When is the Best Time to Seed Grass?

Both landscapers and homeowners agree that it takes planning and strategy to grow a healthy lawn. Neglect and lack of preparation will quickly show, and not only be an eyesore, but a negative reflection on the current residents of the home. Annual seeding is often done to maintain growth and replace or remedy sparse areas. Knowing when this should be done is half the battle. To determine the optimal seeding time for your lawn, you need to take into consideration the type of grass and grass seed you are dealing with, and the seasonal temperatures of your region. Certain varieties are considered “cool season” seeds, and others are deemed “warm season” seeds. Regardless which kind of seeds you decide to use, extreme temperatures should be avoided.

Things You'll Need

• Lawn care tools
• Selected grass seed packets
• Seed spreader
• Rake
• Tiller
• Garden hose or sprinklers
• Fertilizer

Instructions

1. Select heat- and drought-resistant Bermuda and Zoysia grass seed for lawns in the southernmost United States. Both of these tend to be lower maintenance choices as well. These warm season seeds should be planted in late spring or in early summer to optimize their growth.

2. Choose St. Augustine grass seeds for lawns in coastal areas of the upper south. This grass does well in shade and resists salt, but requires aeration, dethatching, fertilizer and plenty of water. It should be planted in late spring for best results.

3. Use cold resistant bluegrasses, red fescue, and perennial ryegrass in a combination ratio of 50-40-10 percent for the northeast and north midwestern states. This blend will adapt well to the climate of this region and look better year-round. Plant these seeds in early spring or early fall.

4. Purchase a blend of drought-resistant crested wheatgrass and red fescue for non-irrigated lawns in the northern plains and mountainous regions of the United States. If you regularly water your lawn, you can use a mix of bluegrass, fescue and ryegrass. Plant these in the early fall.

5. Seed lawns in the Pacific coastal northwest region in the early spring or early fall. Use a 50-30-20 percent blend of Kentucky bluegrass, red fescue and colonial bentgrass (which tolerates acidic soil). This combination will add beauty and durability to your lawn.

Tips & Warnings

• When you seed your lawn, make sure to follow the following six steps:

• Till the soil, rake well to remove debris, spread fertilizer, water in the fertilizer, spread the grass seeds, and water in the grass seeds.

• For some brands of seeds, the advice of certain manufacturers may differ from the above. Refer to the instructions on the packaging label if you are in doubt.

Resources

• Determine the best grass seed for your region.