New grass from seed

[Jenn]

Any advice for S AL? Have Annual rye up pretty well, trying to decide if I can afford centipede seed (and if I can find organic) vs other types- recommendations? Okay to just mow rye, scatter new seed, sprinkle dirt over, mow rye again soon, frequent watering? We're at about our last frost now.

[MeanDean]

Originally Posted by Jenn

Any advice for S AL? Have Annual rye up pretty well, trying to decide if I can afford centipede seed (and if I can find organic) vs other types- recommendations? Okay to just mow rye, scatter new seed, sprinkle dirt over, mow rye again soon, frequent watering? We're at about our last frost now.

Depends on the type of grass - especially for a zone 8.

Forget fescue unless you're going to sod and sod today - and provide it with gallons of water to survive the summer because the root systems aren't going to be as established as they would be for a fall seeding.

Rye is nice for quick, not so permanent cover for other plantings in colder climates, which is why you usually see it combined with patchmaster type products for northern type grasses.

Centipede - I'm not a big fan because it browns in the winter - and I want something green to look at. The upside is its maintenance requirements and ability to take alot of sun (though not tolerant to salt, drought, and excessive fertilizer).

Here's a bit more localized information from the Birminham news on the topic.

Again, I favor sod for a variety of reasons, but whatever you select to use and do, I'd suggest considering laying down a layer of topsoil for the seed, then covering the seed with straw - especially so because it is spring.

[MeanDean]

Originally Posted by Jenn

Any advice for S AL? Have Annual rye up pretty well, trying to decide if I can afford centipede seed (and if I can find organic) vs other types- recommendations? Okay to just mow rye, scatter new seed, sprinkle dirt over, mow rye again soon, frequent watering? We're at about our last frost now.

Hmm ... one other caveat about your selection of seed:
The potential harm to livestock due to bacterial agents, for example Annual Ryegrass Toxicity.

Granted - this problem is currently only at issue with our Aussie friends down under and some South African countries.

Here is some info from Oregon State that might help you make a decision.

[VALENT]

I wouldnt lose too much sleep worrying about the ryegrass hurting your animals. We plant 100's of acres for our cows and horses and share a bit with the chickens as well.