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When to Plant Lawn Seeds

While you may look at your empty spring landscape and dream of a summer lawn, planting your cool-season grass early in the year isn't an ideal time for seeding. Weeds, heat and drought all conspire to turn your dream into a nightmare of crabgrass and struggling turf. Warm-season grasses, however, prefer summer's warmer temperatures and struggle if planted too late in the year. Consider your lawn's needs and your climate for the best planting time.

  1. Cool-Season Grasses

    • Cool-season grasses often stay green through frosty weather.

      Wait to plant cool-season grass seed until summer draws to a close to avoid heat stress and heat-loving weeds such as crabgrass. Lower temperatures in late summer and early fall are much friendlier to cool-season lawns, and the University of Iowa recommends planting lawn seed between August and September. The timing varies slightly on your climate and weather patterns -- if your summers are particularly hot, wait until late September. Likewise, plant in early to mid-August if your climate has early frosts.

    Warm-Season Grasses

    • If you live in a warm climate with hot summers and mild winters, plant warm-season grasses. Most of these species, like centipede grass or zoysia grass, don't germinate well from seed. Instead, homeowners plant sprigs or plugs -- small sections of live grass -- and wait for the creeping stolons to spread. If you choose to seed with Bermuda grass, dichondra or buffalo grass, plant the seed in late spring or early summer. Unlike cool-season fescue or bluegrass, warm-season grasses thrive in hot weather.

    Establishment

    • Keep the top 1/2 inch of soil wet until the grass seed germinates.

      Most lawn seed requires six to 12 weeks to establish a healthy root system. Plant your grass seed as soon as the season allows, giving the emerging lawn enough time to establish itself before harsh weather sets in. Once established, a healthy lawn quickly rebounds from winter dormancy or summer drought and is able to out-compete weeds, giving you a thick, enjoyable turf.

    Preparation

    • Dandelions are perennial weeds, but annual crabgrass dies with hard frosts.

      Often, your future lawn sports a troublesome crop of weeds. Spray a wide-spectrum herbicide several weeks before planting lawn seeds according to the manufacturer's directions. This allows enough time for weeds to die and gives you a time window for a second application if necessary. Till or amend compacted, poor soils before planting, and keep newly seeded areas moist until the seedlings emerge. The seedlings may take up to three weeks to germinate.

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Lawn Planting
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  2. Grass Lawn Seeds
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  4. When to Plant New Grass Seed
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