Hello Experts, I am new here. Both, in this forum and growing a new lawn by seeding. We live in Livermore, CA. We used Scotts lawn starter fertilizer, followed by turf builder tall fescue mix. Good Part: We are into 3 weeks today and we see a lot of grass. Bad Part: It looks very patchy. I am attaching some pictures taken from multiple angles. Top view is really patchy with patches without grass all over the lawn. Side view is Ok good. Not what I wanted or expected though.
Option 1: Find the spots, lightly till them, plant the seeds again, cover them with topsoil, and water them. And wait for three weeks? When should I begin? But again, there are a lot of those little patches spread out all over the lawn. Is it realistically possible to even till them and sow ?.
Option 2: Regardless of the patches, just add some Lawn food. But when ? I did add starter fertilizer the first time around.
Option 3: Can I walk on the grass already? If not, how am I going to get to the patches? I’m afraid that if I walk on them, some newly sprouted seeds will stick to my slippers and spread out even more. I am not sure if they are ready to be mowed yet.
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If you planted grass seed 3 weeks ago and still don’t see any sprouts, it’s understandable to feel frustrated You put in the work of soil prep, seeded at the right time, and have been patiently waiting for those first little blades to emerge So why is your new lawn still a barren dirt patch?
Not to worry! There are several reasons why grass seed germination may be delayed, and the good news is there are also ways to get your lawn back on track. In this article, I’ll go over the top causes for no grass after 3 weeks and what steps you can take to finally get the lawn of your dreams.
Common Reasons Grass Seed Hasn’t Sprouted After 3 Weeks
Before taking action, it’s important to understand what factors may be preventing your grass seed from sprouting Here are some of the most common culprits
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Incorrect seeding depth: Grass seed needs shallow soil contact for successful germination. Burying seeds too deep prevents growth.
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Lack of moisture: Grass seedlings need consistently moist soil for the first 3-4 weeks. Underwatering is a major cause of failure.
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Poor soil contact: Seeds need good contact with soil particles to absorb moisture. Compacted soils or heavy mulching materials can create barriers.
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Cold temperatures: Cool weather slows the germination process. If temps have been consistently under 60°F, growth will be delayed.
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Heavy rain or erosion: Hard pounding rain can wash away exposed seeds or create crusting on the soil surface.
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Birds: Birds love munching on grass seed. Lack of protective cover leads to loss.
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Dormancy requirements: Some grass varieties like zoysia have built-in dormancy periods and take longer to sprout.
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Poor viability: Old seed that wasn’t stored properly may lack the energy needed to germinate.
Now that you know what prevents grass from growing, we can troubleshoot solutions!
How to Fix Grass That Isn’t Growing After 3 Weeks
Don’t rip up your bare soil just yet! Here are pro tips to get your lawn back on track:
Reseed Bare Patches
If lack of germination is widespread, the simplest fix is to reseed. Scuff up the soil a bit with a rake then sprinkle new seed. This time, aim for shallow coverage no more than 1⁄4 inch deep. Water gently to moisten and keep soil consistently damp. Consider using a seed starting mix which retains moisture well. Within 1-2 weeks, you should see new sprouts.
Check and Adjust Soil Moisture
Under or overwatering causes many seed failures. Check the moisture level of soil in bare spots. If bone dry, begin watering daily in early morning or evening to maintain dampness. Avoid heavy mid-day watering which causes evaporation. If soil is soggy, allow it to dry out somewhat before reseeding.
Improve Soil Contact
Remove any mulch or heavy objects compressing the area. Rake to loosen the top 1⁄4 inch of soil then sprinkle on new seed. Gently rake again to mix seed into soil. Lightly pack with a lawn roller if possible. Mist seedbed with water daily to maintain moisture without disrupting seeds.
Increase Temperature
If daytime temperatures are consistently cool, warming up the soil can speed germination. Use black plastic sheeting to trap heat and remove at night. Or run a cold frame cover over seeded areas to create a greenhouse effect. Grass sprouts well between 60-75°F.
Add Starter Fertilizer
Starter fertilizer is formulated to encourage seed germination and establishment. Apply starter fertilizer mixed with soil when reseeding bare spots. Follow package instructions to ensure proper application rate. Fertilize when grass reaches 3 inches tall.
Exclude Birds
Protect freshly seeded areas from bird damage by covering with bird netting. Weigh down the edges well and leave netting in place until grass reaches 1 inch tall. Or use vegetable oil sprayed on seeds to make them unappetizing. Reapply after rain.
Consider Dormant Seeding
If you used a dormant variety like zoysia, be patient! These grasses take longer to wake up from hibernation. Allow 4-6 weeks before reseeding dormant varieties. A fall application is better than spring for these grasses.
Test Seed Viability
If you suspect your seed was old, do a germination test. Place 10 seeds on a damp paper towel in a ziplock bag. Keep moist and in a warm spot. If less than 80% sprout after 2 weeks, replace old seed with fresh stock.
How to grow a new lawn from seed in only 3 weeks
FAQ
Will grass seed germinate after 3 weeks?
Can I mow 3 weeks after seeding?
Can I put down grass seed every two weeks?
Why is my grass seed not germinating after 14 days?
Why is my grass seed not growing after 3 weeks?
If your grass seed is not growing after 3 weeks, it may be from one of the reasons listed below. Depending on the species of grass, you generally want to keep seed wet for 2-4 weeks after planting. The germination period can range from 7-14 days. This is when the seed will bud out and attach to the soil. Growing grass is a very delicate process.
How long does it take a grass seed to grow?
The germination period can range from 7-14 days. This is when the seed will bud out and attach to the soil. Growing grass is a very delicate process. You want the ground to stay damp, but if it gets too wet there will be surface runoff which will prohibit the seed from growing.
How long can you walk with new grass seed?
Refrain from walking on the ground with new grass seed for at least 4 weeks. It’s also important to take care when walking in areas with new grass. Seeds sprouting under the surface, as well as new grass sprouts, can easily be killed by simply walking on them.
How often should you water grass seed?
Aim to water grass seed once or several times daily for the first few weeks, depending on your climate, ensuring the seed stays moist and doesn’t dry out. A lawn sprinkler with a fine mist is the best option for larger areas, as there is less chance of dislodging the seed.
