Fall Seeding & Lawn Care Guide

Step 1: Preparing the Soil for Seeding or Overseeding
Loosening of the soil is helpful in starting a new lawn or overseeding an existing lawn. Roto-tilling, aerating, slicing, or heavy raking are some of the methods that can be used. Depending on the compaction (tightness) of your soil will determine which method you may choose. Equipment can be obtained through local rental companies. Hudgins also provides a lawn aeration service.

Applying gypsum to your soil is also an excellent way to help loosen heavy clay soils. Gypsum improves soil porosity, which is the soil's ability to absorb nutrients. Gypsum will allow easier soil penetration for seedling grass. Gypsum should be applied at a rate of up to 60 lbs. per 1,000 feet of lawn area twice a year.

Step 2: Correcting Soil PH for Healthier Lawns
Lime is essential to the success of your lawn. Lime creates a balance of soil chemistry that allows the fertilizer to react with your lawn more readily. A pH level between 6.0 and 6.8 is considered desirable for nutrient availability. A quick soil test which you can do yourself is available in our store. Based on soil tests we have seen, most lawns in the Central Virginia area have needed lime applied at the rate of approximately 40 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. of lawn area. After correcting pH level, lime should be applied as needes generally once per year at a rate of 40 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. of lawn area.

For new lawn or established lawns we recommend Hudgins Lawn Fertilizer as a starter fertilizer or maintenance fertilizer. However, when your soil is known to be or suspected to be low in phosphorus, we suggest you use Hudgins Starter Fertilizer to enhance seed root development. A quick soil test which you can do yourself is available in our store. Based on soil tests we have seen, most lawn in the Central Virginia area have adequate amounts of phosphorous.

In the following S.O.N. program recommended for this area, you should feed your lawn in September, October and November with a 4:1:2 ratio fertilizer such as Hudgins Lawn Fertilizer . An alternate feeding schedule would be three applications 6-8 weeks apart beginning in September.

Hudgins recommends the use of a quality turf type fescue for your lawn. Turf type fescues generally have a more plush look and a more even coverage. Also, these varieties generally have a very good resistance to lawn diseases such as brown patch.

Seed Application Rates
Turf Type Fescues	New Lawn	6-8 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft.
	Overseeding	4-6 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft.
* use in areas that receive 4 hours or more of sunlight each day.
Hudgins Shade Blend	New Lawn	5-6 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft.
	Overseeding	1-3 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft.
* use in areas that receive less than 2 hours of filtered sunlight each day.
Kentucky 31	New Lawn	8-10 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft.
	Overseeding	6-8 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft.
* Kentucky 31 is not a turf type fescue but has been used in lawns.

Seed may be applied during the same time you apply lime and fertilizer. However, during periods of extreme hot weather it is best to put down lime and fertilizer a few days apart to prevent burning. Seed may be applied with a rotary spreader, drop spreader, or hand spreader. Remember, put down the recommended amount of seed.

After applying lime, fertilizer, and seed to your lawn, we recommend you cover the newly seeded areas with a light covering of peat moss or straw. Peat moss is the most desirable and is excellent for average size areas. Straw is ideal for large areas.

Approximate Coverage
4 cu. ft. Peat Moss	500-1,000 sq. ft.
1 Bale Straw	800-1,200 sq. ft.

Existing lawns may not need a seed cover, however, a light application of peat moss would be helpful. Peat moss coverage will go further on existing lawns. Remember, loosening the soil is also helpful for seed starting on existing lawns.

Proper watering is essential to the success of your lawn. DO NOT over water your lawn and DO NOT water at in the heat of the day or early night. Both of these practices can cause root rot, shallow root systems, and lawn diseases. Generally, watering your lawn 1" to 1 1/2" once or twice per week, depending on weather conditions is adequate. Measure the amount of water you are putting down by placing water collectors in the area you are watering. Keep track of how long you water so that you will know how long to run your sprinkler system when you do water. For best results, water in the early morning with an impulse, fan, or an oscillating sprinkler for best water absorption into the soil. How much to water will vary according to climatic condition, soil conditions, and the rate of growth. Remember, check your soil for dampness before re-watering.

You are now on your way to a beautiful lawn.
The staff at Hudgins will be glad to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to contact Hudgins Garden Center & Nursery for any lawn and garden questions at (804) 739-5100.

S.O.N. Lawn Program
Lawncare Application Guidelines
(September, October, November)

September

Apply a September Fertilization to your lawn. September is also an excellent time to apply lime, gypsum, and grass seed.

October

Apply an October Fertilization to your lawn. October is also an excellent time to apply lime, gypsum, and grass seed.

November

Appy an November Fertilization to your lawn. Lime and gypsum may also be applied if needed. Grass seed may be put down depending on the fall climate conditions. Now is a good time to put down weed control.

December

Lime and Gypsum may also be applied if needed.

January

Fertilizer may be put down if you have not made your last application. Lime and gypsum may also be applied if needed.

February

Get your Spring Lawn Care Guide. Hudgins Spring Lawn Care Guide will tell you exactly how to care for your lawn March through August, and which products to use on your lawn to control weeds, pests, and proper fertilization applications.