1. Start with the Best Seed

The foundation of a beautiful lawn begins with choosing the right grass seed. You should be selecting a grass type that is well-suited to your region and your lawn's specific conditions. For example, cool-season grasses like fescue are great for winters, while warm-season grasses like St. Augustine are better suited for the heat. Our Top Choice grass seed is a perfect fill in for lawns here in Hampton Roads, especially as we are moving into the fall season. Consider overseeding your lawn with Top Choice to fill in any gaps and promote a denser lawn moving into the winter. You can find this at our year-round locations in Virginia Beach. 

2. Feed Your Lawn Right

Feeding your lawn is essential to providing the nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy. But not just any fertilizer will do! Opt for a balanced, slow-release fertilizer that provides essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients support root development, encourage lush green growth, and help your lawn resist stress from heat, drought, and foot traffic. One of our favorite products to use is Fertilome’s Lawn Food Plus Iron. The iron helps with making your lawn even greener! 

Timing is everything when it comes to feeding your lawn—apply lawn food this fall to prepare your lawn for the winter months.

3. Prepare the Soil for Success

A healthy lawn starts from the ground up—literally! Before you even think about seeding and feeding, it's important to prepare the soil. Start by testing your soil's pH to ensure it's in the ideal range for grass growth (typically between 6.0 and 7.0). If your soil is too acidic or too alkaline, your grass may struggle to absorb nutrients effectively. You can amend your soil with lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower it, depending on the results. Additionally, consider adding organic matter like compost to improve soil structure, drainage, and nutrient content. This creates a fertile environment where grass seed can take root and thrive. You can test your soil’s pH for free at either of our year-round location’s Garden Pharmacy desk. 

4. Water Wisely to Promote Strong Growth

Watering is a key component of lawn care, especially when you're establishing new grass from seed. New seeds need consistent moisture to germinate and grow strong roots, so water your lawn lightly but frequently until the new grass is established. Once your lawn is mature, transition to deep, infrequent watering—about 1 to 1.5 inches per week. This encourages deep root growth, making your lawn more drought-resistant and less reliant on frequent watering.

5. Aerate and Overseed for a Fuller Lawn

Over time, your lawn may develop thin spots or bare patches due to wear and tear or poor soil conditions. Aerating your lawn—poking small holes into the soil—helps to alleviate soil compaction, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the grassroots. Follow up aeration with overseeding to introduce fresh, healthy grass into those sparse areas. This process thickens your lawn, fills in gaps, and helps to crowd out weeds. The best time to aerate and overseed is in the fall when the weather is cooler and grass growth is vigorous.

A full, vibrant lawn is within reach when you focus on the essentials: selecting the right seed, feeding your lawn the nutrients it needs, and preparing the soil to support healthy growth. By watering wisely and regularly aerating and overseeding, you'll create a lawn that not only looks stunning but also stands the test of time. Get ready to enjoy your outdoor space like never before—your dream lawn is just a few steps away! To stay inspired and grow with us, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok to dig into the joys of gardening!