[pennstater2005]

I attempted an over seed last year that ultimately failed. The new grass came in but the old grass took over and it looked worse this year than last. I was not planning on a renovation in this section of the yard but after seeing all the dead areas I had to.

I've started this evening by spraying glyphosate. My next steps are scalping this weekend. Then fallowing for at least a couple weeks. I am going to use a 5 way PRG that is actually the better grass you can see in some of the pictures below. It's from the Oliger Seed Co sold locally. I'm hoping to get seed down maybe 3rd week in August.

Some pics to start:

















I don't have irrigation so I'm looking for recommendations for a good sprinkler. Any ideas? The cheapie I had last year broke already.

This is from the Oliger website, it's in PDF form regarding the 5 way PRG:

http://www.oligerseed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/5-Way-Ryegrass.pdf

"5-Way Perennial Rye"

6 lbs/1,000 sq ft
20% Revenge GLX Perennial Ryegrass
20% Stellar 3GLR Perennial Ryegrass
20% Paragon GLR Perennial Ryegrass
20% Amazing A+ Perennial Ryegrass
20% Fiesta 4 Perennial Ryegrass

 

[j4c11]

I really like these for watering seed during renovation. The spray is even and they don't drip and pool water.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Orbit-5-000-sq-ft-Rotating-Spike-Lawn-Sprinkler/3678506

I don't use them for regular watering as the gpm is somewhat low and they take long.

 

[GrassDaddy]

Great job on the marking dye. When I did it I used too little and missed spots. Made for some hideous looking lawn =P

 

[pennstater2005]

I really like these for watering seed during renovation. The spray is even and they don't drip and pool water.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Orbit-5-000-sq-ft-Rotating-Spike-Lawn-Sprinkler/3678506

I don't use them for regular watering as the gpm is somewhat low and they take long.

Thanks for the recommendation, I'll definitely be checking that out. Price is nice as well.

Great job on the marking dye. When I did it I used too little and missed spots. Made for some hideous looking lawn =P

Through trial and error I've learned to use more dye than is instructed. I like it super dark now!

I'm torn on whether to use a mix of KBG/PRG/Fescue or the 5 way rye I mentioned above. The middle part of the backyard is the 5 way rye. I feel like it will blend better but I'm not sure.

 

[Colonel K0rn]

I've got say this, gloves on your hands, but flip flops while spraying glyphosate and marking dye? You're a brave man :lol:

I'll be interested to see how it turns out, you've got a nice area to work with now.

 

[social port]

Yes, really nice use of marking dye.
I have to recommend these impact sprinklers, though they are probably not the best choice for seeding.
https://www.amazon.com/Gilmour-Adjustable-Circular-Sprinkler-196SPB/dp/B0036GA7K8
They are highly customizable. A pattern ring allows you to modify the spraying pattern based on the idiosyncrasies and irregularities in the shape of your lawn. As with most impact sprinklers, you can reduce the intensity of the spray. You probably won't be able to achieve a mist, but you can probably avoid knocking your seeds all over the place.

Again, probably not the best choice for seeding, but perhaps something to consider once you get some growth.

 

[pennstater2005]

I've got say this, gloves on your hands, but flip flops while spraying glyphosate and marking dye? You're a brave man :lol:

I'll be interested to see how it turns out, you've got a nice area to work with now.

Crap.....you noticed. This wasn't really planned out well. I thought I was just going to do a very small section so I figured one tank and I'd be done. Ten tanks later......

Yes, really nice use of marking dye.
I have to recommend these impact sprinklers, though they are probably not the best choice for seeding.
https://www.amazon.com/Gilmour-Adjustable-Circular-Sprinkler-196SPB/dp/B0036GA7K8
They are highly customizable. A pattern ring allows you to modify the spraying pattern based on the idiosyncrasies and irregularities in the shape of your lawn. As with most impact sprinklers, you can reduce the intensity of the spray. You probably won't be able to achieve a mist, but you can probably avoid knocking your seeds all over the place.

Again, probably not the best choice for seeding, but perhaps something to consider once you get some growth.

