Grass Seed Buying Tips

Calculate the True Seed Cost

• If you're faced with a bag of Species A grass priced at $2 per pound and a bag of Species B grass priced at $3.50 per pound, the choice may seem obvious in terms of cost savings. Keep in mind that different species have different spreading needs. The seeding rate is listed on the label. Multiply the rate -- for example, 9 lbs. for every 1,000 square feet -- accordingly with the size of your yard so you can compare the true final cost of seeding your landscape.

Check the Purity

• Grass seed isn't sold as pure grass seed. It is often mixed with additives and may occasionally have contaminants. The purity percentage on the seed label notifies you how pure you will find the grass seed concentration. For the best results, only buy grass seed with a listed purity range of more than 90 percent. Anything less and you won't be getting the value for your money as you will be paying for a lot of filler.

Review Germination Rate

• Grass seed manufacturers test their grass seed in batches to monitor germination rates. You can find the germination rate on the seed label, just like its purity rate. This percentage should ring in at 85 or higher. If the percentage is less than 85, your new lawn will experience poor or slow germination concentrations that leave the bare dirt vulnerable to rapid weed invasion.

You Get What You Pay For

• For the best outcome, only buy grass seed from a nursery or reputable garden shop. And, unlike some things in life, price really does make a difference in this situation. In most cases, the higher the price of your grass seed, the better its quality and your results.

Make Sure It Was Recently Tested

• Grass seed that's been sitting on store shelves for months and months will slowly degrade in quality and viability. Just like food, you don't want grass seed that is exceptionally old. All grass seed comes labeled not with an expiration date but with a "date tested by" notification. The grass seed you select should have a test date that was within nine months of the date you wish to plant it.