When Is the Best Time to Plant Grass Seeds?

Fall Sowing

• Lawns that you start from seed are most successful when you plant them in early fall about six weeks before the arrival of the first expected frost. At that time of season, the soil is still warm, which encourages seed germination, but the morning air is crisp, which keeps the tender shoots from overheating and helps the ground retain moisture. Grass seed must remain wet to sprout. Moreover, fall-grown grass has several months to establish a healthy root system before the arrival of stressful summer weather.

Spring Sowing

• Spring planting is the second-best option for those wishing to sow grass seed. You can spread grass seeds across the ground as soon as the snow has melted. The seeds will not be harmed by any lingering chilly weather, and the springtime rains will help to ensure adequate germination rates. If you plant the seeds early enough, spring grasses will have ample time to develop roots before the onset of the summer heat.

Late-Season Sowing

• The third-best time for sowing grass seeds is late fall through early winter. The soil is no longer warm, and the frosty overnight temperatures will inhibit sprouting; consequently, the seeds will remain dormant until spring arrives. As soon as the snow melts and the ground thaws, the seeds will germinate and begin to grow.

Overseeding

• Those who are fortunate enough to have year-round warm weather also have year-round lawn care. In many parts of the South, warm-season grasses go dormant in the fall, covering the lawn in a blanket of unsightly brown blades. To enjoy continual greenery, you can "overseed" the existing lawn with cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass or fine fescue. In mid-September or early October, simply scatter the seeds directly over the established grass. The cool-season grasses will germinate as the temperatures begin to drop, flourishing all winter long and dying off when the heat of summer returns.