Is there a 'seed' option for newly seeded areas?

A newly seeded area will require a special watering routine as you'll want to keep your seeds moist as they germinate.

The best way to do this is to water lightly multiple times a day. OtO can help automate this process.

How to get OtO to water multiple times per day

As of writing, there is no setting in the app that allows you to water the same zone multiple times per day. That being said, there are several reasons why you may want to water the same spot multiple times per day:

• Extreme heat temperatures
• A zone with a tree needs extra water or it prevents grass from growing under it
• Seeding and over-seeding the lawn
• When laying down sod

OtO CAN water multiple times per day if you layer multiple zones on top of each other.

Here's how:

1. Create a zone over the area you would like to water multiple times per day. Let's call this Zone A.
2. Tap on the Zone from the Device Home page.
3. Tap on the settings menu to edit the watering schedule. In this example, we will water Zone A every day at 10:00 AM.
4. Return to the Zone overview page and set the Watering Limit to "Eco 1/2 in". This is the lightest setting that will be most gentle on grass.
5. Create a second zone in exactly the same way, in exactly the same place as Zone A. We will call it Zone B. NOTE: There is no way for zones to be duplicated.
6. Follow the same instructions in step 2 and 3 to edit Zone B's schedule. In this example, we will set the zone to water every day but at 6:00PM to keep the seeds moist. Don't forget to set the Water Limit to "Eco 1/2 in".

Repeat for as many times as you need to water in a single day!

How to Overseed a lawn

Overseeding a lawn is a great way to improve its density, fill in bare patches, and enhance its overall appearance. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to overseed your lawn with OtO:

1. Timing: The best time to overseed a lawn is during the early fall or spring when the ground is not too warm. The soil temperature should be consistently around 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 18 degrees Celsius) for optimal seed germination.

2. Preparation:

   1. Mow the existing grass: Before reseeding, mow the lawn at a low setting to remove excess vegetation and create a shorter surface for the new seeds to make contact with the soil.

   2. Pull any weeds.

   3. Remove debris: Clear away any debris, such as rocks, sticks, or dead grass, from the lawn area.

   4. Rake the soil: Use a rake to gently loosen the top layer of soil. This will help improve seed-to-soil contact and allow the new grass seeds to establish themselves.

3. Choose the right seed:

   1. Select the appropriate grass seed for your climate and lawn conditions. Consider factors such as sun exposure, soil type, and foot traffic.

   2. It's often recommended to use a blend of different grass seed varieties to promote a healthier, more resilient lawn.

4. Seed application:

   1. Calculate the amount of grass seed you'll need based on the size of your lawn and the recommended seeding rate on the seed package.

   2. Spread the seeds evenly over the lawn area using a seed spreader or by hand. It's best to apply half the seed in one direction and the other half in a perpendicular direction to ensure even coverage.

5. Soil preparation after seeding:

   1. Lightly rake the soil again to work the seeds into the top layer of soil. This will help improve seed-to-soil contact.

   2. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of topsoil or compost (approximately 1/4-1/2 inch or 0.6 cm) to protect them from birds and to retain moisture.

6. Watering and maintenance:

   1. Water the newly seeded lawn gently but thoroughly immediately after seeding. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. You may want to do this by hand, not with OtO for the first time.

   2. It is best to avoid fertilizing during this time and focus on keeping the soil moist.

   3. Water the lawn regularly, preferably with light, frequent watering, to keep the soil moist until the new grass has established. You can do this by setting two zones on top of each other, each zone should be set to "Eco 1/2 in". This typically takes around 2 to 3 weeks.

   4. Avoid heavy foot traffic on the newly seeded area until the grass has reached a height of 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm).

   5. Once the new grass reaches a height of 3 inches (7.5 cm), you can gradually reduce the frequency of watering and switch to a deeper, less frequent watering schedule.

Remember to follow the specific instructions on the grass seed package and adjust the steps based on your specific lawn conditions. Regular maintenance, such as mowing, fertilizing, and proper watering, will help the new grass thrive and ensure a healthy, lush lawn over time.

FAQs

Can a zone be duplicated?

It is not possible to duplicate a zone. Each zone must be created individually from scratch.

What if OtO's spray is too harsh?

Read this article for more tips.