The Popular Grass Seeding Technique You May Want To Skip (And What To Do Instead)

Lawn seeding techniques aren't one size fits all– the best technique depends on factors like the size of your lawn and whether you're starting from scratch or filling in thin areas. However, there's one popular technique that you should rethink in almost all scenarios: tossing seeds by hand.

It's as simple as it sounds, and that's likely why it's so common. Seeding by hand is the cheapest way to spread grass seed since all you have to do is grab a handful and toss it over the ground; some people even shake the seed directly out of the bag. Either way, no special tools are needed, which can be appealing given how pricey lawn care can be. It's especially popular for overseeding or adding extra seed to patchy lawns.

Unfortunately, this shortcut comes with notable downsides. As with all plants, grass seeds require the right conditions in order to germinate, and sitting on top of your lawn isn't going to cut it. Without prep work and the proper tools, you may end up with an unsatisfyingly patchy lawn, which is a waste of both seeds and time.

The first issue with spreading grass seed by hand is that it's more difficult to apply the seed at an even, steady rate. The whole point of overseeding a lawn is to make it fuller and more even, but this technique may result in a spotty and unbalanced look instead. The second issue is that grass seeds must make contact with soil to germinate. When you toss grass seeds on the lawn without prepping first, the seeds are likely to just sit on top of the lawn, where they may be blown away by the wind, washed away by the rain, or eaten by birds. Even those that manage to stay in one spot will dry out and never make it down onto the actual soil beneath the grass blades. Some of the seeds may make it, but the result is still a patchy lawn as the best case scenario.

It's not the best idea to spread seed by hand when working with anything larger than a single small bald spot. Even then, you shouldn't just toss the seed on the lawn and cross your fingers. Preparing your soil before planting grass is an essential step; even using a spreader won't be as effective without this prep work.

Whether you're overseeding or reseeding your lawn, the same basics apply. First, prepare the soil for planting by loosening up the surface. When reseeding (or starting from scratch), turn the soil over by tilling or digging. When overseeding, mow the grass short and then rake or scarify. This process helps the seeds reach the soil while allowing more light and air in. If your lawn is compacted, you should also aerate the soil before seeding. On new lawns, you may need to do the opposite – walk over the lawn or use a roller so the soil is firm enough to hold onto the seeds.

Then it's time to spread your seed. To ensure even coverage, a seed spreader is better than spreading by hand. For small lawns, use a handheld spreader; for bigger lawns, use a drop or broadcast spreader. Check the instructions on your grass seed to determine the proper rate of spread, and make sure to work on a day that's not too windy. Working in a criss-cross pattern (horizontally and then vertically) also helps distribute the seed evenly.

Afterward, loosely rake again so the seeds are covered with a bit of soil but not too much – ¼ inch at most. Apply some compost or a lawn fertilizer without herbicide, and then add some mulch or straw to protect the seeds, maintain moisture, and prevent weeds. Lastly, keep your grass seeds moist by watering two to four times a day and avoid walking on the lawn until the grass is established.