[b0nk3rs]

So I just finished overseeding and seeding a bunch of repair spots and I tried soaking the peat moss really well but it just will not stay wet. How much should I be watering this in for the first time?

 

[GrassDaddy]

I just look for the color change. If it's light brown it's dry, if it's dark brown it's wet enough.

 

[b0nk3rs]

The very very top is wet and if you scrape your finger across it there is dry peat moss there and the soil under that is dry as can be. I may be a little thick in spots but for the most part it's under 1/4". I completely soaked the areas 3-4 times already and only on the last one has it not started drying out. Before by the time I worked my way around the lawn by the time I got back to the beginning it would be mostly dry already. Will the bottom layer eventually get wet or am I screwed?

 

[pennstater2005]

I noticed the same thing when I watered. But the water must get through to the seed because I've got lots of new grass. Initially, when temps were higher, I was watering 3x per day to keep it moist. And even then it occasionally started to look dry.

 

[j4c11]

Try spraying some baby shampoo on it. Peat moss is hydrophobic when it's dry, but shampoo helps.

 

[b0nk3rs]

Try spraying some baby shampoo on it. Peat moss is hydrophobic when it's dry, but shampoo helps.

my problem now is the very top is wet but the rest is dry. Will shampoo help it work in?

 

[Sinclair]

Give it more water!

 

[social port]

Try spraying some baby shampoo on it. Peat moss is hydrophobic when it's dry, but shampoo helps.

my problem now is the very top is wet but the rest is dry. Will shampoo help it work in?

I'd say it is a safe bet that it will. 3oz/1k is kind of a standard rate. My only question is whether baby shampoo and seed germination are ok together. j4c11 or others: can you confirm that this combo isn't counterproductive?

Also, would humic acid help here? I seem to recall that it helps with moisture retention. I know several forum members use it at seed-down.

 

[b0nk3rs]

Give it more water!

I guess i'll see what happens with my morning water :|

 

[j4c11]

Baby shampoo won't affect germination. It should help "wet" the peat moss.

 

[wardconnor]

Is it clumpy? Did you break up the clumps when you took it out of the bag and spread it?

 

[b0nk3rs]

Is it clumpy? Did you break up the clumps when you took it out of the bag and spread it?

It was not clumpy at all out of the bag and i spread it all by rubbing it between my hands. I'm starting to not like this peat moss stuff lol.

 

[GrassDaddy]

Honestly I think you are over thinking it. The seed doesn't need to be soggy. The moistute is there let nature do its thing now

 

[b0nk3rs]

Honestly I think you are over thinking it. The seed doesn't need to be soggy. The moistute is there let nature do its thing now

Well I checked this morning which was VERY dewy and still the underneath layer of peat is dry and the soil has no hint of moisture at all.

I'll have to try some baby shampoo in a pump sprayer around lunch time and see if it helps.

Also, I'll work on some pictures.

 

[LawnNerd]

I had this same problem last year when I seeded some dead spots. I could not get it wet enough underneath. Then hurricane Mathew dumped 6" of rain, and where the peat washed together, I thought "surely its wet now...." Nope, still dry underneath the clumps.

This year when I seeded my little reno area, I did a light (and I mean light) dusting of peat. I then took the hand wand and used the misting setting for an hour, then switched to the fan setting amd water a light mist for another hour. Took a while, but this worked. Got the peat wet the first day, and kept it wet. At first I was watering 6 times a day for 5 minutes, going for damp with no pooling. Keep in mind it was 90° for 2 weeks after I seeded and this area gets blasted with sun all day. So, ymmv.

 

[pennstater2005]

Honestly I think you are over thinking it. The seed doesn't need to be soggy. The moistute is there let nature do its thing now

Agreed. My peat moss was dry if you pulled the top back and yet I have grass somehow. Consistent watering will be key. The grass will grow :thumbup:

 

[b0nk3rs]

If I had more seed left I would just scrape this soggy mess up and redo it but were looking at another $110 for the smallest bag of my mix.

You guys are giving me a little hope though!

 

[b0nk3rs]

How many sq.ft. should this 2.2 cu.ft. bag cover at 1/4"?

https://www.menards.com/main/outdoors/gardening/lawn-plant-care/compost-soils-amendments/sphagnum-peat-moss-2-2-cu-ft/p-1444451345179-c-1463608034794.htm?tid=4326462373050904890&ipos=2

 

[BXMurphy]

Try spraying some baby shampoo on it. Peat moss is hydrophobic when it's dry, but shampoo helps.

my problem now is the very top is wet but the rest is dry. Will shampoo help it work in?

I'd say it is a safe bet that it will. 3oz/1k is kind of a standard rate. My only question is whether baby shampoo and seed germination are ok together. j4c11 or others: can you confirm that this combo isn't counterproductive?

Also, would humic acid help here? I seem to recall that it helps with moisture retention. I know several forum members use it at seed-down.

+1 (been wanting to do that).

There are some who will spray that dilution of Dawn dish detergent right over the seeds to help water stick to 'em.

Extra points for using a non-ionic surfactant that you might have lying around with your Tenacity?

 

[BXMurphy]

Honestly I think you are over thinking it. The seed doesn't need to be soggy. The moistute is there let nature do its thing now

You should have linked in your peat moss video... I thought that was pretty slick.