To properly water new grass seed, the key is to keep the top couple inches of soil consistently moist without overwatering. Here are the main guidelines:

• Frequency and Duration Initially: Water new grass seed 2 to 4 times daily for about 5 to 10 minutes per session, especially during the germination period (usually 1 to 2 weeks). This keeps the top 1.5 to 2 inches of soil moist, which is critical for seed germination

• Best Times to Water: Morning and evening are ideal watering times because temperatures are cooler, reducing evaporation and allowing water to soak into the soil

• Adjusting Over Time: After seeds have germinated, reduce watering frequency to once a day, gradually shifting to watering every other day with longer sessions (20 to 30 minutes) to encourage deeper root growth. Eventually, established lawns need watering about 2 to 3 times per week, aiming for about 1 inch of water weekly including rainfall

• Soil Moisture Check: Use a screwdriver or similar tool to check moisture penetration; it should go down 6 to 8 inches easily, indicating proper soil saturation

• Avoid Overwatering: Too much water can wash away seeds or suffocate them, while too little water will dry them out and kill seedlings

• Mulching: Applying straw mulch before watering can help reduce evaporation and protect seeds

In summary, water new grass seed lightly but frequently at first (5-10 minutes, 2-4 times daily), then gradually reduce frequency and increase duration as grass establishes, aiming for deep, less frequent watering to promote strong roots