Planting grass - have Harley Rake. Best method?

5030tinkerer · Jun 5, 2008

My new construction project is getting close to needing grass in several areas. After it is to the proper grade everywhere, I had planned on tilling the whole area, running my Harley Rake over everything, using a broadcast spreader to get the seed down, run the Harley Rake over everything again at about 1/4" depth (to bury some of the seed maybe?), go over the whole area with a landscape roller attached to my riding lawn mower to press the seed in, and then either wait for rain or keep it watered until the seeds germinate.

Are these the proper steps?

hazmat · Jun 6, 2008

I've got to say that I'm kind of surprised that a guy who owns a harley rake is unsure of the best way to plant seed.

Anyway, we are here to help.

IMHO the best way is to hire a hydroseeder. If you'd rather not go thru the expense, then simply spread the seed and roll it with the lawn tracter. I think you'll cause more problems (uneven dispersal) than you solve trying to mix it in with the rake.

I'm assuming of course that you've got the soil in good condition with lime & fert etc. If not - here's a good site Cornell Lawn that will give you the particulars. I'd highly recommend a soil test - local co-op or extension school should be able to help or "John Deere Landscapes" (formerly Lesco) if you've got one nearby.

dooleysm · Jun 6, 2008

When we put our lawn in it was in the fall (best to wait for fall in my opinion) about 18 months after we finished building our house. I had a very nice stand of weeds for a yard before that, which I bush hogged a few times over the summer.

The week before Labor Day I borrowed a 7' disk and disked the whole thing in 2 directions. On Labor Day my cousin brought his harley rake over and went over the whole yard, smoothing and windrowing rocks to the edges. That took about 4 hours. Then we heavily seeded the whole thing (I don't remember exactly, but I think about 300 lbs of Kentucky 31 over about an acre). After that we stopped for a late lunch.

Then we used his straw blower to cover the lawn with straw. Mother Nature did a great job of keeping it watered and I had a nice stand by the time the cold weather hit and a pretty decent lawn to this day (it'll be 2 years ago this coming Labor Day). My neighbor down the hill put his lawn in the Spring before me. We got a torrential downpour about 3 days later. His yard still looks like crap, with huge gulley's washed out and spotty grass coverage.

I don't think you need to roll or rake or anything after spreading your seed. Put some straw on it and make sure it stays moist and you'll be mowing in no time.

HTWT · Jun 6, 2008

Power rake and then spread your seed. A light raking will help cover up the seeds. If you want to roll it after seeding use the Harley rake. Just pull it over your lawn with the pto out of gear. The Harley rake is about 900 Lb.and will pack the soil and leave little depressions. If you can rent a primary seeder , it will give you an even seeding and compacts at the same time.

radman1 · Jun 6, 2008

Grass seed is best planted by falling/broadcasting on the surface and then rolling the surface. The seed needs to be in firm contact with the soil but not covered. A primary seeder is the best. I own one but have rented them in the past for about $125/day. Ideally, especially if you have a sprinkler system, water it lightly several times a day for the first 2 weeks then as needed. Never let water stand on the surface, just keep it moist. I had some sod laid around my house and I seeded the rest. A couple of years later, I can't tell the areas apart. I did have some broadleaf weeds initially which I controled with 2-4-D.

5030tinkerer · Jun 28, 2008

Thanks for the ideas, guys. Now it just needs to stop raining! (I live in Iowa)

I may have a Harley Rake, but I have never yet used it. It was an eBay purchase nearly two years ago that I couldn't pass up the deal on. For all I know the rake is the "ideal" solution for windrowing the rocks on my temporary drive, too - it just seems like I'd beat the crap out of it. Maybe that's what it's for, though.