The failure of your grass seed to sprout could be due to several environmental factors. These often include inconsistencies in watering (applying too much or too little), adverse weather conditions, the presence of weed control chemicals, or underlying problems with poor soil quality.

Overseeding is the practice of spreading grass seed across your current lawn to naturally thicken the turf. Lawns inevitably become weak and thin due to common seasonal pressures, including pests, drought, and extreme weather. This technique offers a cost-effective and speedy way to rejuvenate your grass, bringing back its lush, dense color without the labor and expense of tearing up the old lawn and completely starting over.

While grass seed can technically last for 2 to 3 years when stored in a cool, dry location, its performance diminishes over time. The germination rate (the percentage of seeds that sprout) will decrease, meaning older seed may not yield the lush results of a fresh product. For the best outcome, plan to use fresh seed and plant it within one year of purchase.

To purchase the correct amount of grass seed, you first need to determine the size of the area you plan to plant. Once you have this measurement, you can determine the number of bags needed by checking the package for two distinct coverage numbers:

• Overseeding Coverage: This is typically the higher number, indicating how many square feet the seed will cover when spread over an existing, thin lawn.
• New Lawn Coverage: This is usually the lower number, indicating coverage for reseeding (starting from scratch) or planting a completely new lawn.

While it is essential to read all package directions carefully, the overseeding coverage is generally found on the front of Scotts® seed packages, while the new lawn coverage is listed on the back.

Grass seed thrives when temperatures are consistently between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. Early fall is the prime season for planting, as the combination of shorter days, cooler nights, and heavy dews creates ideal conditions for root development before winter dormancy. Spring is also an excellent time to plant, benefiting from moderate temperatures and increased rainfall.

Before planting new grass, you must observe a necessary waiting period after using weed control products.

In general:

• Wait at least 4 months after applying a weed preventer.
• Wait at least 1 month after using other weed control products.

Consistent watering is crucial for successful germination. You should water twice daily (or more often during extremely hot/dry conditions) to ensure the top 2.5 cm (1 inch) of soil remains continuously moist, but not saturated. Continue this daily watering routine until the new grass has been mowed 1 to 2 times. Once the turf is established, you can transition back to your regular watering schedule.

When to mow depends on how the grass seed was applied:

• For lawns planted on bare ground: Wait until the new grass seedlings are fully established, reaching a height of 7.6 to 9 cm (3 to 3.5 inches), before mowing. Always mow on a dry day using a sharp blade.
• For overseeded lawns: While you can continue regular mowing, it is best to minimize frequency to protect the fragile new seedlings from traffic until they are fully established.

To avoid damaging new grass, you will generally want to wait until the turf has been mowed 3–4 times before applying any standard crabgrass preventer or weed control product. Always read the specific label instructions for the product you purchase.