Lawn & Garden Planning Guide
Proper lawn and garden care starts with accurate measurements and the right amount of materials. Whether you're seeding a new lawn, fertilizing, spreading mulch, or planning irrigation, this calculator helps you determine exactly what you need.
Understanding Lawn Area
Calculating your lawn area is the foundation for all other calculations. Most lawns can be broken into basic shapes (rectangles, circles, triangles) and then added together for complex layouts.
Grass Seed Coverage
- New lawns: Use 8-10 lbs per 1,000 sq ft for full coverage
- Overseeding: Use 3-5 lbs per 1,000 sq ft to fill in thin areas
- Timing: Best results in early fall or spring when soil temps are 50-65°F
Fertilizer Application
Fertilizer rates are measured in pounds of nitrogen (N) per 1,000 square feet. Most lawns benefit from 2-4 applications per year, totaling 2-4 lbs of nitrogen annually.
Mulch Depth Guidelines
- 2 inches: Light coverage for established beds
- 3 inches: Recommended for most garden beds
- 4 inches: Heavy coverage for weed suppression
- 6 inches: Pathways and playground areas
Watering Guidelines
Most lawns need about 1-1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall. Water deeply 1-2 times per week rather than light daily watering to encourage deep root growth.