When to Plant Grass Seed

Grass seed is available for purchase at most garden centers and nurseries throughout the year. But that doesn’t mean you can plant it all year round and get the same results. In many climates, grass seed should ideally be planted from late summer to autumn. This allows seeds to germinate before cold weather sets in, helping them establish a strong root system which can withstand seasons of freezing temperatures.

Here’s a closer look at why the later months of the year are ideal for planting grass, and some of the grass types to think about seeding before winter sets in.

During what season should you plant grass seed?

If you’re planting grass seed in order to replenish an area that’s overgrown with weeds, it’s best to wait until autumn, when most weeds have used up their stored nutrients. This gives any new grass seed you plant a better chance of standing tall against invasive weeds.

If you want to apply grass seed in a lawn area, it’s best not to plant until late autumn to early winter, when the soil is cool and moist. You should also ensure that grass seed planted at this time has a good chance for germination before the ground becomes frozen in winter.

Of course, if your area is completely devoid of vegetation and you’re looking to add some much-needed greenery to the yard or garden, feel free to begin planting any time throughout the year, so long as the soil isn’t frozen.

Looking closer at different grass types

If you are planting grass seed for erosion control or to prevent soil movement, it’s best to plant in autumn, when the ground is moist and temperatures are cool. The type of grasses that can be planted at this time include:

• Buffalo grass: This native American turfgrass has a fine texture which makes it well suited for lawns and sports fields. It tolerates heat, drought and moderate shade.
• Bluegrass: This well-known turfgrass is a mix of several species of grasses that creates a finely textured lawn. It does well in partial to full sun and tolerates both heat and drought.
• Ryegrass: A fast-growing lawn grass with a fine texture, ryegrass tolerates heavy foot traffic and is often mixed with bluegrass to create a strong lawn.
• Fescue: This cool-season grass has a coarse texture and green or red color, depending on the variety. It tolerates drought and shade well.

Tips for successful germination

To ensure your grass seed will have a successful germination, you should take care to do all of the following:

• Plant in autumn when the ground is moist and cool.
• Prepare soil by removing weeds and adding compost for fertilization.
• Use a fertilizer high in phosphorus, which stimulates root development.
• Use a lawn spreader to distribute grass seed over the soil in a uniform pattern.
• Water immediately after seeding to speed germination.
• Keep the area moist until new growth appears, then water only when necessary.

Need help? Call the professionals

If you’re seeding but not getting the germination you want from your lawn, contact the professionals at Rand Hill Lawns, Inc. today. We’ll help you get the lush, verdant lawn you’ve always wanted!

Categorised in: Grass