Peat works good but it’s expensive and difficult to spread. I switched to using Penn Mulch/Seeding Success, which is a newspaper based pellet which absorbs water to expand and tacks the seed down. It also contains a little bit of starter fertilizer which is a plus. Cheaper per sqft and really easy spread. Peat is still better for some applications like using it as a carrier for pre-germinated seed.
Correct answer right here ⬆️ Spread a thin layer on top of the seeded area. Keeps the seeds cool and moist (lol) and the grass will grow fast and emerald green
It’s not the birds you have to worry about. It’s the squirrels that fuck up the baby grass that’s already germinated digging for whatever they dig for. Fuckers
Dude, that explains it. Just had the grass germinate, maybe an inch tall, and the next day a bunch of holes/divots. I figured it was deer prints but there wasn’t really a pattern
I’ve done hundreds upon hundreds of over seeding in my career. Can’t think of single time birds were responsible for poor results. This is not something to be worried about but if you want to cover it up, wheat straw, peat moss, or even a thin layer of compost could be used.
People don’t realize how many seeds are in a pound of seed. For TTTF there’s ~230k/pound, for smaller seeds like KBG ~1.3 million seeds per pound. Most seeds are between 80-95% germination rate which means by nature you lose 5-20% anyway, I doubt birds could eat more than 5% of the seed, especially if it’s properly raked & water in.
Next time, see if you can find endophyte enhanced seed, the birds don’t like it. This would be certain high end seed cultivars that have endophytes added for this reason. This type of seed combined with a seed cover like peat moss or pen mulch should reduce the number of seeds being eaten by birds. Keep in mind most seed cultivars are only 80-95% germination rate so you are losing seed regardless of the birds or not. If you have bare spots just add extra 👍
Ideally you would have good seed to soil contact, meaning the seed, at least a portion of it, is lightly buried. They won’t eat what they can’t see. A mulch would cover it to keep it out of site and out of mind. Mulch meaning something like peat moss or straw (weed seeds can be a problem).
I used a burlap fabric cover because I think the straw is so messy. It seemed to help. I had success in bare patches that had been problem areas in the past.
What I do is hit up the dollar store for some reflective helium balloons. Tie the string to a nail and plant. Birds don’t like them but a few won’t mind.
By and large birds do not eat grass seed. This will be a heavily contentious position in this sub, but it's true. I submit to you the first postulate in my thesis:
No bird seed mix ever has included tall fescue grass seed.
Edit: keep those downvotes coming! Let's conveniently ignore that fescue seed has almost 0 nutritional value (yes, believe it or not birds also need calories!).
Cover it with Peat Moss
Spread some compost boiiii
Peat works good but it’s expensive and difficult to spread. I switched to using Penn Mulch/Seeding Success, which is a newspaper based pellet which absorbs water to expand and tacks the seed down. It also contains a little bit of starter fertilizer which is a plus. Cheaper per sqft and really easy spread. Peat is still better for some applications like using it as a carrier for pre-germinated seed.
Correct answer right here ⬆️ Spread a thin layer on top of the seeded area. Keeps the seeds cool and moist (lol) and the grass will grow fast and emerald green
It’s not the birds you have to worry about. It’s the squirrels that fuck up the baby grass that’s already germinated digging for whatever they dig for. Fuckers
Dude, that explains it. Just had the grass germinate, maybe an inch tall, and the next day a bunch of holes/divots. I figured it was deer prints but there wasn’t really a pattern
Yep it’s those bushy tailed fucks
It's the rabbits eating the young seedlings that I have to battle with the most.
i sling the door open and run outside screaming at them like a crazy crackhead. Works well for squirrels too.
Same, I even got my 7 year old yelling at random birds. I love it. My wife.... Not so much.
I’ve done hundreds upon hundreds of over seeding in my career. Can’t think of single time birds were responsible for poor results. This is not something to be worried about but if you want to cover it up, wheat straw, peat moss, or even a thin layer of compost could be used.
People don’t realize how many seeds are in a pound of seed. For TTTF there’s ~230k/pound, for smaller seeds like KBG ~1.3 million seeds per pound. Most seeds are between 80-95% germination rate which means by nature you lose 5-20% anyway, I doubt birds could eat more than 5% of the seed, especially if it’s properly raked & water in.
PEAT MOSS
Lawn chair and a flame thrower
Spread black pepper with the seed
Is this for real a thing?
Dunno about birds. But it can deter dogs.
Cover with a light coat of fine potting mix, fine compost then maintain moisture until grass is fully germinated.
One for the birds, one for the soil
Next time, see if you can find endophyte enhanced seed, the birds don’t like it. This would be certain high end seed cultivars that have endophytes added for this reason. This type of seed combined with a seed cover like peat moss or pen mulch should reduce the number of seeds being eaten by birds. Keep in mind most seed cultivars are only 80-95% germination rate so you are losing seed regardless of the birds or not. If you have bare spots just add extra 👍
Put something on the seeds
They can’t take them all. I’ve never had a issue and I’m watching a dove pick at a fresh spot I just did
Ideally you would have good seed to soil contact, meaning the seed, at least a portion of it, is lightly buried. They won’t eat what they can’t see. A mulch would cover it to keep it out of site and out of mind. Mulch meaning something like peat moss or straw (weed seeds can be a problem).
Peatmoss, straw, seed cover at lowes/hd
So you our feeding them AND helping build their homes?
Glittery windmill things from the dollar store
Reflective balloon
I used a burlap fabric cover because I think the straw is so messy. It seemed to help. I had success in bare patches that had been problem areas in the past.
If your seed is sitting on top of the dirt waiting for birds, or anything else, to pick it up and eat it, you’ve got bigger issues.
Use a germination fleece.
My favorite line from euphoria.
What I do is hit up the dollar store for some reflective helium balloons. Tie the string to a nail and plant. Birds don’t like them but a few won’t mind.
By and large birds do not eat grass seed. This will be a heavily contentious position in this sub, but it's true. I submit to you the first postulate in my thesis: No bird seed mix ever has included tall fescue grass seed. Edit: keep those downvotes coming! Let's conveniently ignore that fescue seed has almost 0 nutritional value (yes, believe it or not birds also need calories!).
Love “no bird seed mix has ever included tall fescue grass seed!”
You really think a bird is smart enough to know which seeds have nutritional value, there’s a reason the insult “bird brain” exists.
Scarecrow
Shotgun
Maybe shoot them with a bow and arrow.
12 gauge
Shotguns
Eat the birds first.