Think the grass is always greener in your neighbor’s yard? Learn the best time to plant grass seed and some practical, eco-friendly lawn alternatives.
You may see your neighbor’s lush, manicured and perfect-looking lawn and want that for your own yard. But did you know that a green lawn is not actually great for the environment? If you’ve already put grass seed in, consider taking part in No Mow May as a way to give back to the Earth. Another alternative is a natural lawn, which enables wildlife to thrive and protects their delicate ecosystems. Native gardening is another low-maintenance landscaping method that helps provide habitats for local wildlife.
However, if you really want to get your lawn filled out, it’s important to know the best time to plant grass seed. There are a few things to take into consideration, so let’s take a look.
Best Time to Plant Grass Seed
As a general rule of thumb, the best time to plant grass seed is around Labor Day. If you plan to sow the seeds within two weeks on either side of the holiday, you should get good results.
The ideal daytime temperature for planting grass seeds is between 60-75°F. Soil is typically warm enough to plant grass seed from late August through October, depending on your region.
You can also plant grass seeds later in the fall before the ground freezes. This method is known as dormant seeding, when temperatures are too cold for seeds to germinate, so they will sprout in the next spring. You can do this at the same time as you prepare your garden for winter.
How to Decide When to Plant
Although the best time to plant grass seed is typically late summer or early fall, it depends on various factors. Details that affect when you should sow grass seeds include:
- Location: Climate affects the type of grass you put down and when it should be seeded. The south uses warm-season grasses to handle year-long temperate climates, while the north and midwest use cool-season grasses that can handle freezing temperatures.
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Type of seed
- Warm season: These germinate when the air temperature is over 80°F. In temperate climates, plant these seeds from early spring to late fall. In climates with fluctuating temperatures, the best time to plant is late spring or early summer.
- Cool season: This grass seed is best for areas with temperate summers and cold winters. It’s dormant in the winter and grows during fall and spring, so plant it in late summer or early fall before the temperature drops below freezing.
- Weather: Watch the weather conditions when choosing the best time to plant grass seeds. Light rain is beneficial as it waters the seeds, but heavy rain can wash them away. Avoid windy weather, as the wind can also displace newly sowed seeds.
Preparing Your Lawn for Seeding
Proper preparation is just as important as knowing the best time to plant grass seed. Remove rocks and debris and level the ground as much as you can using sand, topsoil or compost. You’ll also want to locate any bare patches and overseed them to encourage growth. It also might be a good idea to have your soil tested beforehand so you know how best to balance its pH levels.
Read more:
- 8 Best California Native Grasses for Landscaping and Gardens
- 10 Beautiful Autumn Flowers That Bloom in Fall
- How to Start a Garden Step-by-Step: A Guide for Green Thumbs in Training
- What Do Wasps Do for the Environment? Do We Need Them?
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