When establishing a new lawn, the choice of cover or mulch material can make a significant difference in your success.
While wheat straw has long been a popular choice, using high-quality compost from Soil³ offers superior benefits for both seeding and soil preparation.
The method of mulching grass seed with compost is good for any new lawn from seed, such as Tall Fescue, Bermuda, Centipede, and Zoysia.
Here’s why Soil³ compost stands out as the better option and how to use it effectively.
1. Wheat Straw can Smother Seeds and Seedlings
Wheat straw, if applied too thickly, can smother seeds and seedlings, hampering their growth. In contrast, Soil³ compost can be spread thinly yet still effectively protects seeds and retains moisture, promoting healthier germination.
2. Wheat Straw Contains Weed Seeds
Wheat straw often introduces weed seeds into your lawn, including wheat seeds, as demonstrated in the germinating straw bale picture below. The extra weeds create an ongoing battle against unwanted plants. Soil³ is created through a controlled, high-heat composting process that eliminates any weed seeds present at that time, helping to ensure a clean start for your new lawn.
3. Compost is full of Nutrients
Wheat straw provides no nutritional value to your soil. Soil³ compost, on the other hand, is rich in organic nutrients, actively improving soil health and fostering strong, vigorous grass growth.
4. Compost Increases Germination Speed
Soil³ compost boosts germination rates and accelerates lawn establishment by retaining consistent soil moisture and absorbing sunlight. Its dark color holds heat, creating an ideal environment for seeds to sprout and grow quickly.
This bale of wheat straw is sprouting!
You don't want this to happen in your newly seeded lawn.
Case studies by Soil³ compost, using Zenith Zoysia and Elite Tall Fescue seeds, demonstrate how Soil³ contributes to faster germination and denser lawn coverage. The natural nutrients and moisture retention properties of the compost have consistently proven effective in creating healthy, vibrant lawns.
Prepare the Soil
For the first application of Soil³ compost, begin by preparing your lawn area as you would traditionally. This involves removing debris such as stones and sticks, loosening compacted soil, and incorporating Soil³ compost into the seedbed to enhance your soil's structure and fertility.
Amount: During soil prep, order 1 BigYellowBag of Soil³ compost per 1,000 square feet of dirt you want to amend.
Spread the Grass Seed
Using a broadcast spreader, evenly distribute your grass seed across the prepared area.
Apply a Thin Layer of Soil³ Compost as Mulch
Now for a second, thinner application of compost! Spread a ¼-inch layer of Soil³ compost over the seeds using a shovel or a compost spreader. This layer will protect the seeds, retain moisture, and provide the nutrients needed for germination.
Amount: At the seed mulching stage, 1 BigYellowBag of Soil³ compost will cover 2,000 square feet of new lawn.
Water Thoroughly
Now that the lawn is rolled, water the area thoroughly to ensure proper seed-to-soil contact and activate the compost’s nutrients. Continue watering enough to keep the ground moist until the seeds germinate. Here are our watering instructions: How to Water Lawns.
Improve germination by rolling the mulched seeds with a "sod roller" to ensure good seed-to-ground contact.
To make the mulching job easier, consider using a compost spreader. These come in various types, from small push spreaders to larger gas-powered models. Many equipment rental stores offer spreaders for rent, making them accessible to DIY homeowners.
However, most people own a shovel, and with a little practice, you will get a feel for spreading a thin compost layer with a shovel.
This manual roller, available elsewhere on the Internet, is used to apply seed mulch. It can also be used yearly for topdressing with Soil³ compost.
This motorized compost spreader can be rented from local equipment rental shops.
By choosing Soil³ compost over wheat straw, you’ll not only avoid common pitfalls like smothering and weed contamination but also give your lawn the best start possible with added nutrients and improved soil conditions.
For a healthier, faster-growing lawn from seed, Soil³ compost is the clear choice.
A new TifBlair Centipede lawn from seed (for comparison, the"before" picture with the compost mulch is shown at the top).