Many homeowners desire a lush, green lawn, but to achieve this, it is important to know the best time of year to plant grass seeds.
Planting your seeds in the right season will not only influence how quickly your grass will grow but also determine how thick, healthy, resilient, and weed-resistant your lawn will be.
The best time to seed your lawn depends on two factors — where you live and the kind of grass you want to grow. Most times, a bit of reseeding is required if you have an existing one to fill bare spots.
In this guide, we will give you a detailed explanation of the best time to plant grass seeds based on the grass type and seasonal conditions. Read on!
Types of Grass
As stated above, one of the factors that determine the best time to plant your grass seed is the grass type you are growing. Hence, it is essential to know the two major types of grass available for planting.
Warm-season Grass
The first is the warm-season grass. This grass type is ideal for regions with hot climates. They thrive and flourish during the warmer months. They are best planted when temperatures begin to warm, but seasonal rains are still plentiful.
Common types are Zoysia grass, St. Augustine’s grass, Centipede grass, Buffalo grass, and Bermuda grass.
Cool-season Grass
The second type is the cool-season grass. These types thrive in regions with mild summers and cold winters.
They are usually planted in early spring so they can take root and flourish before hot summer temperatures arrive. Examples of cool-season grasses are rye grass, Kentucky bluegrass, and fescues.
Each grass type has its seasonal requirements and specific temperatures that influence the timing for seeding.
The Best Time To Plant Grass Seed For A Green Lawn
Based on Grass Type
Grass seeds require specific seasonal conditions for optimal germination and growth. For a healthy, green, and lush lawn, plant your grass when the temperature is favourable.
The best time to plant cool-season grass seed is around late summer and early fall (between August and mid-November).
During this period, the soil is warm, and the air temperature is cool with abundant rainfall. The warm soil encourages seed germination, while the cooler air prevents seedlings from overheating.
Grass seeds planted in the fall have more time to establish before summer heat arrives. Your new lawn will also have fewer weeds to compete with.
If you missed planting in the fall, spring seeding is your next best option. This typically occurs between late March and early May.
When planting in spring, avoid sowing in wet, cold soils, as seeds struggle to germinate. Seeds grow best when the soil temperature is 50°F–65°F and the air is 60°F–85°F.
Note that when you plant your grass during the spring, more weeds will compete with your newly planted grass. Your lawn may also be at risk due to the upcoming hot weather.
Warm-season grasses require a higher soil temperature for successful germination and growth. They thrive in regions with consistently warm conditions.
Planting this kind of grass is best done from late spring to early summer, which typically falls between late April and early June.
Grass seeds should be planted when the soil temperature reaches 65°F–75°F, the air temperature is around 80°F, and there are no more frost threats.
Planting late in the year results in poor seed establishment before the colder months. This can lead to weaker root development and potential winter damage.
Based on Where You Live
Where you live plays an important role in knowing the right time to plant your seed. This is because the temperature of your region can significantly impact the grass’s performance.
For instance, northern regions experience spring later than southern regions. Also, the north cools down earlier in the fall compared to southern zones.
Cool-season grasses are best grown in the Northwest, Northeast, Midwest, and upper regions of the transition zone.
Warm-season grasses thrive in the Southwest, Southeast, and lower regions of the transition zone.
Regions around the transitional zones support either type of grass. If you desire a green lawn, consider your climate trends and choose accordingly the best time to plant.
Successful Steps To Growing A Healthy, Thick, Green Lawn
Soil preparation
Aside from planting at the right time, preparing your soil is essential for optimal growth and development.
If you’re growing a new lawn, ensure to conduct a soil test to know the soil pH and fertilizer recommendations.
The ideal soil pH range for a healthy lawn is 6.0 – 7.5.
Clear the bed by removing debris, unwanted plants, and old turf, if available. Loosen the soil by raking or tilling the upper 3 to 6 inches for better seed-to-soil contact.
If necessary, amend the soil by adding organic matter or recommended fertilizer. This should be done close to planting time to improve soil quality. Also, smooth the soil surface to ensure even watering and growth.
