What to Know About Grass Seed

Timing

• The ideal time to seed will vary depending on the region you live in and the type of seed you're planting. If you plant in the spring, begin when the soil is dry enough. Planting around mid-April to mid-May to allow the grass time to grow before the dry summer weather begins. When planting in the fall, begin around mid-August through the end of September because the seedbed is less apt to dry out and the grass has time to establish before winter.

Weeds

• If weeds are a problem in the area you're seeding, dig them out and remove the entire root. If you use weed control products, do not apply them within six weeks of planting seeds. If you seed in the spring, then treat for weeds in the fall, or vice versa.

Warm or Cool

• Cool season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass and Bentgrass, tolerate long periods of drought by going dormant. These are ideal for areas where temperatures vary from cold winters to hot, dry summers. They grow rapidly during the spring and fall but often turn brown in the summer heat. The ideal time to plant cool season grass is in the late summer or early fall. Warm season grasses such as St. Augustine and Bahia grow best in southern regions because they are typically low maintenance and drought-resistant. Warm season grasses should be planted in late spring but can be reseeded during the winter to ensure green grass all year. All varieties of cool season grass can be grown from seed, but some types of warm season grass have to be grown from sod or sprigs.

Straight or Mixed

• Straight seed contains only one variety of seed. Seed mixes combine several varieties in one package. The strengths and weaknesses in each variety offset each other to ensure a healthy lawn. Lawn repair mixes blend seed, fertilizer and mulch. This type of seed is used for patching bare spots.

Preparation

• Before seeding, prepare the area so it is as level as possible. It should gently slope away from buildings. Avoid planting on steep slopes or areas where the water might erode the topsoil. Remove plants, weeds and rocks and cover the area to be seeded with a 6 inch layer of quality topsoil. Landscape Ontario recommends mixing peat moss or another organic material into the soil. Rake the soil but avoid leaving depressions deep enough to hold surface water. Add a quality fertilizer to the soil and rake it again before seeding.

Planting

• Distribute the seed evenly, either using a spreader or by hand, in the pattern recommended on the label. Typically, you should rake the seed into the top 1/8 inch of soil and roll it to ensure it has contact with the soil and water. Plant seed on a mild day with little or no wind for the best results.