Here's When To Plant Grass Seed For Successful Establishment

<use xlink:href="#trending-icon" xmlns:xlink=«http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink»> Trending Videos

When it comes to starting a new lawn from seed, timing is critical. Seeds and seedlings require specific environmental conditions for optimal germination and establishment. These needs vary from one species of turfgrass to the next. Understanding when to plant grass seed based on grass type and your location will ensure you get the best coverage.

Grasses begin life as a single root and leaf blade fed by a tiny seed. These small plants are quite vulnerable. When subject to environmental extremes, such as excessive heat or cold, seedlings can struggle to establish, but under the right conditions, grass seedlings grow quite quickly. Like other plants in the landscape, grasses have periods of active growth that align with specific seasons. You’ll have the greatest success establishing your lawn when you match planting time to these active growth phases.

The primary consideration in identifying when to seed grass is the type of grass you are growing. Lawn grasses can be divided into two main types: cool-season grasses and warm-season grasses. Southern landscapes include both types of grasses, with warm-season grasses being the dominant turf type. The best time to seed each type of grass is at the start of their active growth phase, which differs for these two classes of turfgrass.

Cool-Season Grasses

Cool-season grasses include fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and ryegrasses, which develop during the winter and early spring months. The best time to seed