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When Do You Plant Grass Seed in Fall?

Most grass seed planted in the fall is a cool season grass variety. Cool season grass types such as ryegrasses, fescues and bluegrass grow when air temperatures are between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Jim Novak from the Turf Resource Center. However, soil temperatures must be conducive for seed germination, and the soil must be prepared to plant grass in the fall.

  1. Timing

    • Gardeners are often tempted to plant their cool season grass types in the spring. But spring planting can cause cool season grass types such as tall fescue to thin or die out from hot summer temperatures, according to Texas A&M University. Early to late fall are optimal times for planting as long as the heat from the summer has passed. Grass seeds have difficulty germinating during the heat of summer and on dry soil. Avoid waiting too late in the season to prevent winter injury to your grass seedlings.

    Soil Temperature

    • Soil temperatures must dip for cool season grass seed to germinate. For example, Kentucky bluegrass root systems grow when soil temperatures hit 60 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Texas A&M Cooperative Extension. Roots stop growing when the temperature reaches 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Gardeners can use a soil thermometer to judge the best time to plant grass seed for root growth. Make a hole using a screwdriver. Place the soil thermometer inside the hole to take the reading. Check the soil temperatures for a week to make sure they remain consistent.

    Soil Preparation

    • Soil preparation starts with a soil pH test. Grass must be grown in its preferred pH range to absorb the soil nutrients. For example, ryegrass needs a soil pH range between 6.0 to 7.0, according to Pennsylvania State University. Conduct a soil pH test six months before planting grass seed. It takes soil amendments six months to alter the pH range. Dig a 6-inch hole in the yard and follow the directions on your soil pH test kit. Amend acidic soil with lime or spread sulfur to amend alkaline soil.

    Weeds

    • Remove all weeds before planting. Weeds compete with grass for the soil's nutrients, air and sunlight. In fact, young seedlings have a difficult time spreading when a lawn is full of weeds. Use a herbicide that contains glyphosate to remove weeds. Repeat the herbicide application. Till the first 4 to 6 inches of soil to break up the dirt. Plant your grass seeds immediately after preparing the soil to prevent weeds from taking advantage of bare soil space.

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Growing Grass
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  2. When to Seed Grass in the Fall
  3. How to Plant Grass Fast
  4. When to Plant Grass Seed in Shaded Areas?
  5. When to Sow Grass Seed?
  6. When to Plant Saint Augustine Grass
  7. When to Plant Winter Grass
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