Starting a New Lawn from Scratch: How to Grow Grass

So, you’re ready to grow a lawn from scratch — awesome! Whether you’re working with a bare patch of dirt or reviving a neglected yard, starting fresh gives you the perfect chance to build a lawn the right way from day one. And trust me, when you put in the effort upfront, the payoff is a thick, healthy, and head-turning lawn to be proud of.

Now, getting grass to grow isn’t just about throwing down some seed and hoping for the best. You need the right game plan, from choosing the best grass seed for your area to prepping the soil, planting, and nailing the watering and feeding schedule. Do it right, and you’ll have a lush, green lawn that makes your neighbors wonder what your secret is.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything step-by-step, breaking down how to grow grass, start a new lawn from seed, and keep it thriving long-term. Plus, we’ll recommend some top-notch products that’ll set you up for success. 

Choosing the Best Grass for Your New Lawn

Before we even talk about seed or soil, you need to pick the right grass for your location. Different grasses thrive in different climates, so let’s break it down:

• Warm-season grasses: Love the heat and flourish in the southern U.S., including states like Texas, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina.

• Bermuda: Loves full sun, heat-tolerant, great for high-traffic areas.

• Zoysia: Soft texture, drought-resistant, and handles shade better than Bermuda.

• Centipede: Low maintenance, slow-growing, and thrives in acidic soils.

• St. Augustine: Thrives in humid, coastal areas and grows well in partial shade.

• Bahiagrass: Extremely drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it a great choice for sandy soils and regions with poor soil fertility.

• Seashore Paspalum: Ideal for coastal regions, salt-tolerant, and great for sandy soils.

• Carpetgrass: Works well in wet, acidic soils and requires minimal upkeep.

• Cool-season grasses — Perform best in the northern U.S., including states like New York, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Minnesota.

• Kentucky Bluegrass: Rich green color, spreads well, and recovers from wear.

• Tall and Fine Fescues: Deep roots make it drought-tolerant and great for high-traffic lawns.

• Perennial Ryegrass: Fast germination, ideal for overseeding, and withstands wear.

• Transition zone grasses — If you live in areas with both hot summers and cold winters (e.g., Tennessee, North Carolina, Arkansas, and Missouri), you need grass that can handle extreme conditions.

• Tall Fescue: Handles heat and cold well, perfect for unpredictable weather.

• Zoysia: Works well if you prefer a warm-season grass with winter resilience.

• Kentucky Bluegrass and Fescue Mix: Combines durability with cold-hardiness.

• Buffalograss: A great low-water option, native to the Great Plains, and thrives in dry conditions.

• Kikuyugrass: Ideal for California and similar climates, aggressive grower, and heat-resistant.

Picking the right grass type means less maintenance and better year-round performance. Don’t just guess — pick a seed that works best for your region and climate.

Related: Sod Installation in Spring 

Preparing the Soil for a New Lawn

This is where most people go wrong. If your soil is compacted, low in nutrients, or has poor drainage, your new lawn will struggle. Great soil = great grass.

Steps to Get Your Soil Ready:

1. Test your soil: Get a soil test kit and check pH levels and nutrient deficiencies. Grass thrives best when the soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, apply the necessary amendments to balance it out.

2. Loosen the soil: If the soil is compacted, aerate it or till it to improve root growth. Aeration helps break up hard-packed soil, allowing water, air, and nutrients to reach the grassroots. If tilling, add in organic matter to improve soil quality.

3. Add organic matter: Compost or high-quality topsoil improves soil structure and water retention. Organic matter boosts microbial activity, providing essential nutrients that promote strong root development. Spread a layer of compost over the area and lightly rake it in.

4. Level the ground: Use a rake to smooth out uneven spots before planting. Fill in low areas with a soil mix that matches your existing soil to prevent drainage issues. A properly leveled lawn ensures even growth and prevents water pooling.

5. Apply a starter fertilizer: Before seeding, apply a phosphorus-rich starter fertilizer to encourage root development. A complete fertilizer like 14-7-14 or 12-12-12 (high in phosphorus) is ideal for new grass establishment.

6. Pre-water the soil: Water the soil lightly a day before seeding to ensure it’s moist but not soggy. This creates an ideal environment for seed germination.

🌱 Product Recommendations:

• MySoil Pro Soil Test Kit — Find out exactly what your soil needs.

mysoil-pro-pack

• CarbonizPN-G™ Organic Granular Biostimulant — Get the nutrients right for a perfect growing base.

essential-g™-granular-carbon-free-shipping

• Complete 14-7-14 Starter Fertilizer — Encourages strong root development in new grass.

lebanon-country-club-complete-fertilizer-14-7-14-sgn-80

Related: Soil Test Kit Results Back: What Next? 

