How to Buy Grass Seed

A beautiful lawn is easy to achieve with proper care and appropriate grass seed. Choosing a seed takes preliminary research and depends on your location and climate. There is such a large selection of seed, it can be difficult to determine which to purchase. A systematic approach can simplify your choices.

Instructions

1. Survey your soil and climate before purchasing seed. Certain grasses grow better in certain climates and soils. Use a lawn zone map to find your best choices (see Resources).

2. Decide on a grass texture. Fine grasses include bluegrass and give a manicured, soft appearance. Thicker blade grass is more durable and best if you have pets, kids, or a lot of foot traffic.

3. Choose single or mixed seed. Single seed is limited to one grass variety and gives a uniform appearance to your lawn. Mixed seed or species include different varieties of the same species or different grass species altogether which add benefits such as drought resistance or year-around green.

4. Choose a seed for the season when you will be planting. Cool weather seeds are planted in the fall, and warm weather seeds are planted late spring. Patch kits to fix bald patches are available for most varieties and growing seasons.

5. Check the seed bag before purchasing for germination rate, weed seed ratio, and age. Seeds should have a germination rate of at least 75 percent, less than 5 percent weeds, and be no more than ten months old.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep seed in the refrigerator if you won't be using it immediately.

• Always check the seed for noxious weed notations. Do not purchase if there are any.

References

• All about lawns

Resources

• Grass zones