The 7 Best Mulch for Grass Seeds [Buyer Guide]

A lush green lawn is a dream of most homeowners. However, you can stand alone and expect the grass to grow on the lawn to make it your dream place. You need to care for and maintain the grass, plants, and the yard itself.

You may start with spreading grass seeds, weed-free mulch on the grass seeds, and a little bit of watering. But even for such care, you must get the best mulch for grass seeds to help the garden and lawn look WOW and awesome.

Mulches are pocket-friendly and easy to use. It enhances the outdoor look exceptionally well with a green and grassy garden. But with overwhelming choices, you might end up getting the wrong one for the grass seed to grow.

We have picked and reviewed seven top-class, trustworthy, and result-oriented mulches for grass seeds to grow fast and better. Let’s check them out here.

Also, it includes a buying guide to make your selection a breeze.

At a Glance:

The 7 Best Mulch for Grass Seeds

Your gardening will become much easier when you choose to use mulch. Our compiled guidelines on the ideal mulches for grass seeds will help in this cause.

EZ-Straw Seeding Mulch

This mulch features a processed straw that will be a perfect add-on to your lawn for grass seeds. It comes with a bonding named Tackier. The bonding agent holds the processed straw together and retains the moisture better.

The straws are organically processed and easy to apply. Just cut the item into two pieces and spread it with your hands. It will cover 2.5 cubic feet of lawn. It is perfect for covering a medium garden quickly. Also, the straws are biodegradable, which makes cleaning easy.

The processed straw mulch is designed to speed up the germination process. It helps the grass seeds grow faster. Also, the tackiness of it retains moisture. So, you get a considerable reduction in the water bills. Lastly, it is 99% weed-free that makes the garden management comfortable too.

[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Biodegradable and needs no cleaning
Saves grass from birds, wind, and washouts
Safe for kids and pets
Tackiness and organic processing[/i2pros][i2cons]Not a long lifespan[/i2cons][/i2pc]

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GreenView Fairway Formula Seed Mulch

This mulch package is a combo of fertilizer and paper mulch to protect and help grow the grass seedlings quicker and faster. When you spread the seeding mulch on the ground and water it, the mulch expands over the area.

The expansion retains water and moisture in the entire area, so you won’t have to water it frequently. Besides, the mulch covering protects grass seeds from washouts, birds, and wind. The manufacturer estimates that it expands 3X more than the actual weight.

It is ideal for a small to medium area with 200 square-feet coverage. Also, the Tackifier bonding holds the seeds and mulch together. It is suitable for protecting the grass. Also, you can use it as a starter fertilizer to help your lawn get a smooth start.

[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Combo of fertilizer and paper mulch
Expands 3X of its weight
Covers large area with small mulch[/i2pros][i2cons]The user manual is not clear[/i2cons][/i2pc]

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Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Combination Mulch

Whether you have a sunny or shady lawn, the combination of Scotts EZ seed, fertilizer and mulch will outperform every mulch for sure. The package includes grass seeds from Scotts, which will make the outdoor look WOW.

The fertilizer used in the package is made with a unique controlled release mechanism. So,  it promotes the jumpstart of the grass seeds that you will love. Moreover, the mulch absorbs 6X water to keep the area hydrated. It expands and covers the whole space to protect the grass seeds from external harm such as rain and wind.

Finally, with the tacky additive, the mulch and fertilizer combo promises to stay together in all situations. You can use it in sunny, shady, high traffic, and sloppy areas for the best results.

[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Controlled fertilizer release
Contains the best grass seeds
Retains moisture 6X times more[/i2pros][i2cons]May attract insects[/i2cons][/i2pc]

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Miracle-Gro Shake ‘N Feed All Purpose Seed Food

Want a beautiful and natural-looking garden all year long? Use the All Purpose Plant Food from Miracle-Gro to help your grass and plants grow bigger, taller, and smoother.  The food package combines natural ingredients and useful micronutrients. It, thus, allows you to nourish the grass from above and below the ground.

Plus, Miracle-Gro food serves vegetables and plant feeding. So, it is a total care product for lawn and garden. The food is formulated with bone meal, feather meal, kelp, and earthworm castings. It ensures the breaking down of microbes into natural ingredients to grow the plants vibrant.

For best results, use it every three months.

[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]All-purpose natural plant food
Contains additional micronutrients
Needs light mixing on the soil
It doesn’t burn if used properly[/i2pros][i2cons]Some reports it is not suitable for veggies[/i2cons][/i2pc]

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Pennington Mulch for Grass Seed

Many people complain that their lawn doesn’t look as greener as it should be. Well, it happens because your grass seeds are underfed and malnourished. The good news is that now you can bypass such inconvenience with the mulch plus fertilizer combo from Pennington Seed.

It features almost 2X more seeds than regular mulches. Also, the formulation includes professional fertilizer. The origins and fertilizer will indeed repair the lawn’s rotten look and transform it into your favorite United States Botanic Garden.

The container comes with 5 pounds weight that nearly covers a large lawn at ease. You will need to water the mulch until it expands and spreads. And its brown color looks natural on the lawn.

[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Contains professional fertilizer
2X more seedlings with the mulch
Comes in a pre-mixed bag for direct use[/i2pros][i2cons]The bag rips off easily[/i2cons][/i2pc]

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FibreDust CoCo Mulch For Grass Seed

This mulch is made entirely of coconut husks. It doesn’t contain any additives but works fine to transform the garden and lawn into a lush greenery area soon. The coco mulch adds a beautiful rusty look to the outdoor landscape.

The compressed bale expands enormously once appropriately hydrated. It covers two cubic feet when grown fully. Also, the mulch needs the least hydration and contains no additives. Hence, it is 100% safe for kids and pets.

