How Late Can You Plant Grass Seed
This will depend on where you live. The farther south you live, the later you can sow fall grass seed. If you live near the Canadian border, youll be seeding a good six to eight weeks earlier than you would in Kansas City. The trick is to give your new seedlings plenty of time to germinate, establish and mature before harsh winter weather arrives. If you wait too long, the first hard frost could severely damage or kill tender new seedlings that have just emerged from the soil. A good rule of thumb is to have mowed your newly seeded lawn at least twice before winter weather takes its grip. Like the rest of your lawn, new grass seedlings need to go dormant and harden off before the ground freezes and the snow arrives.
For example, if you live in Chicago, where the first hard frost generally occurs around Oct. 25, you would be wise to have your lawn seeded by September 15. This will give those new seeds adequate time to germinate, establish and be mowed a couple of times before Old Man Winter arrives. The entire process from seeding to a second mowing could be as long as eight weeks, so plan ahead!
Waiting too late will not allow new seedlings to properly establish and mature and this can create a situation where youll be tempted to reseed again in the spring when conditions are less than perfect.
Why Fall Is Best For Cool
Several distinct advantages make fall the best time to plant cool-season grass seed. In early autumn, the soil is still warm from months of summer sun. This combination of warm soil, moderate daytime temperatures and cool evenings encourages fast germination and establishment of newly sown cool-season grass seed.
Cool-season grass seed germinates best when soil temperatures reach 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This roughly corresponds to daytime air temperatures in the 60°F to 75°F range. An inexpensive soil thermometer, available at garden stores and online retailers, can help eliminate the guesswork.
The farther north you live, the earlier cool fall temperatures and ideal planting times come. For example, Minnesotans in the Upper Midwest seed cool-season lawns from mid-August to mid-September.1 For transition-zone lawn owners in central and northern Arkansas, September and October are the best time for seeding cool-season lawns.2
Fall seeding complements the natural growth cycles of cool-season grasses.
As a general rule, plant cool-season grass seed at least 45 days before the estimated date of your first fall frost, before soil and air temperatures drop to less favorable levels. Your grasses will enjoy a full fall season, plus a second cool growing season come spring. Your local county extension agent can help with advice on average frost dates and optimal timing for seeding lawns in your area.
Watering Thoroughly But Not Too Much
Once the seeds have been properly sown and lightly incorporated into the existing soil, water the area thoroughly and leave until next spring. By this time of year, our cool to cold temperatures and short days will help keep the areas moist far longer than in summer. While just barely damp soil is okay, it is important that the area does not become soggy and saturated with water. If the weather does turn a little warmer and drier and the area starts to dry out, it may be necessary to lightly water the area just to keep it damp and prevent it from becoming too dry. However, in most cases it will be unnecessary to do this.
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When Is The Best Time To Aerate
Aeration is best performed just before or during periods of high growth. However, not immediately preceding or during periods of stress to the lawn. For example, heat or drought. The type of grasses that make up your lawn will determine the best time of year to aerate.
When to Aerate if You Have Cool-Season Grasses: If youre working with cool-season grasses, including bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass, aerating during the growth periods in the spring and fall is best.
When to Aerate if You Have Warm-Season Grasses: For warm-season grasses such as Bermudagrass, buffalograss, St. Augustine and zoysiagrass, aerate during warm times of the year, between late-spring and early-autumn.
Considerations for Aerating in the Spring: In the spring, wait until youve mowed the lawn a few times before aerating. Doing so ensures the lawn will grow fast enough to recover and take advantage of the increased pore space and air exchange at the root zone that aeration creates.
One caveat, says Friell, is that any disturbance of the root zone in the spring can increase weed competition by bringing buried seeds to the surface. Applying fertilizer and a pre-emergent weed killer following aeration can reduce the potential for weed competition and increase the hardiness of the grasses. But dont apply a weed killer if you plan to overseed following aeration. It will prevent germination of the seed you put down.
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Why Timing Is Important
Youve got schedules to manage. A work schedule. Your childrens schedules. These schedules keep you focused throughout your day.
Similarly, your lawn has a schedule. Depending on your location, it goes through various phases in its year.
As a result, there are some ideal times that make planting new grass more successful than others, depending on your grass growing region and the type of grass you want to grow.
Generally, lawns in the northern half of the U.S. contain cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, or perennial ryegrass. And lawns in the southern half of the U.S. are typically warm-season grasses, such as St. Augustinegrass, Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, centipedegrass and Bahiagrass.
If youre growing new grass based on its optimal growing period, you can maximize your seed germination rate, which means less waste and a thicker lawn.
