Planting Centipede is fairly straightforward and similar to many other lawns. One of the key considerations is the soil temperature required for centipede seed to germinate. The recommendation is that soil temperature be above 70 degrees before planting centipede. However, there are many that plant centipede at other times of the year and use a “nurse crop” to anchor the seed in place until the climate conditions are right. Annual Rye is commonly used as a nurse crop when preparing a seed bed in the fall. Annual rye will quickly establish itself and anchor the bed and other components in place so that the centipede will have a chance to germinate and establish itself once Spring and Summer come. Another popular Nurse Crop is Carpetgrass, typically used in early spring when the temperatures are not quite warm enough for centipede but warm enough for the Carpetgrassgrass.

Prepare the Seed bed, Grade, smooth and level the lawn, remove debris such as stones twigs etc. Lightly tilling the first several inched of soil will also help loosen and provide a good foundation for your grass seed. Work in a good starter fertilizer. Fertilizers such as a 28-24-6 would be ideal. You need a fertilizer that has a generous amount of nitrogen (28) and a higher rate of phosphorous then usual. (24) the phosphorous will encourage vigorous root growth in your new lawn helping it to establish itself into a dense turf. Spread the Centipede seed at the rate of 1 pound per 2000 square feet, rake the seed in to a depth of  ½” and if needed, use straw as a light mulch to prevent erosion. Water daily for 30 days to give all of the seed a good chance to germinate.

Cut the existing lawn as close as possible without scalping it. Rake or scratch the soil and apply the seed over it at the rate of ½ to 1 Pound per 2000 Square feet follow mulching and watering instructions as listed above.