It might sound strange if you haven’t heard this term before, but hydroseeding is an effective method for planting grass, especially over large terrain or in areas where it’s harder to grow, like slopes.
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Not only that, but it’s a proven technique that’s been around for more than 50 years.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about it!
Hydroseeding (also known as “hydro mulching” or “hydraulic mulch seeding”) is a method that combines seeds, water, mulch, fertilizer, tackifiers, lime, polymers (used for moisture retention), biostimulants and green dye.
The dye is used to see where the hydroseed is being laid down and to see more clearly where you spray it.
The technique is highly effective as the fertilizer speeds up growth, and the mulch bonds the seeds to the soil (while protecting them from the elements), simultaneously adding extra nutrients for the growing grass to feed on.
Hydroseeding is ideal if you have a large area, as this method can save a lot of money. It’s also best used if you own a place with difficult soil, lack of sunlight, or other harsh conditions, as you have plenty of options to choose from to create your ideal landscape.
Besides providing a lush-green lawn efficiently, this technique will also solve any erosion problems.
To apply hydroseed to any area, you must use a hydroseeder. A hydroseeder consists of a tank mounted on a truck or a trailer and then connected to a hose with a nozzle at the end. Since hydroseeders can be expensive, renting one out is usually better than buying one.
After the initial process is done, all you have to do is maintenance work. You’ve got to ensure that the lawn is moist. Start by watering a few times daily for the first 3-4 weeks, then gradually decrease.
If all goes well, you will see the results of your work sprouting after the first week or usually within 10 days. Ideally, you can start mowing after a month has passed.
So now that you know what hydroseeding is and what it’s all about, let’s look at 5 things you should know about it.
Firstly, all weeds and rocks need to go. If a rock is larger than the size of an egg, remove it.
The best way of dealing with the weeds is by spraying them with weedkiller. It usually takes about a week for them to die.
Once that’s done, remove the dead weeds and rocks and begin tilling the soil. Tilling without killing the weeds completely can cause some complications.
For example, if you leave the live root system in the ground, the weeds will re-emerge again.
If you don’t have the time, simply getting a garden maintenance pro to do all the prep work can really pay off here.
People with rocky or clay-based soils need good topsoil for a healthy lawn. Therefore, it’s wise to spend a little bit more on quality topsoil rather than planting in poor soil and spending a ton of money afterwards on fertilizers.
Another thing to remember is to have at least two to four inches of soft soil on the lawn’s surface to allow the grass to establish a deep root system more efficiently.
When it comes down to hydroseeding, any time is suitable, but your location also matters. And, of course, each season has its very own advantages you can benefit from.
For example, if you hydroseed in spring or autumn, it requires less water than in the summer. However, the summer heat will speed up the germination and growth of the grass.
But beware, the ideal temperature for hydroseeding in the first month and a half is between 75-85°F(24-30°C), so choose the appropriate time. Anything below 48°F(9°C) is usually not advised.
Also, remember that germination will occur much slower as soil temperatures drop.
For the first month, you must water three to four times daily for around 15 minutes (each time).
After the first month passes, cut back on the water and start training your roots to penetrate deeper into the soil.
You don’t necessarily need a sprinkler, but using one is recommended because watering by hand requires more time and effort.
A high-quality automatic sprinkler system is usually best, as it will use water more efficiently and distribute it evenly across your lawn. If you're not sure how to go about getting one of these installed, it would be best to get in contact with sprinkler installation experts, who can help you get the right irrigation system fitted for your garden.
Your lawn will also retain up to ten times more moisture due to the invaluable mulch in its mix.
However, if you’re set on watering by hand, it’s best to start hydroseeding in spring or autumn, as those are the season with the most rain.
You must also ensure proper care for your sprinkler system before the colder months approach.
With regular lawn care for the first seven to ten days, the grass blades emerge from the soil, and you’re good to go.
Around the one-month mark, the grass will be around three to four inches tall and ready to be mowed for the first time. You can try that with a cordless lawn mower, a much more efficient and environmentally-friendly option than gas-powered ones.
After that initial work, the grass is mowed once every week.
Remember that the blades must be sharpened regularly and that the 36-volt battery must be recharged whenever you need to mow.
Once the second month comes around, the grass will have become completely established and ready for any activity.
Overall, hydroseeding is the fastest and most effective method of seeding lawns, landscapes or eroded areas.
The way the seeds are applied to the soil through pressure creates the perfect environment for germination and turf development.
As a result, your lawn will be much more attractive due to using the hydroseeding method, and, compared to using sod, it will require much less effort and money.
Hello, I’m Laura Bennett. I love nature especially when it comes to flowers and different kinds of plants. I started a very small garden behind my house and I named it Humid Garden. So, I created this blog to provide aspiring and inspiring thoughts about gardening for gardeners and anyone who has the intention of keeping a garden.
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