Overseeding time is almost here!

We can enjoy green grass all year long in the Phoenix valley, even though the winter and summer climates are very different.  The way this is done is by growing Bermuda grass in the summer and Rye grass in the winter.

Many homeowners look forward to the soft, lush look and feel of Winter Ryegrass.

The best time to overseed Bermuda with Rye is from the middle of September to the middle of October.  A general rule is that when the temperatures at night are consistently around the 60°F range, you are ready to plant.  If you plant too early the newly germinated Rye grass will require too much water and the condition can result in fungus killing the new grass.  Also, when the weather is still hot the Bermuda is still actively growing and will compete with the Rye seedlings.  Plant too late and the Rye germination will be slow because the weather isn’t warm enough.  So, there is a relatively small window of opportunity.

● To prepare the Bermuda Grass for overseeding, scalp it as short as possible.  Lowering the mowing height gradually in the previous weeks will make the job easier.  Cutting to around a half of an inch in height is usually about right. Watch out for any high sprinkler heads when you are scalping.  Flag them and lower them if needed.

● After scalping the Bermuda should be de-thatched.  For smaller lawns a hard rake may be sufficient.  For larger areas or if thatch is thick, a power rake rental will save a lot of effort.  It is important to remove thatch so that the Rye seed will be in contact with the soil.

● Next, sow the grass seed using a drop spreader.  Use 10 pounds of seed per 1000 square feet of lawn.  Spread 5 pounds per 1000 square feet in one direction and then spread another 5 pounds per 1000 square feet in the opposite direction for a smooth, even application to avoid stripes or bare spots.  Hand seed around the edges or any place the spreader did not cover.

● Check the sprinklers for full coverage of the area to make sure there are no dry spots.

● Apply Ammonium Phosphate fertilizer (16-20-0) to the seeded area so the newly emerging roots will have readily avail able nutrients to establish.

● Water the new seed as needed to maintain continuous moisture on the seed.  Irrigate in short cycles at least 3 to 4 times per day. 

● For extra insurance, cover the seed with a 1/4” layer of manure or compost.  This will help keep birds off and keep the seed moist.  Good germination can be achieved without the cover if you are in the perfect weather window, just make sure the seed never dries out.  The Rye seed will germinate in a week to 10 days. 

● Once germinated, gradually reduce the watering cycles and increase watering time as the new roots establish in the soil.  Do not over-water or the new grass will go yellow quickly. 

● Your new lawn should be ready to mow about one month after you plant the seed.  Rye grass likes to be mowed at about 2.5” to 3”.  Keep to a regular mowing schedule, don’t over-water and fertilize lightly once a month until February and you will have a great winter lawn.