We've had the home for 6 years and never could get a decent lawn growing until now. I started back in April with a good heavy shot of lime to settle the acidity of the soil. Next, I spread a fairly heavy amount of 18-24-6 starter fertilizer. After 2 weeks of rain and waiting for early May seed planting, I used Scott's Turf Builder grass seed, the kind that is coated with water-smart and green fertilizer. Supposed to be good stuff.
Then came the unforeseen 10 days of May snow and cold in the 20deg range. Oh great, would it kill the seed? During the winter weather I read where some oldtimers threw seed out atop late winter, early spring snow with great success. Imagine my surprise seeing the new sprouts coming up when daytime high temps hit 60deg. Last week I raked in seed to the other half of the front yard and watching with great interest.
So yesterday morning I was looking closely for those first sprouts that are barely visible. Our weather has been in the 80's with plenty of rain though I keep the ground damp. By the time evening came we sat on the porch enjoying the evening, I checked the half of the yard near the porch and to my amazement was surprised to see grass shooting up out of the black soil. In one days time the grass shot up out of bare ground and was about an inch tall by sunset. Germination time was less than 5 days.
Off to a good start, the entire yard is growing like crazy with improved soil conditions that I doubt it ever had in the past 100 years. Looking good.