Compost Or Topsoil For Overseeding? [Which Is Best?]

adjudicate how to keep your lawn looking lush and healthy can sometimes be challenge . Is it time to over - seed your eatage , but you are n’t sure whether to use compost or surface soil ? Which is better ? Luckily , we ’ve done extensive digging into this matter and have the answer here for you . Let ’s discuss this below .

When it ’s time to over - seed your lawn , verify to use compost rather than surface soil . Although topsoil may seem like a good option , it wo n’t provide your grass with nearly as many food as compost will .

Generally , compost does a courteous job of breaking down into the soil , increasing its overall wellness : and giving your lawn the chance to fly high .

As we begin , we will report all things overseeding and discuss whether compost is in truth better than topsoil . Whether your lawn looks like it need some TLC or you need to keep it as healthy as possible , we ’re here to serve . With that said , let ’s plunk into this topic !

Should I Use Compost For Overseeding?

Yes , it is generally a good idea to use compost for overseeding a lawn . As we covered , the food in compost will break down like a shot into the territory . That can help aid unexampled grass growth , at last give your grass the ripe fortune to flourish .

Compost provides anoptimalenvironment for seeds to grow , unlike surface soil , hence why we commend it . Even though you may technically use topsoil while overseeding , you are n’t go to have as honest of issue .

Furthermore , surface soil does n’t break down over time . That mean your locoweed will have lots of soil unequally placed around it , which is n’t attractive .

Compost , however , will break down into the ground and wo n’t exit any suggestion behind . So from an aesthetic and virtual viewpoint , it ’s the best option for overseeding .

Your compost does n’t need to be super potent , mean you could use natural matter and maybe a few scraps from around your yard .

What Is The Best Compost To Use For Overseeding?

In general , you want to use atomic number 7 - fertile compost with a small particle size for overseeding . you may apply a " sieve " compost or one that has a particle sizing of3/8 - inchor smaller .

Finding a modest particle intermixture is essential because it wo n’t smother your grass . If you come out super grueling compost and constitutive affair over your lawn , you could be doing more harm than good .

view that overseeding is the process of sprinkling new smoke seeds over an existing lawn , you want to secure they have room to breathe and grow .

For those want to expend compost from their bin , we urge breaking it into fine pieces to prevent suffocating .

This organic , premium - tier compost has hunky-dory particles , promote aeration and piss retention , is odorless , works well for grass , count roughly 35 pounds , and has dandy review from customer .

How Does Overseeding Work?

For anyone still unsure about how to over - sow their lawn , this is pretty simple . Overseeding is when you sprinkle seeds over an existing turfwithouttearing up the background beneath it .

Unlike other more belligerent method , overseeding is cracking for those not wanting to deal with plugs of grunge everywhere or odd patches of grass .

Doing this is an easy elbow room to fill in bald-headed patches , improve the heaviness of your pasture , and even raise the color of your lawn . As we know , grass can be temperamental , so regular maintenance is indispensable .

As we covered , what you decide to apply for overseeding makes a big difference . For example , if you sprinkle your grass seedlings and hide them with compost , there ’s a higher fortune of success .

If you choose topsoil , you may be left with a soil - covered , uneven lawn . Again , that is n’t always the case , but it happens more than we would like .

How Often Should You Overseed A Lawn?

You need to over - seeded player a lawn about once every class . Many expert recommend annual overseeding because it encourage weed health , color , and heaviness .

As we advert above , overseeding can improve the overall flavor of your grass . For example , sprinkling raw seeds may do the trick if you have a lawn with bald-pated place or discoloration .

Like air out , you do n’t want to do this too often , so every 12 month is o.k. . Although it may take a routine to see the upshot of your raw seeds , it ’s important to give them enough time to grow .

A fewdrought - toleranttypes of eatage we recommend include :

On top of these options , you may also try change over to an entirely faux turf , but that is a dissimilar conversation .

With the ever - change experimental condition worldwide , it can be unmanageable to tell what exactly is the best option for your landscape , so everyone is different .

