What's the best seed to grow Bermuda out here?

[wit-nit]

Soil preparation is the key to growing bermuda seed. Ideally rototill or dig down about 6 inches and mix in some horticulture/play sand and some mulch. Rake smooth, rake in the seed about 1/2 inch, then add layer of mulch on top, water several times a day just enough to keep the soil moist and not running off. If the soil completely dries out at any one time you'll probably need to start over re-seeding again. Nighttime temps have to be 65 degrees or higher for at least 3 or more days for the seed to germinate properly.

BTW Bermuda is classified as a weed. In many areas of the US it is forbidden to be used in some cities, counties, and HOA's. And once you get bermuda established it is almost impossible to get rid of it. It's very invasive and can root down several feet and come up in neighbors yards under the concrete footings.

[pbenjamin]

Originally Posted by nitram

BTW Bermuda is classified as a weed. In many areas of the US it is forbidden to be used in some cities, counties, and HOA's.

Hadn't heard that but not hard to believe. Could you point to a source for this?

[ReadyFreddy]

Hardly a real source but a landscaper just told me that. But if I google "bermuda grass weed" I find it called that (or an invasive species) from some sources.

Bermudagrass Management Guidelines--UC IPM

[wit-nit]

Originally Posted by pbenjamin

Hadn't heard that but not hard to believe. Could you point to a source for this?

Here's just one source for you. Google has hundreds of sites regarding bermuda as a weed.

PLANTS Profile for Cynodon dactylon (Bermudagrass) | USDA PLANTS

[MN-Born-n-Raised]

I started with a completely dead yard. Ponderosa is spot on with his advice. Especially about triple the seed. Heck, maybe even quadruple. I used bagged manure to top it off (not mulch). Maybe a 1/4" thick. As he said, water, water, water (and more water). I had my zones on 10 times a day for 2 minutes each session. Soggy seeds make it less appealing for those pidgins. I used a small amount of 10-10-10 fertilizer (the 2nd 10 is for the roots).

In 2011, I started after the 15th of April. It normally takes a solid week for the grass seeds to absorb the water. By late April, it started to come in thick.

I 2nd his advice about leaving your grass a little longer. I keep my grass blades about 4" long. Because of the shading effect it conserves water, the grass looks healthier, it's more comfortable to walk on, and harder for the weeds to germinate.

[MN-Born-n-Raised]

Originally Posted by nitram

BTW Bermuda is classified as a weed. In many areas of the US it is forbidden to be used in some cities, counties, and HOA's. And once you get bermuda established it is almost impossible to get rid of it. It's very invasive and can root down several feet and come up in neighbors yards under the concrete footings.

In MN, we consider that thick bladed crab grass to be a weed. Not so in Florida or Mexico. With the sever winter kill, Bermuda grass quickly fills in the thin spots.

When you plant Bermuda grass, Round-Up spraying on the boarders will be part of the regiment.

[pandaundercover]

I contacted another landscaper about seeding for Bermuda and he was completely against it. There's no guarantee it'll grow, it'll raise the water bill 33% compared to sod, and it takes a lot of work to maintain. Decided we're not going to even bother seeding for grass now. We can't quite afford the additional $500 for sod on a lawn our size right now either. Gonna save up or do nothing.

[MN-Born-n-Raised]

Originally Posted by pandaundercover

I contacted another landscaper about seeding for Bermuda and he was completely against it. There's no guarantee it'll grow, it'll raise the water bill 33% compared to sod, and it takes a lot of work to maintain. Decided we're not going to even bother seeding for grass now. We can't quite afford the additional $500 for sod on a lawn our size right now either. Gonna save up or do nothing.

If my seed didn't grow, I was out $75 on seed, $30 on manure, and $10 on fertilizer. I have learned that sun + warmth + water + soil == a lawn. the key is to over seed so that weeds don't fill in and try to get it to germinate fast so that the weeds don't have a chance to take hold. It's so incredibly easy.

It can be (accurately) argued that a seeded lawn is better than a sodded lawn. If I was you, I'd get another opinion with the 33% more water compared to sod. I'm not believing that statement.


My grass is a lush green color and it is extremely healthy. The only advantage I can come up with choosing sod is because it is instantly green. But you also have to water the snot out of it for the roots to take hold and so it doesn't shrink. I did my home in MN totaling 2 acres. It's as nice as a golf course. My AZ lawn is also perfect!

[pbenjamin]

Originally Posted by nitram

Here's just one source for you. Google has hundreds of sites regarding bermuda as a weed.

PLANTS Profile for Cynodon dactylon (Bermudagrass) | USDA PLANTS

I understand why folks might consider it a weed. Was looking for evidence that municipalities had ordinances against it.;

[wit-nit]

Tucson is one, amongst others. Here is google and one site that lists some.
Cities are banning bermuda grass - Google Search

http://www.allergyfree-gardening.com...gies....Cached
You +1'd this publicly. Undo
Allergies of all kinds, along with asthma, have been on the increase .... Additionally, many American cities have plant ordinances that ban the ... Other cities in the Southwest have banned the planting of Bermuda grass in turf lawns because of allergies

The Olive Tree