The area I sprayed I tried to keep square but it's not perfect and definitely has some irregularities. I'll give it a look. I've found from looking online there are lots of different sprinklers. Is Melnor a decent brand?

 

[g-man]

For a rectangular area I would use an oscillating sprinkler. You could set near and parrellel to the trees and cover that area.

 

[pennstater2005]

^
That's what I used on last year's failed over seed. That Gilmore failed after a year though. They have a warranty but it's a pain in the butt form online that's barely even worth it.

I've found this Melnor line (link below) and it looks promising. It is an oscillating sprinkler. The trees are my issue as last year I had to water differently to get to the small area behind them. It's a swath maybe 3-5ft wide and 75 feet long.

https://www.amazon.com/Melnor-Oscillating-Sprinkler-Control-waters/dp/B00004SDVX/ref=zg_bs_553974_7?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=7KKV23JKJ29NHK948NFW&th=1#Ask

 

[pennstater2005]

Any thoughts of an all PRG lawn in the back? The middle section is a 5 way PRG. It always does well. Or maybe 90/10 PRG/KBG.

 

[pennstater2005]

Sprayed a little extra glyphosate to make a rectangle. It was a bit of an odd shape and I figured for watering purposes it would be easier. Also used some orange flags to help keep the kids away from it.

 

[LIgrass]

With the sprinklers, I tried both the orbit one recommended earlier and the pattern master. I found the orbit spike one didn't throw anywhere near its stated distance and returned that one. I kept the pattern master. Used that and an oscillating sprinkler before I installed irrigation. Is there any way you can run two sprinklers? You need at least 2 to get 100% coverage (unless you're moving them around) otherwise I would go with the pattern master again and overshoot the ends. Do a test with the sprinklers you're using. Put a cup at each corner and one near the middle. See which one puts a more even amount in each cup.

 

[pennstater2005]

Scalped and bagged today. How long do I wake before I start to fallow?

 

[RockyMtnLawnNut]

I think you probably want to start "fallowing" now for a couple of reasons:

1. Get any weeds to germinate
2. Find out if you missed some areas at all with the glyphosate and hit them again

 

[pennstater2005]

I think you probably want to start "fallowing" now for a couple of reasons:

1. Get any weeds to germinate
2. Find out if you missed some areas at all with the glyphosate and hit them again

Thanks. I just need to pick up a sprinkler and get started.

 

[pennstater2005]

Got the Melnor oscillating sprinkler. Worked well overall. How often do I water this when fallowing.

 

[Pete1313]

How often do I water this when fallowing.

Water it like you would if you just seeded. Keep it moist. Light and frequently. It will also be good practice for when it is time to seed.

 

[pennstater2005]

With the sprinklers, I tried both the orbit one recommended earlier and the pattern master. I found the orbit spike one didn't throw anywhere near its stated distance and returned that one. I kept the pattern master. Used that and an oscillating sprinkler before I installed irrigation. Is there any way you can run two sprinklers? You need at least 2 to get 100% coverage (unless you're moving them around) otherwise I would go with the pattern master again and overshoot the ends. Do a test with the sprinklers you're using. Put a cup at each corner and one near the middle. See which one puts a more even amount in each cup.

Not sure how I missed this post...I thought about 2 sprinklers which definitely would've been easier but my water pressure is not great. The sprinkler I got was stated as being able to cover up to 53' wide by 75' long. It's nowhere close to that for me but some have had it close. I might just have to hand water a few corners.

How often do I water this when fallowing.

Water it like you would if you just seeded. Keep it moist. Light and frequently. It will also be good practice for when it is time to seed.

That is what I did last night. I think I watered too heavily during my failed over seed last year. Thanks!

 

[pennstater2005]

Even after scalping I have a fairly thick mat of grass. Will that continue to thin out after the glyphosate app last week or will I need to try to scalp down further? I want to make sure I get good seed to soil contact.

I'm still up in the air regarding what seed to use.

 

[kolbasz]

If you throw seed in it, well it float on grass or touch dirt?