Beautiful Summer Lawns

Summer lawns in the desert depend on Bermuda grass. This can be accomplished by either seeding your lawn or laying pre-grown sod. Seeding can be done any time after the end of September in low desert areas. Warm nighttime temperatures encourage faster germination; however, high daytime temperatures can dry out the turf area. It is best to sow seed or lay the sod when the nighttime temperatures are consistently above 60° and daytime temperatures are consistently above 90°.

                Prior to seeding, any existing grass and weds should be removed or killed with a broad spectrum herbicide, such as Greenlight’s Wipe Out. We recommend that you apply First Step Soil Acidifier at a rate of 5-10 lbs/1000 sq. ft., as well as a pre-plant fertilizer such as 10-18-22 w/IBDU (lasts 10-12 weeks) or 6-20-20 (lasts 4 weeks) at a rate of 6 lbs/1000 sq. ft. The ground should be tilled to a depth of 8-12”. Having First Step in the soil will also help deter birds that might otherwise feed on your seed.

                Sow seed in two directions to ensure even distribution.  Spread half in one direction and the other half perpendicular to the first.  We recommend applying seed with a broadcast spreader on a calm day.  Seeding rate is 1 lb/300 sq. ft. for all types of Bermuda.

                To save water & seed, cover the seed with Gardener’s World Top-It mulch at a rate of 1 cu. yd/1200 sq. ft. For smaller areas, use at a rate of 1, 1.5 cu. Ft. /100 sq. ft. Top dressing protects the seed from drying out & greatly aids germination. We do not recommend manure because of weed seeds, odor & high soluble salts content. Water 5-7 times a day, about 1/8” each time starting about 7 am, with the last watering about 6 pm. Keep the lawn moist until germination is complete. After germination, the intervals between watering should be decreased until the lawn is being thoroughly watered once or twice per week.

Fertilize with 25-2-5 MESA.

                Gardener’s World also can provide hybrid Bermuda sod for your lawn. Several popular varieties are available that will suit your needs. For further information, talk to any of our Garden Pros.