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When to Sew Kentucky 31 Grass Seed in Tennessee?

While some grasses, such as rye and Timothy, make suitable selections for use as forage in fields and pastures, others are better suited for use in lawns and parks. Kentucky 31 is a type of tall fescue that thrives in states with hot, humid summers and cold winters, such as Tennessee.
  1. Tall Fescue

    • Kentucky 31 grass seed, commonly called K 31 and KY 31, is a type of tall fescue grass seed. Unlike many other varieties of cool-season grasses, this variety of tall fescue can withstand Tennessee's hot and humid summers. Kentucky 31 is a perennial grass that reproduces by seed and by forming rhizomes. Sewing the new seed is the preferred method for planting this type of grass.

    Planting Time

    • Tennessee is in USDA hardiness zone 8. The majority of the state provides a temperate climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to plant Kentucky 31 seed in Tennessee is during the mild spring and fall, prior to the arrival of harsh winter or summer conditions. Sowing this seed between February 20 and April 1 allows adequate time for root development before summer heat and dryness occurs. Sowing the seed between August 15 and October 1 gives the grass enough time to germinate and sprout before freezing temperatures arrive.

    Considerations

    • One of the determining factors in deciding whether to plant Kentucky 31 grass seed in the spring or fall is the existence of other vegetation. Existing grasses and weed seeds can compete with tall fescue grasses and limit their establishment. Treating the soil with a non-selective herbicide helps limit invasive weed growth in new lawns. In Tennessee, fall is often the best time to clear the soil of live weeds and those that have gone to seed. Working the soil during the rainy spring season can cause the damp soil to clump, resulting in a rough medium that creates an unwelcome environment for new grass seeds.

    Care

    • In addition to removing weeds and planting at the correct time, certain sowing practices can help ensure the health of a new stand of Kentucky 31 grass. Planting this at a rate of 5 to 10 pounds per acre can help guarantee thick, even coverage. Keeping this cool-season grass seed slightly damp during germination and sprouting can ensure adequate levels of moisture near the thirsty roots, especially during one of Tennessee's infrequent periods of drought.