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Tips on Growing Grass From Seed in the Fall

Cool season grass seed is commonly planted in the fall, according to Richard Jauron of Iowa State University. Some gardeners may be tempted to plant cool season grass in the spring, but they risk losing some of their grass to summer heat. Planting cool season grass in fall follows most of the same guidelines for planting warm season grass. However, soil temperatures and timing are critical to prevent seeds from drying out in hot soil.

  1. Cool Season Grass Types

    • Cool season grass types include ryegrasses, fescues and bluegrasses. There are many types of grass species that fall within the three main types of cool season grass, such as Kentucky bluegrass. The main difference between cool and warm season grass is growing season. Cool season grass types prefer to grow when temperatures are between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the Turf Resource Center. Warm season grass needs air temperatures between 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit to grow.

    Soil Temperature

    • Gardeners should check their soil temperatures as summer folds to a close to select a time to plant. Cool season grass, such as annual bluegrass, begins germinating when soil temperatures dip below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the University of California. To check the soil temperature, press a screwdriver into your lawn to a depth of 6 inches to make a hole for your soil thermometer. Place the soil thermometer inside of the hole to obtain the temperatures. Check for several days to ensure that the soil temperatures remain consistent.

    Soil Preparation

    • Remove all cool season weeds from your yard. Cool season weeds begin germinating at the end of summer to early fall. If left untreated, they will compete with your grass seed for the soil's nutrients. Spray the lawn area with a herbicide that contains glyphosate. Glyphosate works by inhibiting the weed plant's ability to produce protein. In addition, glyphosate leaves little residue in the soil. Till the lawn to break up the first 6 inches of top soil to help your cool season grass establish a strong root system.

    Seeding

    • Apply a starter fertilizer to the lawn. Distribute 20 pounds of a starter fertilizer with an NPK amount of 5-10-5 per 1,000 square feet and work into the first 4 to 6 inches of top soil, as suggested by the University of California. Pour your cool grass seed into a rotary grass seed spreader. Cool season grass types such as bluegrass should be distributed at a rate of 2 to 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet, according to Texas A&M University. Cover the grass seed with 1/8 of an inch of compost. Water.

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Growing Grass
  1. The Greenest Grasses
  2. The Best Temperature for Sowing Grass Seed in the Fall
  3. What Kind of Grass Seed to Plant in the Fall
  4. When to Seed Grass in the Fall
  5. The Tips for Planting a Grass Lawn From Seed
  6. Tips on Growing San Augustine Grass
  7. The Season to Plant Grass Seed
  8. Grass Seed Planting in the Fall
  9. What Is the Proper Growing Season for Grass?
  10. The Best Time to Apply Grass Seed
  11. How to Plant Grama Grass Seed in the Fall
  12. Fall Grass Seeding Tips

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