Speader for grass seed?

Bob_Trevithick · Apr 1, 2002

...Did you get the truck? 

It's sitting in our garage now on the battery charger.. and my buddy and a mechanic friend of his are coming over to do some stuff and look it over good on Thursday. He wouldn't accept any payment for it until we make sure everything is okay with it.. he's that kind of guy.

Now, lacking the funds for a FEL, I need to talk the control tower into letting me pick up a boom pole so I can load and unload stuff from this thing. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

...Some germinates on the surface. Spread it and harrow but wait till the mud season is over. 

Sounds good. I also need to get rid of a lot of ruts before I can do anything, so waiting until the mud is dried up a bit is essential anyway.

BTW, I've never been entirely certain about the definition of the word "harrow." Would this be like dragging the chain behind me?

Thanks,
Bob

Bob_Trevithick · Apr 1, 2002

Egon,

...Roller would work perfectly. Wouldn't have to till it.

My friend just filled it yesterday, unfortunately. It isn't that big a one.. looks about like a 55 gallon drum on its side. Doesn't seem too heavy, even filled.. my old GT235 had no trouble pulling it. He also mentioned an aerator he had that I could use. I'm not sure exactly when or why one might use an aerator, but I think it's for areas that already have grass, right? Aerate and then spread more seed?

Thanks,
Bob

Egon · Apr 1, 2002

Bob:

Roller doesn't have to be too heavy. Just enough to press the seeds down so a strong wind doesn't blow them away. It also makes for good seed ground contact so the seeds have enough moisture for germination. EG: The post that mentioned staw as cover.
The aerator's are mostly used on packed root bound grass to loosen things up a little.

Rember, I have a brown thumb.

Egon

Egon · Apr 1, 2002

Bob:

There are many different types of harrows and the terminology may vary from location to location. I'm only familiar with a diamond harrow. This is a square unit Usually about 5x5 ft. that has crossbars in a diamond pattern through which teeth about 6 in. long and 3/4 in square are bolted. Then these squares are attached to a drawbar to the size the tractor can pull. They are used to level worked ground and also behind a seed drill.

Some one else will have to fill you in on the other types.

Next time you visit your dealer or dealers pick up all the equipment brochures you can find and keep them in a room where they can be purused at your leisure.

Egon

Bob_Trevithick · Apr 1, 2002

Thanks, Egon. I think I have the idea now. I'm sure there are lots of variations..

Getting run over by one of those must be a harrowing experience! (Sorry /w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif)

Bob

BeeBop · Apr 2, 2002

I always spin spread all I do, I prefer to push but in large tracts I ride as it ensures proper seed dispersal that I can see. I suspect somewhere in the neighborhood of 150 to 200 lbs of fescue will cover your yard nicely but I don't know what seed you prefer in NY. I would start out w/copious amounts of Lime as you have mud and newly broken ground then go w/a good fertilizer, 10-20-20 or a slow release w/NO pre-emergent and then put down your seed only after you're sure you have the proper grading/broken ground. I ALWAYS use wheat straw over my seeded areas for a good moisture barrier which ensures optimum seed germination and it hides your seed from the birds. PS..When you think you have enough lime, well, you probably don't. Good luck.

Anonymous Poster · Apr 2, 2002

Should the area be lightly tilled? Just the top inch or so? Also, what does the lime do? What about killing all the existing weeds with Round Up first? thanks, I also will have about 2 acres to seed soon and want a yard like look. Other threads suggested that you can just keep mowing the weeds/grass and it will look good after a few years. Any more thoughts on this idea. It is a lot less work and expense, expecially when the yearly summer drought comes in SC. thanks, brett w

kofronj · Apr 2, 2002

Bob,

Generally speaking, in upstate NY you won't need lime for lawn seeding (I'm a Rochester boy). You definitely should spend the $5-10 to take your soil in for analysis at a local Ag. Extension. They'll also be able to help you with grass selection, as well as helpful (local) tips on how to get your lawn started. In New England, lime is used extensively to raise the pH of the soil to a point where grass will grow reasonably. Here in the midwest, it's very difficult to screw up a lawn---good soil and a more alkaline pH.

When spreading seed, I usually use a broadcast rotary spreader, and apply at 1/2 rate, doing a double application in different directions (just because...).

djradz · Apr 2, 2002

Best bet is to kill weeds first. Then add any new topsoil. Then do a final preparation of the surface by landscape raking it or dragging around a section of old fence or bead springs weighted down it a couple of blocks. Finally, spread the seed and then the fertilizer. Best thing to do is lightly hand rake the seed in but with a large area this is usually prohibitive. If you have a landscape rake, a once around with that would be OK. The main thing is not to move the seed around, but just kick a little soil around or over it. Something like 1/8" is all that's needed. Any deeper and the grass won't make it up. Whatever you do, Do Not Till It! Grass is not like corn or some other crops. Lastly, is you can afford the effort and cost, the more of the area you can cover with straw or some other type of light mulch, the less likely the area will wash out with the first rain and also the straw helps slightly to shade and keep the soil a little moister in the dry areas. Good luck to you.

Soundguy · Apr 3, 2002

"Now, lacking the funds for a FEL, I need to talk the control tower into letting me pick up a boom pole so I can load and unload stuff from this thing. "

"Controll tower" .. I like that.. I call my wife "The Treasurer"...

When I went to buy my tractor I said it like that.. I tol dthe salesman.. 'the price looks good, but i need to check with the treasurer... he said.. yep.. I'm married too.."

"BTW, I've never been entirely certain about the definition of the word "harrow." Would this be like dragging the chain behind me?"

The three types of harrows I've seen are the classic disc harrow ( disc ).. chain harrow ( pasture drag ) and a rotary harrow ( dresses horse riding arenas).

Chris