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Prepping soil for seed and Hydroseeding opinion #744560

Asked April 15, 2021, 4:58 PM EDT

Hello there I received my Soil Test Report back and have a few questions for you. The recommendation is a 10-10-20 fertilizer that is not made so I see the suggestion to find one close. The preparation states I should till in the recommended amount of phosphate and potash into the top 4-6 inches. Not sure how much to add since the chart on the back page refers to nitrogen amounts. Can I do this with an aerator, since I have read a tiller will make your lawn all lumpy as time goes? Would I aerate and then apply the Phosphate and Potash raking it into the holes? I have been told that due to the extreme amount of shade on the property from large trees it will be extremely hard to grow grass in a large portion of the back yard so the contractor is suggesting Pachysandra as a ground cover. Just curious would Clethra Alnifolia Summersweet kept to about 3 feet be another choice allowing a bit more open ground when spaced apart? I don't find any information on the website regarding hydro seeding and wonder what your thoughts are? I have a bid for someone Hydroseeding and they said they mix all the fertilizer into the slurry and apply it that way. Do you recommend and lawn care companies in White Bear Lake who seed and do lawn maintenance. Thank you for your time Don Behr<personal data hidden> attachment

Ramsey County Minnesota

Expert Response

Using an aerator isn't sufficient. Thorough soil preparation is essential for good results in the long run.  Follow steps 4-7 described in the following bulletin to accomplish that. Deep tilling (4-6 inches) is recommended. Incorporate organic matter, if needed, along with  P and K.

https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/establishing_a_new_lawn_using_seed_e2910

Incorporate approximately 1 lb of P and 2 lbs K per 1000 square feet. Look for a fertilizer that contains P and K but little nitrogen. Calculate the size of the area to be planted.  Then use this calculator to determine how much fertilizer to apply:

http://agebb.missouri.edu/fertcalc/

Clethra alnifolia prefers full sun to part shade.  It won't thrive in deep shade. 

Pachysandra is well adapted to shade. Or, if you prefer, consider vinca, ajuga, sweet woodruff, lamium or ferns.

Hydroseeding is an acceptable if not common way to establish a home lawn.  What follows may be of interest in that regard.

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/hydroseeding-101/

https://semspub.epa.gov/work/07/30022931.pdf

University of Minnesota Extension does not recommend or vouch for the reliability of lawn care professionals or other products and services.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 15, 2021, 10:11 PM EDT

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