Keeping a lawn lush and green requires consistent mowing, weeding, watering, fertilizing and more. If your lawn is particularly large, it may make sense to hire a full-service lawn care provider. Whether you take a DIY approach or bring in the experts, maintaining your lawn requires a range of tasks.

Plan to mow the lawn often, allowing it stay longer than may seem convenient longer grass is healthier grass. The general rule is to cut off no more than a third of the grass blade. This helps prevent damage to the lawn as well as keeping weeds from taking root. Its also important to remove any weeds, then prevent new ones from growing. In spring, consider spraying a pre-emergent herbicide on your lawn to prevent crabgrass and other types of weeds from sprouting from seed. During other seasons, broadleaf weeds like dandelions can be pulled by hand or sprayed with weed killers. The best time to water your lawn is early in the morning, allowing the sun to help dry the grass. Make sure to thoroughly soak the lawn so that the water penetrates several inches into the ground.

Lawn care also requires feeding; look for a mixture of fast- and slow-release fertilizers that include nitrogen. Some lawns also benefit from aeration, which creates small holes to let air, water and nutrients penetrate the grass roots. Although most homeowners can manage these tasks on their own, a full-service lawn care company can handle them on a regular schedule, taking the guesswork out of maintaining a beautiful lawn.

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The 10 Best Grass Seeding Companies Near Me (with Free ...

When your sights are set on a thick, lush lawn, planting grass seed represents an investment of time, money, labor and hope. From seeding new lawns to repairing rough spots and renewing existing turf, proper timing separates sweet success from something less. Your best time for planting grass seed depends on the type of lawn grass you grow and where you live. Understanding your options and getting timing right helps you seize every opportunity for seeding success.Why Timing Matters

Grass grow fastest and strongest when your planting season aligns with the seeds' natural periods of active growth. Just as with other kinds of plants in your landscape, lawn grasses vary in their growth cycles and regional climate preferences.

Cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrasses and tall fescues, including Kentucky 31 fescue, grow most vigorously during the cool temperatures of late summer and early fall. These grasses flourish across cooler northern climates and into the challenging transition zone," where cool and warm regions overlap.

Warm-season grasses,such as Bermudagrass, Bahiagrass,Centipede grassand Zoysia grass, peak in growth during the warmer temperatures of late spring and early summer. These grasses thrive in southern and western regions and up into the transition zone's southern reaches.

Whether you grow cool- or warm-season grasses, timing your seeding to take advantage of your grass type's natural periods of peak growth helps seed germinate and establish quickly. Your seed gets off to the best possible start and on track for both short- and long-term success.

Fall seeding complements the natural growth cycles of cool-season grasses.

Cool-season grass seed germinates best when soil temperatures are between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This roughly corresponds to daytime air temperatures in the 60 F to 75 F range. An inexpensive soil thermometer, available at most garden stores, can help eliminate the guesswork.

The farther north you live, the earlier cool fall temperatures and ideal planting time come. For example, Minnesotans in the Upper Midwest seed cool-season lawns from mid-August to mid-September.1 For transition-zone lawn owners in central and northern Arkansas, September and October are the best time for seeding cool-season lawns.2

As a general rule, plant cool-season grass seed at least 45 days before the estimated date of your first fall frost, before soil and air temperatures drop to less favorable levels. Your grasses will enjoy a full fall season, plus a second cool, growing season come spring.Your local county extension agentcan help with advice on average frost dates and optimal timing for seeding lawns in your area.

Newly planted seed needs consistent soil moisture, and fall planting offers benefits on that front, too. Fall typically brings more precipitation, which lessens the chance that cool-season seeds may dry out, and reduces the need for extra watering on your part. Using premium drought-tolerant, water-conserving grass seed products, such asPenningtonSmart SeedandPenningtonOne Step Complete, lowers the risk of problems even more.

The second best time to seed cool-season lawn grasses is in the spring, once soil and air temperatures warm back up to their optimal range. However, late-melting snows and early spring rains can keep soil cold and overly wet, giving early weeds an advantage. Grasses also have less time to settle in before higher temperatures inhibit germination and cool-season grass growth begins to slow.

Moderate spring weather helps spring-planted grass seed flourish.

As with cool-season grasses, best warm-season planting times vary by location. In California, mid-April to mid-May is prime time for seeding warm-season lawns.3 In central and southern Arkansas, lawn owners plan their warm-season grass seeding for late May through June.2 It's tempting to get out and seed at the first hint of spring, but patience pays off. Wait until all danger of frost has passed and soil warms. Cold, wet soil is a recipe for poor germination, rotting seed and disease. Your county extension agent can help with expected frost dates and timely advice when unexpected weather conditions factor in.

