How to Germinate Grass Seed Using Epsom Salts
Seeding a lawn is a cheaper and more versatile option than laying sod. But grass seed can take a considerable amount of time to grow. This not only requires patience, but can become a more significant problem if the seed is planted later than the prescribed date. Grass seed should be allowed time to take root and establish itself before harsh summer or winter temperatures hit. Germinating grass seed with Epsom salts can give grass the boost it. The magnesium in Epsom salts increases germination speed by 300 to 400 percent and germination rates as well.
Place the grass seed in an old pillow case.
- Seeding a lawn is a cheaper and more versatile option than laying sod.
- The magnesium in Epsom salts increases germination speed by 300 to 400 percent and germination rates as well.
Fill your bucket three-quarters full with lukewarm water. Then add the Epsom salts and stir well until the salt is dissolved.
Submerge the seed-filled pillow case in the bucket and allow it to soak for 24 hours.
Remove the pillow case from the salt bath and allow it to drain.
Empty the bucket, rinse it out and refill it with lukewarm, salt-free water. Submerge the pillow case and allow it to soak for another 24 hours.
Remove the pillow case from the bucket and allow it to drain.
- Fill your bucket three-quarters full with lukewarm water.
- Submerge the seed-filled pillow case in the bucket and allow it to soak for 24 hours.
Empty the seed from the bag and spread it out in a cool dry place until it dries. Rotate the seed occasionally so it dries evenly.
Spread the seed over the prepared planting area as usual.
Grass To Seed Out
Stop mowing the grass in the area that you want to let seed out. In dry conditions, water the grass as needed to ensure that it continues to grow and thrive. Wait for the seed heads to develop completely and begin drying out. Harvest the seeds by grasping the stalk with one hand and sliding the fingers of the other hand up the stalk and over the seed heads; provided that the heads are fully developed, the seeds will come loose between your fingers. Mow the lawn after harvesting the seeds, setting the blade high so that you remove no more than one-third of the grass height in the first cut. Store harvested grass seed in a cool, dry location.
- Empty the seed from the bag and spread it out in a cool dry place until it dries.
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References
- "Jerry Baker's Lawn Book", Jerry Baker, 1987
- New South Wales Primary Industries Agriculture: Grassed up – Methods of Seed Harvesting
- Alberta Agricultural and Rural Development: Harvesting Grass Seed - Seed Storage
Writer Bio
Based in Houston, Texas, Meg Butler is a professional farmer, house flipper and landscaper. When not busy learning about homes and appliances she's sharing that knowledge. Butler began blogging, editing and writing in 2000. Her work has appered in the "Houston Press" and several other publications. She has an A.A. in journalism and a B.A. in history from New York University.
