
Step 8: Enjoy!
After two to three weeks, you should see green and beautiful zoysia grass growing on your lawn. Never mow a lawn that is not fully established. Most recently seeded lawns can be mowed in five to six weeks after planting. If weeds begin to develop, apply a selective post-emergent herbicide.