As a general rule, warm-season grasses planted at least 90 days before the first fall frost have time to establish well before winter. These summer-loving grasses go dormant once temperatures drop near 55 degrees, so late-planted seedlings can't prepare for what's ahead. With proper timing, warm-season grass seed gets a natural boost from summer's warmth and a full season of active growth and development before cooling temperatures bring on winter dormancy.

One exception to the spring seeding rule for warm-season lawns is when overseeding with a cool-season grass, such as perennial ryegrass, for temporary winter color. Do this in fall, once temperatures drop and warm-season lawns begin to go dormant and lose color.

Grass types and varieties vary in their natural germination speeds. For example, cool-season Kentucky bluegrass germination can take two to three times as long as tall fescue varieties. Similarly, warm-season Zoysia grass may take two to three times longer than Bermudagrass. In addition, many seed products include a mix of seed types that germinate at different speeds.

Whether you're repairing bare spots, overseedingan existing lawn or starting from scratch, you can generally expect grass seedlings to emerge within seven to 21 days when grown under proper conditions. It may take another three to four weeks of growth before grass is long enough to mow. For fall-planted seed, this can mean waiting until spring for your first mowing. Some grasses, such as Zoysia grass, may need several months of growth to fully establish.

Much of the initial growth of new grass seedlings happens underground, where you can't see it. New roots get grass firmly established, prepared for the seasons ahead, and positioned for strong, rapid growth when their peak season arrives. With proper timing, new grass seedlings compete well for light, water and nutrients and fight off lawn diseases and pests, including lawn weeds.

Time your planting so that new seedlings become established before stressful seasons.

Do your research to understand what's in a bag of grass seed and the company behind the seed. Pennington is committed to producing the finest grass seed products possibleand providing you witheducational resourcesto help your seed project succeed. By timing your lawn tasks properly, you can maximize your advantage and seed your way to the lawn of your dreams.Pennington, Smart Seed and One Step Complete are trademarks of Pennington Seed, Inc.

Sources:

1. Mugaas, R. and Pedersen, B., Seeding and Sodding Home Lawns," University of Minnesota Extension.

2. Patton, A. and Boyd, J., Seeding a Lawn in Arkansas," University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.

3. UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, Planting Times and Rates for Grasses That Can Be Established From Seed," University of California.

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The Best Time to Plant Grass Seed - Pennington.com

Im sure we can all agree that if you are looking for the best grass seed for your lawn, the most important things to compare would be growth rate, average days to germinate, and coverage area.

These were also our top criteria for selecting the best grass seed.

If you are ready to get planting, Top Choices 3-way Perennial Ryegrass seed mix scored high marks in all categories and is our top pick.

A nice, lush, green lawn is desired by most home owners but sometimes it can be quite difficult to achieve. Deciding on the right type of grass seed involves knowing what type of grass grows best in your specific region. Its also important to choose the best grass variety for the sun and shade conditions of your yard. Here weve highlighted the top-rated grass seed so you can eliminate any product that doesnt meed your needs and choose the one that will.

Choosing the right grass seed is just the first step to having a lush, green lawn, but it is an important step. Choose a low quality grass seed and you could end up expending a lot of time, energy and money for nothing. By choosing a good-quality, well-liked, and well-known grass seed, you are giving your lawn the best possible chance to be full, green and healthy.

You also need to ensure that you buy enough grass seed to cover the area you want to seed or thicken. If your grass is just thin, that will involve a lot less work and seed than if you are trying to completely seed a new lawn from scratch. Our information will be a big help for either of these scenarios.

This grass seed from Top Choice is 99.9% weed free. Your results will be a lush lawn and not a mixture of grass and weeds that youll have to contend with.

The easy-to-follow instructions means that you can easily make this a DIY project and the results will be an attractive lawn that is ready to stand up to the demands of you and your family. Top Choice lawns are easy to maintain and durable.

The company offers a satisfaction guarantee so if you are not satisfied for any reason, they will refund your money. The mixture of seed that is used for this 3 way perennial ryegrass seed mix is made up of 34% Stellar GL Perennial Ryegrass, 33% Homerun Perennial Ryegrass and 33% Apple GL Perennial Ryegrass.

If you are looking for a good, high-quality, durable grass seed you dont have to look any further than this seed product by Top Choice. It is perfect for those who want an easy-to-use, easy-to-maintain, good-looking lawn.

Sarah Lytle

This coated seed is able to feed and jumpstart the seedlings and protects the seeds against disease, keeping the lawn lush and green.

One of the popular features of this Scotts grass seed is the fact that it requires very little sun to grow well. In fact, as little as 3 hours of sunlight is still plenty to see good results.

It resists drought conditions, bugs as well as disease. This makes it a great grass seed for underneath trees where there is little sun.

Grass seed can be very expensive, so purchasing a durable, high-quality grass seed such as Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed can make all the difference in the world when it comes to having the lawn of your dreams.