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Choose the right grass seed
Consider the right grass seed based on your geographical location – warm-season grass or cold-season grass. After identifying the right seed type, go ahead and purchase high-quality new grass seed.
More so, consider factors like seasonal temperature, sun exposure, and average rainfall.
Plant the Right Way
Gently pour the grass seeds from the bag onto the prepared soil and spread evenly. Using a seed spreader is ideal for consistent coverage.
Due to the size of the seed, you may mix it with milorganite or sand to achieve an even distribution. After that, lightly rake the topsoil to cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil not more than ⅙ inch thick.
Mulch the topsoil with a light straw. This helps retain soil moisture and protects seeds from birds.
Watering
Water the lawn frequently to keep the soil consistently moist. Do this once or twice a day for the first few weeks to provide the soil with the moisture required for quick, healthy seed germination.
However, avoid over-watering during the first few days of planting to prevent rotting or washing away the seeds.
Once the grass seedlings begin to sprout, reduce watering frequency and introduce deep soil irrigation to encourage deeper roots.
Mowing
Before you start mowing, wait until the grass is about 5 to 6 inches tall before the first mow. Wait for another full growth cycle before the next mow.
Do not cut more than one-third of the blade height; cutting new grass sprouts too short can kill them.
Reseeding an Existing Lawn
Sometimes, reseeding an existing lawn can renew the lushness and health of your lawn.
Once you have patchy-looking, thin spots in your lawn, this is a sign that your lawn needs reseeding.
If your lawn contains cool-season grasses, reseed it during the late summer or early fall.
If you’ve planted warm-season grasses, late spring and early summer are the best periods to reseed.
If unwanted plants have dominated your lawn or there are extensive bare patches,
then a complete overhaul might be required.
If such is the situation, then the same process required to grow a new lawn should also be applied.
Reseed your lawn with new seeds and ensure you plant them in the right season.
Lawn Care and Maintenance
Mow regularly
Regular mowing encourages thicker growth and keeps your lawn tidy.
Mow one every two weeks during the growing season and ensure not to cut more than one-third of the grass height at a time. Make use of a mower with sharp blades; this makes the cut edge clean and smoother. It also reduces stress on the grass.
Feed Your Lawn
Fertilize your lawn 3 to 4 times yearly to retain a healthy and green field. Apply a slow-release fertilizer during spring and fall.
Avoid applying too much fertilizer, as this can damage the grass. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer pack for a positive result.
Water your Lawn
Water your lawn early in the morning or after the sun sets; this minimizes evaporation and prevents drying out.
A typical lawn needs about 1 to 1.5 inches of water weekly, including rainfall and irrigation. Non-frequent but deep watering is better than daily watering.
Remove Weeds
Weeds are natural competitors with your lawn grass, they compete for nutrients and water. In early spring, remove full-grown weeds or spray your lawn with a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weeds from sprouting.
Overseed and Aerate
Overseeding is done to fill in bare spots and keep the lawn looking vibrant and full. Fall is the best time to overseed and aerate.
Aerate once a year to loosen compacted soil. This enhances the movement of water and nutrients to the roots. Click here to learn how to aerate your lawn.
Dethatch, if required
Thatch is a layer of dead grass and roots that builds up over time on lawns and fields. When a thatch grows too thick, it can prevent water and nutrients from penetrating the roots.
Dethatch in late spring or early fall to enhance soil breathing for better growth.
Whether you’re growing a new lawn or reseeding an existing lawn, the best time to plant grass seed is a very important factor to consider.
As we have discussed above, plant cool-season grass seed in late summer to early fall and plant warm-season grasses during late spring to early summer. This will ensure that you have a thick, healthy, green lawn that creates an appealing scenery for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The best time to plant cool-season grass seed is in late summer to early fall before the first frost. The best time to plant warm-season grass is during late spring to early summer after the last frost.
Irrespective of the type of grass you have or the region you live in, winter is not a good time to plant your grass seeds. Winter frost can damage or kill the grass seeds.
Yes, throwing grass seed on bare spots can help to improve your lawn as long as you keep it moist.