Steps to Plant a New Lawn from Scratch

Alright, now the fun part — actually planting your new lawn! Follow these steps to get the best results.

1. Clearing and Leveling the Ground

• Remove weeds, old grass, and debris using a rake or sod cutter.

• Use a roller or landscaping rake to ensure an even surface.

2. Spreading Grass Seed

• Use a broadcast or drop spreader to apply the seed evenly.

• Spread the seed in two perpendicular directions for even coverage.

3. Covering and Watering the Seed

• Lightly rake the soil to cover the seeds — don’t bury them too deep.

• Apply a thin layer of straw mulch to retain moisture and protect it from birds.

• Water lightly but frequently, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Lawn Care for Newly Seeded Grass

Congrats, you’ve got grass starting to sprout! But don’t celebrate just yet — newly seeded lawns need special care.

• Watering: Water daily for the first few weeks (if there’s no rain), then slowly reduce frequency while increasing deep watering sessions.

• Mowing: Wait until the grass reaches about 3 inches before mowing. Never cut more than 1/3 of the blade at once!

• Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer after 4-6 weeks to promote lush growth.

• Weed control: Avoid herbicides for at least 6-8 weeks to allow young grass to establish.

• Traffic caution: Limit foot traffic until the grass is fully established to prevent damage.

🌱Product Recommendations:

• Lebanon Humic Max Fertilizer — This nitrogen fertilizer provides long-lasting nutrients for a healthy lawn.

country-club-16-0-8-humic-max-and-mesa®-by-lebanonturf-sgn-150

Related: The Art of Overseeding Warm-Season Lawns
with Ryegrass for Winter Greenery 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Growing a Lawn from Scratch

Want to avoid a lawn disaster? Watch out for these common mistakes:

❌ Overwatering or underwatering: Too much water leads to fungal diseases and root rot, while too little can dry out seeds before germination. Stick to a consistent watering schedule.

❌ Seeding too densely or sparsely: Applying too much seed leads to overcrowding and weak growth, while too little leaves gaps for weeds. Follow recommended seeding rates for best results.

❌ Ignoring soil health: Skipping soil testing or amendments can leave your lawn malnourished. Healthy soil is the foundation of a great lawn.

❌ Mowing too soon or too short: Let your grass establish strong roots before mowing, and never cut more than one-third of the blade height at once.

❌ Skipping fertilization or using the wrong type: A good starter fertilizer boosts root development. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers early on, as they promote top growth over root establishment.

❌ Ignoring weeds and pests: Weeds compete for nutrients and sunlight. Apply a pre-emergent herbicide at the right time to prevent them from taking over.

❌ Neglecting post-germination care: Even after germination, young grass needs continued care. Maintain regular watering and avoid heavy foot traffic to help it establish.

🌱 Product Recommendations:

• Specticle FLO Pre-Emergent Herbicide for warm-season grasses — Stops weeds before they start.

specticle-flo-pre-emergent-herbicide

• Resolute Prodiamine 65 WG pre-emergent herbicide for cool and warm-season grasses.

prodiamine-65-wdg-brand-alternative-barricade®-65wdg

• Caravan® G Fungicide & Insecticide – Keep bugs and fungus from ruining your hard work.

caravan-g-insecticide-and-fungicide

Related: Your Step-By-Step Guide for Getting a Golf Course Lawn 

Long-Term New Lawn Care Tips

Once your lawn is established, the real fun begins — maintaining a dark green, golf-course-quality lawn.

1. Watering

• Water deeply and infrequently (about 1-1.5 inches per week) to encourage deep root growth.

• Water should be used early in the morning to reduce evaporation and prevent disease.

• Use sprinklers or an irrigation system for even coverage.

2. Mowing

• Follow the 1/3 rule — never cut over one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing session.

• Keep mower blades sharp to prevent grass damage.

• Adjust mowing height based on grass type.

3. Fertilization

• Apply a seasonal fertilizer to maintain growth:

• Spring: Nitrogen-rich fertilizer to boost green-up.

• Summer: Slow-release fertilizer for heat stress resilience.

• Fall: Potassium-rich winterizing fertilizer for root strength.

4. Weed Control

• Use pre-emergent herbicides in early spring to prevent weeds.

• Spot-treat existing weeds with selective herbicides.

• Hand-pull weeds to maintain lawn appearance.

🌱 Product Recommendations:

• Spring fertilizer for cool and warm-season lawns: Lebanon Humic Max Fertilizer

• Fertilizer for lawns that need phosphorus: Lebanon Complete 14-7-14 Fertilizer

• Summer fertilizer for cool-season lawns: Lebanon Stress 12-0-24 Fertilizer

• Fall fertilizer for warm and cool-season lawns: Lebanon Stress 12-0-24 Fertilizer