Purchase the appropriate amount of Pensacola Bahiagrass seed for the lawn area you wish to work on. A new lawn requires five to 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Purchase two to five pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet for reseeding a lawn.
Prepare the lawn area by working it with a tiller to break compacted soil and growing vegetation. Till to a depth of 10 to 12 inches, and remove all vegetative growth and rocks.
Apply a lawn seed starter fertilizer to the soil based on the manufacturer's application instructions for the area being seeded. Do not apply a standard lawn fertilizer or weed control chemicals prior to planting, as this will prevent seed germination. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly to prevent over-fertilizing.
Smooth the area with a rake, and pack with a lawn roller that has been filled with water to weigh it down. Lawn rollers are available for rent at garden supply stores if you do not own one. The roller will gently pack the soil, making a smooth surface desirable for seed germination.
Fill a broadcast spreading grass seeder with Pensacola Bahiagrass seed. Push the seeder in straight lines to get an even covering of seeds throughout the lawn area. The soil is compacted from the lawn roller to prevent damage from foot prints.
Place a layer of peat moss over the newly seeded lawn to protect the seeds during germination. The peat moss will work itself into the soil and does not need to be removed. Pensacola Bahiagrass seed will germinate in 10 to 28 days, depending on the temperature and watering conditions.
Water the seeded area immediately after planting. Continue to water every day to keep the soil moist, until the seeds germinate. Pensacola Bahiagrass does not require watering once the lawn is established.
Fertilize an established Pensacola Bahiagrass lawn with a 16-4-8 slow-release fertilizer. Apply five to 10 pounds of fertilizer per 1,000 square feet of lawn, four times a year starting in the spring for the first two years. Reduce the frequency of fertilizing to twice a year thereafter.