The Best Times to Plant Grass

Significance

• Fall is the most highly recommended time to start grass because grass seeded at this time will have less competition from weed seeds that germinate during spring and summer. Sowing seed in fall also makes it easier to keep newly planted lawns moist, a factor important to help grass seed germinate effectively. Spring is the second-best time to plant the majority of grass types. Successful spring planting is often a balancing act, since early planting may help lawns to establish before the majority of weed seeds begin germinating, but planting too early may also slow grass growth.

Cool-Season Grasses

• Experts at Kansas State University recommend starting cool-season grasses such as bluegrass and fescue in early September. This allows seeds time to germinate and begin rapid growth while soil remains warm. Planting or sowing at this time allows plants to establish before low winter temperatures cause growth to slow until spring. Avoid planting after mid-October, since seeds many not establish fully before problems with winter weeds and temperatures arise.

Warm-Season Grasses

• Start warm-season grasses such as Bermuda and zoysia grasses in late spring and early summer, from April through July. Plant warm-season grasses from seed in April when spring rainfall will help encourage seed germination. Sow seeds later, in June or July, if you can provide irrigation for germination. Warm-season grasses also establish well when planted in early spring from sprigs or plugs.

Sod

• Starting grass from sod allows a much wider planting window than any other planting method. This is because grass is already established in the sod and will not have as much trouble competing with weed seed or dealing with winter lows and summer heat. For best results, avoid laying sod during extreme lows and heat waves.