The Best Time to Plant Grass in the Arizona Desert

Types

• There are several types of grass that are recommended for the Arizona desert. These include bermudagrass, buffalograss, overseed ryegrass, St. Augustine grass, tall fescue and zoysia.

Planting Times

• Planting times vary by grass species. Typically, you will plant one type of grass during the warm season and another kind in the cooler fall months. Bermudagrass and buffalograss should be planted from May 15 to July 15, according to the Arizona Cooperative Extension. St. Augustine grass and zoysia are less commercially available than bermudagrass and buffalograss and should be planted in June or July. Plant overseed ryegrass or tall fescue in October and November.

Maintenance Tips

• Once you have planted your grass, maintain it properly in order to avoid diseases and insect pests. The desert sun can be brutal, so make sure that you water regularly. The Arizona Cooperative Extension recommends keeping the soil moist for 30 days after planting grass, since dry conditions will prevent proper germination.