The Best Time to Sow Grass Seed

Considerations

• Use the soil temperature as a guide when sowing grass seeds. Cool-season varieties need a temperature of 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas warm-season grasses should be planted in soil temperatures of 65 and 70 Fahrenheit. In the south, disperse the seeds at least 60 days before the first expected frost. In the north, sow the seeds at least 90 days before the first frost.

Spring

• Sow grass seeds in the spring. April is the ideal time unless there is an early warm-up, in which case they then can be planted in March. Give the seeds ample time to germinate before the heat sets in.

Early Fall

• If you miss the spring planting window, plant cool-season grasses in the early fall. The goal is to plant the seeds before it gets too cold. Between August 15 and September 15 is ideal.