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What Is the Temperature for Lawn Grass Germination?

Grass seed must be planted when soil temperatures favor germination. The right soil temperature for seeding depends on the grass type your are trying to grow. Also, gardeners must make sure that the soil temperature remains consistent by correctly using a soil thermometer. Seeding grass at the wrong time can result in a lawn with bare spots.

  1. Cool Season Grasses

    • Cool season grass types such as fescue, ryegrass and bluegrass need soil temperatures between 40 to 45 degrees in the spring, according to Purdue University. It is important for gardeners to sow their grass seed with enough time for seedlings to establish before the summer brings hot temperatures. These grass types have a difficult time tolerating hot summer temperatures without becoming dormant in the summer and growing again in the fall. Gardeners may seed their cool season lawns in the fall as long as there is enough soil moisture.

    Warm Season Grasses

    • Warm season grass varieties need soil temperatures between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the Virginia Cooperative Extension. Gardeners can choose from warm season grass types as zoysia, bahia, bermuda, centipede and carpet. It is notable to mention that St. Augustine grass seed is hard to find. Because warm season grass thrives in hot temperatures, you do not have to worry about these varieties becoming dormant in the summer. However, warm season grasses will become dormant when temperatures cool in the fall.

    Taking Soil Temperature

    • Check the soil temperature in the morning and afternoon for four to five days, as recommended by Julie Day from Danny Lipford. To measure soil temperature, make a pilot hole with a screwdriver into the first 5 to 6 inches of topsoil. Cover the soil thermometer with your hand to shield it from direct sunlight as direct sunlight will skew your results. Plan to seed your lawn when temperatures favor your germination for the type of grass seed you select.

    Other Factors

    • Other factors dictate when to seed your lawn. Gardeners must give themselves time to prepare their planting area. Remove all unwanted vegetation with an herbicide. Furthermore, both limestone and fertilizer must be applied before or at the time of seeding. Use a starter fertilizer when seeding. Fertilizers high in nitrogen can burn up grass seeds. In addition, water the soil before and after seeding. Check the soil a few times a day to ensure that it is moist.

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Growing Grass
  1. What Is the Minimum Germination Temperature for Broccoli?
  2. What Are the Treatments for Grass Fungus?
  3. The Best Temperature for Sowing Grass Seed in the Fall
  4. Germination Temperatures for Fescue Grass
  5. Soil Temperature for Planting Rye Grass
  6. What Is the Best PH in Soil for Most Turf Grasses?
  7. The Germination of Grass Seeds
  8. The Best Soil for Grass Seed
  9. What to Do for My Grass After the Frost?
  10. What Are the Treatments for Burnt Grass?
  11. The Best Temperature for Grass Seed to Germinate
  12. The Optimum Germination Temperature for Peas

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