Written Instructions
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1. Most of the time we typically recommend as a first step in preparing a seed bed to remove any existing vegetation from your site. Sometimes it's even necessary to apply a concentrated weed killer to do that. However, today we're working at a new home and during the construction phase the builder planted some temporary rye grass which has already died out because of all the heat. So as we transition from that temporary rye grass into our lifetime lawn, we won't have to be spraying anything out. However, if at your site you so have existing vegetation, please refer to some of our other videos which show how to properly apply that type of product.
2. The next step in the process will be adding an organic humus compost called Soil cubed which is a product that we produce on our farms. By adding this Soil3 to the site, we'll be introducing beneficial bacteria as well as nutrients to the site. After we've done that, we want consider putting out some lime and fertilizer, but before you do that you want to make sure that you've already had a soil test done. A soil test will help you know exactly what you might need to add. And a few things to remember when you're planting Centipede seed. For example, the first thing is that Centipede typically performs well in a low pH soil with a range somewhere between 5 and 6. Also, Centipede really does not require very much fertility so it doesn't need very much nitrogen in the soil. If your soil test shows you lack some potassium and phosphorus, put out a low nitrogen starter fertilizer. After we've spread the Soil3 compost and scattered the starter fertilizer we'll incorporate both of those into the soil. That way once the seed germinates they'll be able to help that plant develop and grow into the healthy Centipede lawn that we're trying to establish.
3. Now we're going to rake over the entire area trying to eliminate any depressions or high spots that may have been left behind. We’ll also pick up any sticks, stones, or debris that would have been there and in the process we'll create a smooth and even surface for planting our seed.
4. Now we're actually ready to plant our seed. We recommend using a handheld spreader set to a very small calibration because of the size of the Centipede seed. We like using a hand held spreader because it gives us a little bit more control in determining exactly where and how much seed we're putting out at any given time. We would also encourage you to put out half of the seed in a north-south direction and then to crisscross that in an east-west pattern to ensure that you put out all of your seed in an adequate and uniform coverage through the entire area.
5. Now that we've planted our seed we want to go back over them with just a very light covering. Some people might recommend that you use wheat straw at this point in the process. We would actually advise against that. Remember, TifBlair centipede seed is certified and 100% weed free and bringing something in like wheat straw there's a possibility of introducing foreign weed seeds. We want to eliminate that whenever possible. Instead, we're going to be using a compost spreader and to cover our seed lightly again with just a very small layer of Soil3 compost. Again, the seed will be just underneath the surface, really no more than about a quarter of an inch deep, which will position them so that they can germinate properly.
6. The final step in our seed bed preparation is going over the entire area with a roller. As we roll over this area, we'll be pressing the seed slightly downward to make sure they have proper soil contact. In addition we'll be eliminating any final and remaining air pockets, depressions, or high spots, which will create a smooth and even surface allowing proper water flow throughout the entire area.
7. Last but certainly not least is watering in your newly planted TifBlair Centipede seed. You want to make sure that you can water immediately after planting and that you then keep the seed bed moist for at least 2 weeks. Doing so may mean watering at least 2 or 3 times daily depending on the temperatures that we are having and the soil type of your specific location. After a few weeks the seed will actually germinate, and once they do, you can gradually back off your watering cycle. But remember, for a lawn to develop into a healthy situation, it's going to require at least 1 inch of water per week.
With the proper amount of time, water, sunlight, and care you will soon have a lovely new, healthy TifBlair Centipede lawn.