Over-Seeding
The most popular method of keeping your lawn green through the winter in Arizona is to over-seed with perennial rye grass seed. The optimum time to over-seed your sod grass lawn in Arizona is typically during the first couple weeks of October, or when the evening temperatures consistently stay below 65 degrees. Follow these steps below:
Scalping
To ensure a good over-seed for the winter, you need to scalp and de-thatch your lawn, which is the removal of leaf and thatch accumulation to ensure the seed gets down to the soil. Drop your mowing height down to 1⁄4" - 1⁄2". This should remove all the green tissue in this process. You may have to mow your lawn 2 or 3 times to accomplish this. Collect and remove all the clippings. If you still have too much thatch, you may need to rent a "power rake to loosen and rake the thatch. Rake your lawn in 2 directions with the "power rake", mow one more time, then collect the clippings. You should now have a lawn that is very brown, with 1⁄4' to 1⁄2" of stubble, a network of "runners" on the surface (above ground stolons), and just a little bit of soil showing through. You are now ready to seed.
Seeding
Depending on how lush you prefer your lawn and the typical grass height you are planning, the amount of seed that you will need varies: (1"-2") — 12 pounds per 1,000 sq. ft. ( 1⁄2" - 1") — 15 pounds per 1,000 sq. ft. Spread your seed in two directions, half in one direction and the other half in a direction perpendicular to the first. This will minimize overlaps and skips. If you overlap too much, you will have some very thick stripes in your lawn. If you have skips, you will see some very thin yellow areas in your lawn. It is important to spread your seed as evenly as possible for the best results.
Fertilize
Be sure to fertilize with a starter fertilizer before turning on your water. A 6-20-20 (6% nitrogen, 20% phosphorus, 20% potassium) or 15-15-15 (15% each of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) mix is recommended.
Mulch
This step is optional but can be critical if you do not have a good irrigation system, you do not have a timer that can water 4-5 times per day, or the temperatures have cooled too quickly. A well-composted mulch will help retain moisture and heat necessary to germinate your perennial ryegrass. After you have spread the seed, spread the mulch 1/8" to 1/4" thick evenly over the whole lawn.
Water
Water is critical! You want to maintain a moist seedbed for a period of seven to ten days to allow the seed to germinate. You will want to water 4 to 5 times per day for very short cycles that leave no puddles and no dry spots. After the seed has germinated and grown to a height of 3⁄4" to 1", you may reduce watering to 2-3 times per day. After ten to fourteen days, you can reduce watering to once per day. Once your winter lawn is established, you will be able to water every other day through the winter. However, when the temperatures begin to rise in the spring you may need to begin watering every night, depending on the needs of the lawn.
Mowing
The first mowing should occur at the 10th to 14th day after germination. Follow the 30% rule for mowing—never remove more than 30% of the leaf at one time. This will keep you from pulling out your new young seedlings. Your first cut will probably be at a height of 3⁄4" to 1". If prefer your lawn a little longer, then you may not need to mow for 14 - 21 days. Once your ryegrass is established, you can follow normal upkeep measures outlined in our maintenance section.
Turf Nutrition
Your winter lawn will require feeding, just like your summer lawn. Feed your ryegrass monthly with an analysis such as 21-7-14 or 22-3-9 (see our fertilizer guide for more information). Look for a fertilizer that contains iron or use an iron product like "Ironite" for the best results. Iron also comes in a variety of liquid products that can be sprayed on your turf.
*Be careful with iron products, they will stain concrete, cool-decking and swimming pools.
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PRICING
Eagle Select Rye Grass Seed Pricing – 50lb Bag
1-39 Bags $96.35 ea.
40 Bags (Pallet) $92.78 ea.
Truckload (920 Bags) $88.41 ea.
Soil Conditioner & Seed Cover – 3 Cu. Ft. Bag
$6.95 ea
Bulk Organic Mulch
$40.75 Yd
Sandy Loam
(1/3 Sand, 1/3 Screened Fill Dirt, 1/3 Organic Mulch)
$58.25 Yd
Over-seeded Sod
(Typically available in the first two weeks of November)
Mid-Iron, Tifway 419, Tifgreen 328
$.0.81/sq. ft.
Sold in 2’ x 5’ Roll (10 sq.ft.) @ $8.10 Ea