Choose the Right Grass Seed – Helpful Guide to Overseeding Your Lawn With the Best Grass

SUMMARY

When it comes to lawn care, who doesn’t want nice, green, lush grass? We know we sure do! But how do you successfully grow a lawn where the grass will be lush and green and not sparse and dead? This article will help you achieve the thick, healthy look you want your lawn to achieve. You can tackle your grass planting challenges by providing useful info on overseeding and what grass seed you should pick! Read on to learn more.

Which Type of Grass Seed Should You Choose?

Types of Grass Seeds

There are two types of grass seed: Cool season grass and warm-season grass. It is important to know which one you want to get. Cool-season grasses thrive in winter, while warm-season grasses do better when planted in the spring and summer. The most popular types of cool-season grasses are Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, and Fine Fescue. Cool-season grasses are more tolerant of cold weather, resist frost, grow earlier in the growing season (mid-spring), and develop extensive root systems to resist drought. On the other hand, warm-season grasses thrive in hot temperatures. Popular warm-season grasses like Bermuda Grass, Zoysia Grass, St. Augustin grass, and Bahia grass are extremely adaptable, require lower maintenance, and are resistant to pests in hot climates.

Consider Special Requirements

One thing you should keep in mind when selecting grasses is the climate you live in. This will help determine the health of your grass. Choose the grass type that will thrive in your area and what kind of soil your grass may need. Be knowledgeable about your grass’ water needs and if you want to plant them in the spring or winter. Will you be able to meet those needs? It is important to consider how the grass will best meet the needs of your lawn, like climate, sunlight, and foot traffic. When you begin overseeding, these factors will help you decide on the best course of action for your lawn.

When Should You Plant Your Grass Seed?

Planting Grass Seeds in the Winter

It is best to plant your grass seeds for cool season grasses between late summer and early fall. Another way to find the best time for overseeding is to go by your local weather and check when your area’s first frost is expected. Once you learn when it is, you can plant your grass seeds approximately 45 days before. If you want to plant your grass at another time, early spring is also suitable if the soil temperatures are between 50-60℉. However, be aware that planting your grass in spring could put the seedlings at risk by exposing them to heat stress and weeds.

Planting Grass Seeds in the Summer

Warm-season grasses should be planted preferably between late spring to early summer when the soil temperatures are ideal. (between 65-75℉). Unlike cool-season grasses, warm-season grasses need enough warmth and moisture to germinate and establish themselves. One key consideration for overseeding is avoiding planting the grass seed too late in the summer. The young seedlings will struggle to develop a strong root system under the intensive heat. As long as you consider the temperature of the soil, moisture levels, and your local climate, your grass will provide the best environment to grow and develop.

How to Care for Your Grass Seed

You should do several things when it comes to post-seed care for your grass. After you spread your grass seed, cover it with a thin layer of peat moss or topsoil. This will help retain moisture and protect the seeds from hungry birds and erosion. You should water the grass seed thoroughly after planting. Just ensure you do not overwater to avoid puddling on your lawn. After three weeks, you can moisten the top inch of soil by watering at least twice daily. Preferably in the early morning, then late afternoon. Remember that you might have to increase your watering if the temperature is particularly hot. Now that you have provided your plants with the resources to grow early on, you need to simply maintain the health of your lawn as the grass continues to develop. Reduce your watering to once a day or every other day. After weeks, you can apply fertilizer to your grass seed. Once your grass seed grows about 3-4 inches, you can start mowing your grass. Just make sure that you only trim it down to about one-third of the grass’ height to avoid stress for the grass. Lastly, monitor your lawn and make sure that you remove any weeds that can be a threat to your new grass. Consider buying a herbicide or manually pulling the weeds so they don’t compete with your young grass.