We have a patch of lawn out back that I’ve not been able to get grass to grow on. I’ve tried planting it a couple times and it just doesn’t seem to want to grow. One of my neighbors is having a Hydroseeding Contractor re-seed his lawn later this week so I’m going to have the hydroseeder stop by and squirt my small area out back.

Hydroseeding is a pretty simple yet extremely effective way of seeding new lawns. Hydroseeding involves mixing, water, seed, fertilizer and mulch into a slurry type mixture and then spraying it onto the soil as shown in the picture. The mixture promotes quicker germination and in most cases quicker thicker growth.

The water serves two purposes, first it acts as a carrier for the seed, fertilizer and mulch. Secondly it helps the seed germinate. You can even have “pre-germinated” seeds used if you’re short on time late in the fall. The mixture typically uses a high phosphorus starter fertilizer to promote good strong root growth. The mulch is typically a paper or wood material. The mulch helps hold the seed in place, hold moisture for germination and protect it from birds and animals. Most hydroseeding mixtures are dyed green as seen in the photo.

I’ll post some pictures and discuss the results after they apply the seed.

Todd Fratzel

I'm full time builder for a large construction company in New Hampshire. I run their design-build division that specializes in custom homes, commercial design-build projects and sub-divisions. I'm also a licensed civil and structural engineer with extensive experience in civil and structural design and home construction. My hope is that I can share my experience in the home construction, home improvement and home renovation profession with other builders and home owners. I'm also the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Tool Box Buzz. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, suggestions or you'd like to inquire about advertising on this site.

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  • I think you could make your own mixture but trying to create a good slurry and then trying to pump it or spray it would be the challenge. Everything I have read says that you need to hire someone with the correct pump. However, I bet before long you'll be able to rent one at the local rental center!

  • I would like to find something to put on my lawn to make it stop growing. I have to cut my grass almost twice a week in the spring time. Apparently I have some good soil, as everything I plant just grows and grows and grows...

  • pau!! Do I have the solution for you... STOP WATERING! Seriously. Don't water it all summer. We did that the first two summers we lived at our house, and mowed the lawn three times all SUMMER! (And yes, it looked fine).

    Of course, it might not look as lush and green... but it will still be alive.

  • You can do it without a pump. All you need is a wet/dry vac that has reverse suction but you must make sure your mixture is thinner than usual.

  • You can make your own sprayer here's how. You need a leaf blower preferably with some good power a hopper of some sort you can use a old water bottle or a bucket. A piece of pvc pipe and some tape or adhesive. Now we are not building the prototype for the next home hydro seeder just a money saving way to hydro seed our own lawn cheaply.In the nozzle of the blower you need to cut a hole the size of the pvc pipe, and the bottom of your hopper.You will only need about 2" of pipe. put the blower and the hopper together in any manner you can insuring the free flow of material to the blower nozzle. Purchase your seed and a good starter fertilizer and you can mix it with a bag of blown in attic insulation. Next cut another small hole in the blower nozzle to fit the end of your garden hose. A on off valve on the hose end is preferable. Start your blower start your water and have your helper pour your mixture into the hopper and have a blast.

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