Peat moss is often the preferred medium for overseeding lawns as it keeps the grass seeds moist and keeps them from blowing away or getting eaten by birds. If you’re thinking of adding peat moss while laying out an extra layer of grass you might wonder, ‘how much peat moss for overseeding?’
Can I Put Peat Moss Over Grass Seed?
Peat moss is an excellent dressing for new grass as it has the ability to keep the seeds moist and protected from the elements. The medium absorbs water and retains it longer than other soil types, thereby increasing the germination rate and supporting the seeds’ early growth.
A layer of peat moss spread over the seeds will certainly help it grow. Over time, peat moss breaks down and becomes organic material, supplying added nutrients to the soil. However, you should be careful not to put too much, or else the seed damps off or experiences rot.
How Much Peat Moss Do I Use Over Grass Seed?
When overseeding grass, it’s recommended that you apply a top dressing of peat moss of around a fourth of an inch, then water immediately with a spray of water.
As for how much peat moss is for overseeding, the general rule is anywhere between three to four bags for every 1,000 square feet of lawn. A bag typically contains three cubic feet of the material and should roughly cover up a 300 square feet area. In this case, you can use around four bags to cover an area that’s about a thousand square feet.
For a 4,000-square-foot yard, then that’s about 12 to 16 bags of peat moss to cover the entire area. If your lawn doesn’t have an exact number, then it may be better to get more than less so you won’t have to make a second trip to the store.
Ideally, you’ll want to make it so that only a fourth of an inch covers the grass seeds. It’s worth noting that too much can make the soil too acidic, which won’t be good for your grass in the long run. Also, you wouldn’t want to waste a precious resource by putting in more than what’s necessary.
How to Overseed a Lawn with Peat Moss
The process of laying peat moss over grass seeds is simple. The first thing you need is high-quality peat moss sourced from a reputable garden center or plant nursery. Then, you will need a hose with a fine nozzle spray to wet the medium once you’re done overseeding.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can apply peat moss when overseeding.
Step 1. You should mow your grass to a height of two inches before spreading new grass seeds. Cover all the areas of your lawn to create an even blade surface.
Step 2. It’s entirely optional, but you can aerate your lawn to make the ground less compact and to make it easier for the nutrients and oxygen to get to the seed and roots.
Step 3. Use a broadcast spreader for seed distribution. Cover the whole area evenly for the best results.
Step 4. Spread peat moss around the seeded lawn areas at around ¼ inch deep. Once all your new grass seeds have been distributed and covered with peat moss, water with a hose set to fine mist.
Peat moss tends to expand when wet, taking in water and increasing in weight and size. The ¼ inch may seem like it’s too thin, but it’s usually sufficient for what you need. The objective is to cover the seeds with enough moisture to encourage germination and to have a thicker lawn in the end.