Start with finding out what zone you are in . Then, choose a grass that grows well there and follow suggested best times to plant.
Use this general guide based on grass type:
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Best Time To Plant Grass Seed By Turf
The right time to plant is just before the preferred season of growth arrives. If you time it correctly, you will find that most seeds will germinate and grow into healthy grass within their growing season!
Naturally, it would be best if you treated any time after this ideal point as too late to plant your grass seeds.
However, being a little late is still permissible and may work out okay if your seeds get favorable weather. On the other hand, it is entirely too late when your seed is trying to grow in adverse weather conditions.
A general guideline is to plant cool-season grasses 45 days before the first fall frost is predicted and plant warm-season grasses 90 days before the first fall frost.
The turf-growing region youre in relates directly to the type of grass you should be planting.
Water Deeply But Not Too Often
- Too much watering can lead to poor growing conditions and disease problems.
- Water only when your lawn needs it, usually no more than once a week when there is no rainfall.
- Apply at least 2.5 cm of water. Put a tuna or pet food can on your lawn to measure how much youâve watered. Stop watering when itâs full.
- Consider the soil type and surface features. Grass growing on compacted, fine soil or on slopes needs lighter, more frequent watering.
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When To Sow Your Lawn
If you’re reading this article, it’s probably because you want to know when is the best time of the year to sow your lawn to get healthy-looking grass. Apart from its aesthetic appeal, a healthy lawn is useful to absorb water, prevent wind and water erosion, improve the biodegradation of synthetic organic compounds and buffer temperatures.
Before determining the best time to sow your lawn, you must know that Quebec is a very large province where the difference in climate can vary greatly from one region to another. The ideal time to sow your lawn will not be the same if you live in Gaspésie than if you live in Montreal.
However, there are some ideal conditions that promote the healthy growth of the lawn:
- A flat and fertile land that is rich in organic compounds
- Soil with a slightly acidic pH
- At least 6 hours of sunshine a day
- A temperature between 15 and 22 ºC
- Regular water intake
Before you start sowing the grass seeds, make sure there is no risk of freezing at night in your area. It is best to sow your lawn when the weather starts to get warmer .
A little trick to know when to sow your lawn is to observe your environment. When dandelions begin to appear in spring, this is the perfect time to sow your seeds!
How Soon Can I Mow After Planting New Grass
Weekly mowing during the growing season is an essential part of establishing and maintaining a thick, green lawn. This thriving grass stand can better withstand weeds and provide your home with great value.
After planting a new lawn from seed, youll want to wait to mow until most seeds have germinated. Its important to not remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade at any mowing, use heavy equipment,or mow when the soil is wet to protect the new seedlings.
Once this time has passed, mowing will continue to help your lawn grow. Remember not to collect the clippings and let them fall on the ground. This recycles important nutrients and any leftover seed your mower may have picked up back into the soil where they are most beneficial.
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The Best Time To Aerate Your Lawn
For the best results when overseeding, our lawn aeration service advises you aerate before planting. The purpose of aeration is to break up the soil and allow it to breathe. That way new grass roots can penetrate deeper into the soil and have access to more nutrients. When should you aerate cool-season grasses and warm-season grasses?
The trick is to aerate right before overseeding. The best time to have lawn care services aerate your lawn in Midwest locations is usually around August or September. In warmer states, aerate in late spring or early summer.
Cover Seed With A Fertile Mulch
The intense summertime sun can harm your young grass by drying it out. Mulching grass seed helps retain moisture without blocking airflow to the roots. It can also keep hungry birds from devouring your expensive seed.
You can do this by laying a protective layer over the seeds. Do this by leaving:
- Wheat straw
- A grass mat
- 1/4 layer of screened compost
- Commercial mulch for grass seed
Using your lawn mower to leave grass clippings on your yard after mowing will also help with this, but I recommend bagging your lawn clippings the first few times you mow a new lawn grown from seeds.
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Good Drainage Is Critical
Seedlings do not survive where water accumulates and pools for long time periods during summer. After all, roots need oxygen as much as nutrients and moisture to survive. In areas next to driveways where auto tires may have rutted the soil, all the tiny air pockets in the soil have been compressed, and water will accumulate in those low spots. Although seedlings may grow there for a little while, they probably won’t survive for long. When preparing an area for planting grass seed, loosen the compacted soil layers to provide aeration and good drainage of water through and across the soil. Level the area, filling in any holes, so water doesn’t continue to pool.
When To Plant Grass Seed In Each Growing Region
The best month to put grass seed down depends on the type of grass you are growing.
- Cool-season grasses are typically planted in Northern areas in mid-August to mid-September. In the transition zone, plant mid-September to early or mid-October.
