HOW TO DETER BIRDS FROM EATING GRASS LAWN SEED?

[Sharon Marie]

So, I've spent 6.5 hours outside today pulling up large weed patches (the old owners weren't so great at taking care of the lawn). I watered lightly, and used a hand rake to sow the grass seed into the soil. I then watered thoroughly.

Now, here come the robins. Help me! Will they eat all of it. The grass seed cost over 50 dollars just for 2 small bags. I have lots of lawn repair to do and I'm nervous that the birds are going to eat it all up. Should I set out bird seed? Rubber Snakes? Will they come out and eat it all tonight? I'm so scared. It was SO much work and I don't want to see it go to nothing. How do stop birds from eating the grass seed?

[Charlie MV]

There may not be much you can do about this batch of seeds. For the next batch, buy seeds that are coated with stuff birds don't like. One brand is Pennkoat [sp]. They're kind of green colored. The robins probably aren't eating as much as you think though.

[hendi_alex]

Might be worth a try, cutting on a rainbird type of sprinkler set so that it maximizes noise during the counter clockwise movement. Probably would only need to be run during the morning and afternoon times of most active feeding. The grass seed will likely appreciate the water as well.

[applestar]

I'm positive that the Robins aren't eating the seeds. They're appreciating all the earthworms, grubs, sod webworms, wireworms, and overwintering moths that you've so thoughtfully dug/turned up with the weeds. Of these, your only loss are the earthworms.

On the other hand, if you see a lot of sparrows or blackbirds on your lawn, THEY are the culprits eating the seeds. Mourning doves eat seeds too but they usually don't flock in such great numbers.

I'm sure there are other experts who can tell you the best way, but I seem to recall that the way to foil the seed eating birds is to either lay floating covers until the seedlings emerge or scatter a thin layer of seed-free straw over the seeded areas. Both also help to conserve moisture. (Be careful about the seed-free part -- the last bale of wheat straw I got is sprouting everywhere in my garden. If I had a wheatgrass-capable juicer, I could be drinking them! As it is, I've been pulling them up while they're still small when I weed and using them as mulch, but this won't work in the lawn.)

[Gary350]

Robins are meat eaters they will not eat the grass seed. Doves are ground feeders they will eat the grass seed. Finches like seeds but I don't think they are ground feeders so they may not be a problem.

[Sharon Marie]

Am I just destined to have problems? Today it POURED down. When I planted the grass seed, I was very diligent when planting the new seed. I dug up about 1/2 to 3/4" of soil, I spread the grass seed by hand (lots of it) and mixed it all up. Today when it rained, I went and put lots more seed down and mixed it in some more, because I could see very much of it. I also put some top soil on top of it to prevent drainage. Will the grass seed germinate?
This grass seed is expensive!! 25$ a bag! I got Scotts kentucky bluegrass that is coated to hold more water, so you have to water less often. What do you all think?

[Bestlawn]

I think you are suffering the same anxiety everyone does when they work at planting seeds. Take a chill pill or have a glass of wine and try to relax. If it's not a success, you won't know until there is evidence of failure, so there's nothing you can do about it right now. But, I tell you this happens to everyone. There is always some reason or another to worry and think it won't work out. But it normally does and if doesn't, it won't be because of the birds or the rain.

[Sharon Marie]

Thanks for the adise. I really do have loads of anxiety about it. It's silly really. I don't know why I'm so obsessive about it. I guess it's my new hobby and I'm determined to be good at it. You guys are the best!!!

[phantomphan]

sharon, if birds are really a problem go to the nusery and get some bird netting and spred it over the problem area. be sure to elevate the netting about 2-3 inches above the ground with some stakes. birds don't like walking on this and will avoid it. if the nursery dosen't have any netting go to the party supply store and see if they have the netting for dropping ballons from the ceiling, it is basically the same as bird netting.

[fishbert]

My brother used to place old window screens over the seeded ground.

Applestar has mentioned floating covers. For the last year, I have been using grass /garden/ Frost covers for my lawn and swear by it. My brother has gone from using screens to covers after I introduced him to that this spring. I have used Grass-fast by Dalen and Frost blanket from Select. Apparently Dalen's Harvest Guard can be used too.

Covers have other benefits aside from protecting against birds.

I have posted about grass fast here:

http://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7544

[a0c8c]

I wouldn't stress too much about the rain. When I sowed grass seed in here, it stayed dormant until it rained. The next day after it rained, they all sprouted up. Rain can be a good thing when it comes to grass, most grass know to sprout after rain, it's inherent in their genes.

[fishbert]

Dupont makes a product called a "Seed Germination Blanket" which is made of "Aspen wood fiber and a one-sided polypropylene netting." They claim it "Protects Seeds" which I guess means it protects against Birds.

In Ontario, it appears it or a similar product is being used on along a major highway.

Unlike frost blankets or Grass-fast, I have no experience with this. I may be wrong, but appears it is a one time use product unlike the fabrics I am familiar with. Website mentions something about biodegradable pegs to staple it down

[mapex7066]

Might be worth a try, cutting on a rainbird type of sprinkler set so that it maximizes noise during the counter clockwise movement. Probably would only need to be run during the morning and afternoon times of most active feeding. The grass seed will likely appreciate the water as well.

Cutting on? huh?

[rainbowgardener]

It's a regionalism. The rest of us might say turning on... Some of the native Ohioans say cutting on, as in "would you cut on the lights please?"

I guess it makes sense, since we would all understand cutting off the lights for turning them off...

[the accidental gardener]

This is really very easy! i just sowed a new lawn of 80m2 i woke up this morning to find flocks of finches and sparrows feasting on my seed!

Simple resolution was to fix some blank cd's to stakes and push them in the ground and let the wind blow them about! NO MORE BIRDS!!!!!

Robins, Blackbirds and Thrushes are or seed eaters they eat the worms and grubs so don't worry about them! unless you are fond of the worms and grubs in your garden?javascript:emoticon(':o')