When to Plant Grass Seed

Various types of seeds exist and are better suited for various parts of the country and different growing conditions.

But regardless of where you live, knowing when to plant grass seed is the most important consideration for this task.

As with so many gardening chores, timing is everything. The key is to plant seeds before the height of the growing season for the lawn.

Keeping weeds down and supplying enough water during the heat of summer would be an impossible chore.

Starting seeds too late in the fall may produce healthy young grass which may not be strong enough to survive a harsh winter.

When to Plant Grass Seed in Warm Climates

If you live in a warmer climate, check out warm season grasses. Late spring is a good time to plant, before the intense heat and sun make it difficult to keep the seed moist or the tiny new growths from burning up.

Also consider other factors for planting times, like rainy or windy seasons, to achieve the best results.

When to Plant Grass Seed in Cool Climates

For those who live in a cooler climates and have four seasons to deal with, look for cool season grasses. These grow best in fall and spring in cooler areas.

Start planting seeds in late summer and into the early part of fall, while the ground still retains some warmth.

This also gives the new grass time to get established and strong before the onset of winter.

Don't wait till too late in the fall, when you may have storms and falling leaves to contend with.

If you can't plant in the fall, and you have a fairly long spring, very early in the spring can also be a good time to plant.

Be sure to wait until all the snow melts and is cleared away. If spring traditionally passes quickly into a hot summer, avoid this time for planting seeds.

If you Miss the Prime Time for Planting

If you must plant at a time other than the most ideal, you still have options. In cool climates, plant in late fall.

The seeds will not germinate, but will be dormant through the winter. If you choose to try this method, be sure to clean your lawn up early in the spring to allow full sun to get the germination process started.

You may find that seeds have been washed away by fall rains and winter snows, but still have time to do a spring planting to fill in any bare areas.

Regardless of where you live, knowing when to plant grass seed that's appropriate to your area is a key to achieving the beautiful lawn you want.

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