Whether you have a sprawling front yard or a small patch of grass, everyone wants their lawn to look lush come spring and summer. The secret to a beautiful landscape is knowing when to sow grass seed, which ensures your grass germinates and roots properly. According to experts, seeding at the right time also provides the best chance for grass seeds to absorb natural rainfall, minimizing the need for supplemental irrigation. To find out exactly when to plant grass seed in spring, we chatted with lawn experts and professional landscapers. Here’s what they said.
When to Plant Grass Seed in Spring
When planting grass seed in spring, worry less about determining the exact month and more about outside temperatures. The ideal temperature to grow grass seed varies depending on the type of grass you want for your lawn. Cool-season grasses prefer when air temperatures are around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Germination and root establishment takes a lot longer for warm-season grasses. “Plant these seeds in late spring to early summer when temperatures reach around 80 degrees Fahrenheit,” says Brian Feldman, senior director of technical operations at TruGreen.
Risks of Sowing Grass Seed at the Wrong Time
The biggest problems with sowing seeds at the wrong time are poor germination and growth. “If the soil is too cold or weeds are competing for space, the seeds may struggle to establish,” Feldman warns. Additionally, if you sow the seeds too late, the roots may not have enough time to establish before the weather gets too hot or dry.
Another problem with sowing grass seeds too soon is that the seeds will lay on the soil until temperatures are warm enough. And since they can’t grow while waiting, the seeds will attract animals to your yard. “You may lose some of the seed to birds and small mammals that could feed on it,” says John Crider, landscaper and owner of Crider Landscaping. Hence, you might find yourself constantly replacing the eaten seeds.
Lastly, by picking the wrong temperature to grow your seeds, the seeds can rot or face other issues. “In colder conditions, seeds may remain dormant or rot due to excessive moisture,” says Ryan Walts, franchise training coordinator at Lawn Squad. And in hot weather, the seeds can dry out before establishing roots. “This leads to weak or patchy growth, requiring reseeding,” he says.
Tips for Planting Grass Seed in Spring
Keep these tips from our experts in mind when planting grass seed in spring.
Break Up the Soil
Breaking up the surface of the soil ensures good seed-to-soil contact. Crider recommends doing this by raking, aerating, or dethatching. “For a small lawn or area, even a leaf rake is sufficient to break up the thatch layer of the soil before spreading seed,” he adds.
Choose the Right Grass Species
You need to make sure the grass you choose can grow well in your region, says Feldman. Cool-season grasses are best suited to the northern part of the country, while warm-season grasses grow well in southern areas.
Also, consider your lawn’s sun exposure when choosing grass seed. If your lawn receives more sun or less sunlight, pick a grass species accordingly. Some grasses grow faster than others, another factor that may go into your seed selection—especially if you’re sowing seeds a little late.
Seed Evenly
Use a seed spreader to distribute seeds uniformly. Then lightly cover your seeds with enough soil. “Rake lightly or apply a thin layer of topsoil to protect seeds while allowing sunlight to reach them,” says Walts. “Keep the soil consistently moist but not soaked during germination.”
How to Care for Grass Seed After Planting
Caring for grass seed properly after planting will increase your chances of success.
Water Adequately
For the best results, water regularly to keep the soil moist. Feldman recommends light watering a few times a day until germination, making sure your seeds get enough water but not too much that they drown.
Avoid Food Traffic
Keep off the newly seeded area. “This will give the seedlings the best chance to establish,” says Feldman. Too much foot traffic, and the seeds won’t root, so it’s best to stay off your grass until the roots are established. Place signs as reminders for you and your guests.
Wait to Mow
Avoid mowing too soon after sowing new grass seed. “Wait until the new grass reaches the same height as the existing lawn before mowing,” says Feldman. Mowing when the grass is too young will stress the grass and lead to patchy, uneven landscaping.