Can You Overseed Grass Too Much?

Yes , it is potential to over - seeded player grass too much . As we name , you do n’t need to over - seeded player a lawn more than every 12 month . Although this can seem beneficial , sprinkling too many seedling over your exist property can produce unwanted competition .

reckon that the more living things in a kick in space , thefeweroverall nutrient there are , so this can lead to bald smear , discolouration , and even total grass death .

to boot , you might notice the unexampled come you imbed wo n’t grow if you latterly did this . That means you just liquidate seeds and may have put your current lawn at risk of exposure .

The amount of compost you spread over grass can also cause issuance . As we said , the compost / constitutional topic you decide to practice during overseeding needs to be ok .

Even then , if you ’re overseeding and using compost multiple times per year , this can result in a suffocated yard . So if it ’s been less than 12 month , we do n’t advocate overseeding .

What Happens If You Don’t Overseed A Lawn?

If you decide not to over - seed your lawn , there wo n’t technically be any negatively charged effects . In general , doing this is n’t required , so you do n’t have to disperse newfangled seedling over your property if you do n’t desire to .

With that said , overseeding can benefit a patchy lawn . on a regular basis adding new , drouth - tolerant / stout variety to subsist grass can build a stronger , healthy sod .

On top of that , planting novel seeds in your current lawn can help fortify its ability to wield seasonal temperature fluctuations .

For good example , if you over - seed with wintertime - favorable grass , you may not see as much overall dying in the upcoming frigid time of year .

Adversely , many climate experts commend against overseeding only . According to the city of Mesa , Arizona , you’re able to save over8,000gallons of weewee   for every 1,000 straight foundation of green goddess each season you do n’t over - cum .

That is a pregnant number , and with the current water crisis , you may require to skip over this year ’s overseeding . Furthermore , if you ’re in the desert , you may want to skip institute grass altogether .

Can You Use Household Items For Overseeding Compost?

If you have a compost bin or pile started for your home , you might be able-bodied to use it for overseeding . Typically , the compost you employ to over - seed needs to be ultra - fine , so workaday scraps wo n’t work .

However , if you grind your compost into flyspeck atom , we do n’t see a problem . Some expert recommend using a mulching mower to spread your compost , so that ’s another estimate to assay .

you could also stick to a pre - mixed and ground compost product , so if you do n’t require to do much workplace , that ’s what we advocate .

disregardless , verify your compost is rich in nitrogen and has lilliputian particles .

Is Maintaining Grass Difficult?

Although having grass can make your property look considerably , it comes with plenty of sustainment . In general , grass is not super light to manage and can take a turn for the speculative in the blinking of an optic .

However , with routine sustainment , like right watering , mow , fertilization , and overseeding , we ’re certain you’re able to keep your lawn look beautiful .

With that say , it can be costly to keep a lawn green and lush . For example , your watering schedule mayhap 1 - 2 times per week , which means a big monthly bill .

You may choose to install an irrigation system , which can cost upwards of $ 2,000 , so this is n’t for the faint of heart . Again , if you survive somewhere with restrained weather and regular rainfall , green goddess is a great theme .

If you live in the desert and do n’t want to neutralise weewee , consider a fake sod or a different landscape idea .

To Wrap It Up

Whether you presently have grass or require to grow it , roll in the hay the rudiments of upkeep is essential . You wish to over - seed your lawn using delicately ground compost from what we found .

Doing this will guarantee your green goddess source have elbow room to breathe and grow while provide plenty of nutrient . On the other hand , you’re able to utilize surface soil for overseeding , although it is n’t always as effective and can make a mess .

Regardless , prove to over - seeded player with drouth - tolerant sens varieties and wait 12 month between each software .

Made it to the remnant ? Check out these first-rate helpful lawn posts below !

When Does Bermuda Grass Grow ? [ And When Does It Go Dormant ]

Can Grass Grow In Clay Soil ? [ Inc. The Best Kinds To Use ]

How Long Can Grass Seed Go Without Water ?