- Warm-season grasses are typically planted in Southern areas in April or May and May to June in the transition zone.
Region
> 80°F65-70°F
Midwest: Northern Illinois, Northern Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Northern Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin
Northeast: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont
Pacific Northwest: Oregon, Washington, Far Northern California, Southeastern Alaska, Northern Idaho
Cool Arid: Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming
Warm Humid: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Southern Texas
Warm Arid: Southern Arizona, Southern New Mexico, Southern Texas
Transition Zone: Arkansas, Southeast Colorado, Delaware, Southern Illinois, Southern Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Southern Ohio, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
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How To Maximize The Timing Advantage
Even when you plant your grass seed at the best possible time, your lawn still needs help to thrive. Whether this is your first lawn or you’re the neighborhood expert, take some advice from turf professionals and get to know your grasses and your soil before you start seeding. Follow through on best practices for preparing and planting and don’t neglect traditional tasks, such as fall lawn care, that help keep your grass and soil healthy, well-nourished and ready to support new growth.
Do your research to understand what’s in a bag of grass seed and the company behind the seed. Pennington is committed to producing the finest grass seed products possible and providing you with educational resources to help your seed project succeed. By timing your lawn tasks properly, you can maximize your advantage and seed your way to the lawn of your dreams.
Pennington, Smart Seed and One Step Complete are trademarks of Pennington Seed, Inc.
1. Mugaas, R. and Pedersen, B., “Seeding and Sodding Home Lawns,” University of Minnesota Extension.
2. Patton, A. and Boyd, J., “Seeding a Lawn in Arkansas,” University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.
3. UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, “Planting Times and Rates for Grasses That Can Be Established From Seed,” University of California.
When To Water Lawn After Fertilizer Application
Generally speaking, you shouldnt water your lawn after applying weed and feed, because the water can disperse the substance disproportionally. Rain and watering may cause that you have a lot of weed and feed granules on one spot and not enough on the other, and like that, you wont have good results. Thus, check the weather forecast to be sure that after fertilization, it wont rain for at least 48 hours after youve used lawn weed and feed.
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When And How To Fertilize New Grass
If youre starting a new lawn from seed, sod or plugs or youre doing bare lawn spot repair a starter fertilizer helps grass get the perfect start. Unlike established lawns, new grass benefits from extra phosphorus, an essential plant nutrient that supports strong, deep roots. Some states only allow phosphorus-containing lawn fertilizers on new grass, so check with your county extension office if youre unsure.
On fertilizer products, phosphorus is the middle number in the N-P-K ratio usually 0 in normal lawn fertilizers. But with Pennington UltraGreen Starter Fertilizer 22-23-4, you get an ideal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, plus other essential lawn nutrients, including iron for deep green color. This premium fertilizer blend starts feeding new grass immediately and keeps feeding it for up to three months.
Always follow guidelines for the best time to plant grass seed for your region and grass type, then fertilize accordingly. For seed or plugs, apply fertilizer with a regular lawn spreader before you plant. If youre starting a lawn with sod, fertilize after your sod is in place.
With any new lawn area, avoid using crabgrass preventer fertilizers or weed & feed fertilizers within four weeks before planting time. After seeding, wait until your new grass gets established and youve mowed your lawn at least three times.
Weed & feed fertilizers kill tough weeds and feed your lawn.
Apply Lawn Fertilizer With Care
Grass will benefit the most from lawn fertilizer when its applied correctly. First, do not fertilize right after you mow wait at least two days after mowing. Second, use a spreader to apply it evenly and make sure it reaches all areas of your yard. Close the spreader hopper when stopping and turning so fertilizer doesnt leak out in piles. Clean sidewalks and paths of any excess fertilizer to prevent it from washing or blowing into grass, resulting in burn spots.
The best time to apply your lawn fertilizer is in the morning when the grass is wet with dew, and youre not expected to have rain for one or two days. Once you apply the lawn fertilizer, add at least a half inch of water within 14 days per Pennington Seed. This can be from rainfall or watering with a sprinkler.
Feeding your grass a regular dose of lawn fertilizer helps it stay healthy, strong and green all summer long so you can enjoy it as much as possible.
References
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The Dormant Seeding Process
Dormant seeding involves putting down seed while the ground is not frozen, yet cold enough so germination of the grass seed will not occur until next spring when the soils begin to warm. In fact, seeds that do germinate late in the season often do not survive the winter because the very young, immature seedlings have a difficult time surviving those harsh conditions. Other than the time of year of dormant seeding, the actual process of preparing the area to be seeded is virtually identical to establishing grass from seed at other times of the year.
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