Moreover, it doesn’t attract insects and prevents weed growth. You will also get 3 years of continuous mulching from the CoCo husked mulch. It even outlasts the most mulch and makes your landscaping maintenance fun.

Also, it doesn’t wash out in heavy wind and rainfall. So, you remain tension-free in foul weather.

[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]A perfect look for outdoor landscape
Lasts for 3 years continuously
Doesn’t attract weed and insects[/i2pros][i2cons]Only for grass seeds, not vegetables[/i2cons][/i2pc]

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National Cocoa Shell BLCH001 Mulch

You will love the natural deep brown color of the national Cocoa mulch outdoor. The best part it doesn’t washout in rains and direct sunlight. Instead, it only gets better and darker with ages.  It is made of 100% cocoa outer shell to keep the grass seeds moist and cool.

Also, applying the mulch is far easier than some regular ones. You only need to spread it one inch thick and water timely. As it grows and spreads, one bag of the mulch will cover 24 square feet area. The material will retain moisture appropriately without being saturated or soggy.

Also, when you water it, a pleasant chocolate smell will emerge from the mulch. While it is incredible, you must note that cocoa shell is not safe for pets. Be aware of it.

[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]A rusty look and cocoa smell
Covers 24 square-feet lawn
Doesn’t washout and retains the color[/i2pros][i2cons]Not safe for pets[/i2cons][/i2pc]

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Mulch for Grass Seed Buyers Guide

When choosing the ideal mulch for an outdoor landscape to make it grassy and greener, the overwhelming options will surprise you. Therefore, it is essential to understand which factor related to the mulch needs consideration when you want to get one.

The most noticeable factors for purchasing mulch are compiled below.

Types of mulch:

Mulches for outdoor usage is available in many forms and structure. You can choose from straw, hay, coconut husks, cocoa outer shell, compost,  shredded bark, and many more. Choose the mulch that best fits your necessity. Also, some mulches are biodegradable, while some are not.  Keep an eye on it too.

Color:

Many people want to add a solid color to their garden or lawn over the grass. If you are one of those color lovers, check the appearance of the mulch. Some cocoa or coconut mulch adds a natural brown to rusty color to the seedbed.

Coverage:

You must check the label of the packaging to know how much area the mulch will cover. Ideally, when expanded with regular watering, a mulch should cover at least 2X to 3X place of its actual weight. Also, look how much square feet area it will cover.  It is essential so that it meets your necessity.

Kid and pet safe:

Since kids and pets will roam on the grassy lawn, you must pick a safe mulch. And if you use something not suitable for pets and kids, make sure they stay away from the mulch or don’t consume it.

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Is mulch good for grass seed?

Grass seeds need proper moisture and temperature for germination. When you keep them uncovered, these grass seeds may dry off and fail to sprout due to the lack of humidity. Thus, mulch helps them to maintain the necessary humidity level and temperature for proper germination.

Many formulas, these days, contain both mulch and fertilizer at the same time. These mulches lock the moisture and feed the grass seedlings with the essential nutrient for an even green lawn. For the best result, you need to spread the mulch in an even layer without putting too much on the spot to help the grass seeds grow and sprout better.

Will grass seed grow in leaf mulch?

Yes, grass seed will grow in leaf mulch. At first glance, it won’t look pretty. But within a couple of days, the leafy mulch will perish in the grass blades and offer a natural mulch for the grass seeds to cover it and preserve the required moisture and temperature.

What’s more, mulched leaves are an effective method to battle the lawn weeds that soak the nutrient to dry up the grass seeds. Nonetheless, use a lawnmower and mulching blade to cut the leaves into smaller ones to transform them into a natural mulching resource. It will cover the grass seed to boosts its sprout.

Should you put straw over grass seed?

The mulched straw for grass seed will reduce the evaporation rate of water from the seeded ground. It will, thus, help to preserve the required moisture level in the grass seed. You should leave the straw mulch over the grass until the seeds sprout. Once they grow big enough for mowing, they won’t need any extra mulch covering anymore.

Besides, the straw will prevent the grass seeds from getting washed away during rainy days due to heavy rainfall. Therefore, mulch straw doubles its benefit as a moisture retainer and keeps the seeds from running away with rain.

How much straw to put on new grass?

Although covering grass seeds with straw is an excellent way to retain moisture in the ground, putting too much straw on new grass can be harmful. It shouldn’t cover more than ¼” depth of the growing grass seeds. Thus, you have to spread the straw lightly over the seeds.

Taking this into count, you will roughly need 1-bale of straw to cover 1000 square feet of seeded lawn for light coverage. One bale of straw is available from $40 t0 $75 mostly. So, you need to invest it to over the new grass with straw safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will leaves make a good mulch for grass?

Yes, leaves are useful to protect the grass seeds in winter. Also, it covers the grass from sunlight. Nonetheless, we recommend you use straw mulch since it retains moisture better.

Why is a mushroom growing on the mulch?

The growth of mushrooms indicates that the mulch needs replacement. It is a sign of rich natural nutrients in the ground and is harmless. But if you see too much mushroom growing, replace the mulch with a new one.

Why are there bugs on my mulch?

If you see bugs such as gnats on the mulch, it is an indication that the mulch is too moist and dampened. Keep it without watering for a few days to help it soak the additional moisture.

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Conclusion

The best mulch for grass seed in our review list will help protect and grow the grass seeds and add an attractive look to the landscape. When you follow the user manual correctly to apply the mulch, it will do wonders on the lawn.

Also, during the 1^st few days, water the mulch properly so that it spreads without dying. Then, you will love the garden and its outlook.