Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How much Seed do I need?

Level Areas with fair to good soil conditions can be planted at a rate of up to 1 lb. per 1,000 square feet. Sloped Areas can range in seed from 1 lb. per 750 square feet to 1 lb. per 250 square feet depending on soil and steep. Be sure to mulch slopes to prevent run-off. Shaded Areas can be covered at a rate of 1 lb. per 1,000 square feet when heavy shade is present though areas which do not get sun can not be planted effectively. To plant grass the area must get some sunlight at least 3 months of the year. Do not plant under pine trees or in direct shade of buildings. Full Sun Areas can be planted at a rate of 1 lb. per 1,000 square feet using the NoMowGrass. Hot dry areas with high summer temperatures (over 100 degrees) need to plant at a rate of 1 lb. per 500 square feet.

A typical residential lot of 50 feet of frontage by 150 feet deep and a house with a floor plate of 1,500 square feet would lead to the following seed requirement (assuming no unique planting issues):

50 feet multiplied by 150 feet equals 7,500 square. Subtract the 1,500 square feet of space occupied by the house leaving 5,000 square feet. At a coverage rate of 1,000 square feet per pound, 5 pounds of seed would be required. Remember decks, driveways, etc. occupy space that will not be seeded.

• When is the best time to plant?

The simple planting rules are as follows: if you have access to water - you can plant anytime in the growing season. Mulching over seed helps hold in moisture during hot planting times. If you do not have access to watering - the best times to plant are Spring and Fall. Winter dormant planting will take advantage of less weeds sprouting and early spring time rains.

Planting a No Mow Grass lawn can be done any time ground temps are above 60 degrees and the ground can be worked. It germinates on cool nights. When planted during mid-summer or before winter - the seed will lay dormant until conditions are right. Early Spring planting is recommended if the area can not be watered regularly once seeded. Summer planting is recommended if watering the area is not a problem. Fall planting is done when weeds present a constant problem. Winter dormant plantings will germinate with Spring rains, but seed needs protection from winter freeze drying winds. Do not add seed starters or fertilize the area prior to planting.

Spring Planting works well for most people who can do yard work without doing it in the mud. For Hot Areas - plant early for a good stand of grass before the summer heat sets in. However, many people will find they must also do more weed control in Spring time plantings. The biggest benefit of Spring planting is that Mother Nature usually assists germination with rain and reduces the need to water the newly germinated grass. If you can not water your lawn and no rain will assist - keep freshly planted seed moist by mulching with pine needles, peat, old grass clippings or any other mulch that deteriorates.

Mid-Summer to Early Fall Plantings is another option and the benefit to Fall planting is that weeds have been controlled by end of the season and the warm ground will germinate grass quickly. Those who have access to watering the seed generally choose Early Fall Planting. Mid-Summer plantings need to be mulched over to maintain soil moisture.

Winter or Late Fall Planting is an option for areas where snow cover shelters the seed over winter. Seed will be dormant and will come up in the warm Spring rains. It is not recommended for areas where freeze drying conditions kill off plants and seed unless the seed is covered with a mulch. Dormant planting can also be covered winters with a raking over of soil to protect the seed over winter.

• How long until germination?

Generally grass seed will sprout in 10 - 14 days when ground temperatures are above 55 degrees and below 80 degrees.

• Should I use fertilizer?

Not recommended.

• Should I use Seed Starters?

Not recommended.

• How do I plant the seed?

Any methods used to spread fine seeds (Spreaders and Hand Scatter Methods). Small spaces can be hand scattered if no winds are present. Spreads are recommended for larger areas. Mix 1 Part Seed to 5 to 10 Parts fine Sand or tape part of the spreader holes closed to keep seed from filtering through the spreader too quickly. It is better to go over an area several times in different directions than not have enough seed to cover your area once - so the more sand you can mix it with the better cover you'll experience. Also see Technical Information section of NoMowGrass.ca.

• How do I handle 'problem areas'?

- Clay Soil - add a top dressing of 1" sand.

- Full Shade - not a problem if soil is not compacted or frozen.

- Full Sun - may need more frequent watering if mowed - don't mow after April 15th.

- High Traffic Areas - place stepping stones to shelter tender root system.

• What if I never mow?

Then you may never have to add much water either. The grass will shade itself.

• When do I mow?

The first year may require a clipping after a few months but if the grass is not watered - it generally will not require mowing after April or May. The only time mowing is recommended is when heavy rains force the grass to seed which may only happen every 3 - 4 years.

• When do I need to water?

Only if you get less than 1" of rain per 6 weeks in most areas.

• How do I get rid of weeds?

Use 1/4 strength of weed killer or spot spray with full strength. Any general weed killer can be used if it is not a crab grass killer.

• How do I get rid of crabgrass?

It's recommended that crab grass be eliminated prior to planting NoMow Grass. One customer wrote in that she covered her lawn in heavy plastic and put down new topsoil where she planted her grass. She did this because crab grasses continually took over her lawn by coming up from the empty lot near her. She poked holes in the plastic for drainage. However, if it comes back, then use of spot spraying crab or quack grass (or other unwanted grasses) is recommended.

• How do I order NoMowGrass?

Fill out the online order form or phone us at (519) 836-1847. NoMowGrass from NoMowGrass.ca is only available for shipping within Canada. Please see NoMowGrass.com for shipping outside of Canada.

• How long does it take to get my seed?

Orders are generally shipped in 48 hours except weekends and holidays.

• Does NoMowGrass brown during winters?

Though some browning does occur from freezing - it still maintains a green-ness.

• When does NoMowGrass green up in the Springtime?

Though it will green up about the same time as blue grass the finer blade makes it appear about 5 days later.

• How tall does NoMowGrass get if not mowed?

The blade on the grass grows side-ways. Actual blades are usually 3" - 5" long though heavy watering and heavy fertilizing can force the grass up to 8". Seed stalks can grow taller.

• Does NoMowGrass spread?

Yes at a rate of 6" per month in warm temperatures. This can be controlled by cutting the edges of the grass area.

• How long will NoMowGrass stay fresh in the package?

Up to 5 years if stored in a dry, dark and cool place.