When seeding bare soil, use 6 pounds of Tall Fescue seed for every 1,000 sq. ft. Overseeding an existing lawn takes around 3 pounds of seed for every 1,000 sq. ft. If you prefer a finer textured cool season lawn, you can use 5 pounds of Tall Fescue, 1 pound of Bluegrass seed and 1 pound of Fine Fescue.

If you are planting grass in an area that is completely bare, be certain to mulch the bare soil with wheat straw. The amount of straw needed is approximately one bale per 1,000 sq. ft. Always use weed free straw and when mulching, leave about 50 percent of the soil surface uncovered. Too much straw can shade the new grass seedlings.

Keep in mind that watering is critical the first 10 to 14 days unless the area has natural rainfall. Short waterings daily during those two weeks help keep the top inch of the soil from drying out.

Knowing what your soil pH is naturally depends on you. Soil test boxes and forms are located at the Polk County Extension Center in Columbus. Currently,  the samples are being processed in five working days. The soil testing program is free until Dec. 1 to North Carolina residents. All test results are posted online and the extension staff can explain the soil test results.

For specific information on lawns, contact the Polk County Master Gardeners 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday or 1-4 p.m. Thursday afternoon at 828-894-8218.

– article submitted by Sarah Gotfried