The Best Time to Seed Your Yard

Climate Factors

• When to seed depends upon two factors: the grass type and climate. Circumstances are different between Georgia and Minnesota. A one-size-fits-all calendar approach does not work. Cool season grass should be planted either just after winter finishes or after the bulk of the summer heat of over, about six to eight weeks before frost. Plant warm-season grass a little later in spring or a little earlier before the end of summer.

Ohio Example

• Even within one state such as Ohio, there are two optimum times to plant grass. According to the University of Ohio, plant grass in the north part of the state between Aug. 15 and Sept. 15, while the southern part of the state has grass planted anytime during September. A major advantage of planting during these times is limited competition from weed seeds, which gives the new lawn a clean start.

Multiple Growth Cycles

• Planting grass in the late summer and early fall allows the grass to establish itself well enough to survive the winter, and then go through another complete growth cycle in the spring and early summer, giving it the ability to survive summer’s heat and drought. Grass begins well when planted in the early spring, but may not do as well during the summer.

Summer Planting

• Lay down new grass seed even in the heat of summer if necessary. The germination rate is less, but planting more seed than normal overcomes this problem. The critical part is ensuring that the new grass receives enough water. The top inch of soil quickly dries, and grass has not had a chance to sink its roots deeply enough to survive even a short drought. Water must be provided every day for the first several weeks giving the grass time to mature.