Overseeding Bermuda with Ryegrass

James from OK – posted 15 October 2004 15:10

Hey,This is my first post. I am a turfgrass management major @ Oklahoma State. I am about to overseed my bermuda lawn with annual ryegrass. I don’t have enough time to till/verticut/aerate my lawn before it gets to cold to plant. I am planting about 2000 sq. feet. What are my chances of germination if I just put down the seed on the existing grass? I am going cover the grass with straw mulch and have already applied fertilizer.

[This message has been edited by James from OK (edited 15 October 2004).]

cohiba – posted 16 October 2004 08:34

James, Seed-to-soil contact is paramount to a successful overseeding.

Good Luck in School…………

turfie – posted 13 November 2004 19:49

You don’t have to verticut. the grass will germinate. Make sure not to let it dry out. I am questioning whether or not you need to use straw also, since you have a turf canopy for the seed to go into. Isn’t straw used primarily on sites that don’t have grass to prevent erosion? Why annual and not perennial rye? Just curious.

Stephanie

James from OK – posted 14 November 2004 07:43

I planted the annual rye about one month ago, and it is looking great. I didn’t use straw on the bermuda covered areas, just bare spots. The grass germinated just fine with a starter fertilizer and plenty of water. I’ve already mowed twice.

turfie – posted 14 November 2004 16:29

Oh yeah, that message was posted a while ago. Glad it all worked out. Good luck with classes.