This grass seed will grow thicker, quicker and greener than other seed and it has the added benefit of being 99.9% weed free.

Sarah Lytle

Tifblair Centipede grass seed is best used for large landscapes like public parks, large home lawns, around highways, airports, and anywhere else large expanses of tough grass are desired.

It takes 1 pound of Tifblair Centipede grass seed to cover 4,000 square feet of space. It is the perfect turf grass for areas that receive full sun to partial shade and it is resistant to drought as well.

Perfect for regions from the southern coast to the upper transition zone, it is well suited to temperatures that range from extreme to extreme cold.

It is a slow growing grass so it does not require constant mowing to maintain. Another plus that customers like about this grass is that it stays green longer in the fall and gets green earlier in the spring than other types of centipede turf grass.

Of all the lawn grass seed, this centipede grass requires the lowest maintenance and the lowest fertilizers and it even grows well on poor soil. If you are looking for the kind of grass that grows on anything, in many different temperatures and regions, this is the grass seed for you.

Sarah Lytle

These particular brands and choices are great for the majority of people looking to grow a beautiful lawn but if they are not what youre looking for, be sure to continue reading our buyers guide below. It will help you understand a lot more about grass seed and how to choose the right one based on your region, time of year and even the layout of your yard. Following the information in the buyers guide is sure to result in you finding the perfect grass seed for your lawn.

4. Pennington

5. Smart Seed

6. Jonathan Green

7. One Step

8. Chia

9. Fast Grow

10. TriPro

Turf Builder

to Germinate

(sq ft)

Analysis

Well maintained, attractive lawns do a lot to improve the look of your entire home. In addition to the cosmetic factor, a good, lush lawn also provides filtration for ground water, improves your air quality by attracting and absorbing dust and other types of particles, it produces oxygen and reduces soil erosion as well. It doesnt matter whether youre starting from bare ground or working with an existing yard to make it better, choosing the right grass seed is the very first step.

Before starting your search, ask yourself the following questions so you know what types of grass seed to begin looking at.

Knowing the answer to these questions will help you narrow down the many different choices a consumer has when it comes to grass seed. With all of the different varieties of grass seed offered, it helps consumers choose the one that will work for them if they know a little bit about the different varieties and what their characteristics are.

These different characteristics help the grasses perform better depending on the extenuating circumstances such as shade tolerance, cold or heat tolerance, drought resistance, bug resistance, mowing height tolerance and more. Choosing the right grass seed for your location and circumstances is crucial to the success of your lawn.

There are two basic types of grasses that have many difference varieties within the two types. These two types are cool season grasses and warm season grasses.

Cool Season Grasses These varieties of grasses perform the best in temperatures that range between 60 and 75 degrees. These are easily stressed and affected during the high temperatures and humidity of summertime.

Warm Season Grasses As their name states, warm season grasses perform the best during the summer months and become dormant and brown during the winter months where they do not grow either. Warm season grasses tend to be used most often for home lawns, golf courses and athletic fields.

Always look at the label to learn about the different types of grass seed that are in your particular choice. There are straight seed grass seed that is just one type of grass. This is a good choice to make when you are looking for a uniform look. Overall blended grass seed tends to be better at fighting off disease. Follow these helpful tips when you are choosing a grass seed.

There are several different types of characteristics of grass seed that you can expect to see when you start shopping. We have outlined them below.

Knowing how to choose the right grass seed for your lawn makes the whole process of reseeding or starting a lawn much easier. Getting a beautiful lawn takes dedication and work and knowledge too in the aspect of knowing which type of seed is the best for your location and yard type.

With perseverance and patience you can choose the perfect grass seed for your project and then step by step you can follow the instructions and get started on that lawn of your dreams. Once youre ready to get started on your lawn, it is good to read reviews online so you can see what brands and types of grass seed are working the best for customers. Take into consideration the area you live in and that different regions will have different results and different seed types that will work better than others, but you can still get a sense of the overall performance of the seed which will help you make an informed choice.

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Grass Seed Reviews and Ratings - ThoroughlyReviewed

If you live in certain parts of the country--southern California for example--a green lawn year-round is no big deal. For other parts of the country, it's a little more challenging. Year-round green in Minnesota?

If you live far enough south that you have a warm-season grass, say Bermuda grass, but far enough north that your Bermuda grass goes dormant and turns brown when the winter temperatures dip just a little too low, I've got your answer: over-seeding.

Come fall, spread some grass seed for a cool season over your warm-season grass and see what happens. As the warm season grass checks out for winter, the cool season grass will check in. The result will be year-round green. But over-seeding takes more than just sprinkling grass seed. Here are a few over-seeding pointers.

If you're tired of looking out over your brown Bermuda grass all winter long, a little over-seeding can turn things green again.

Dawn West B.A. holds a B.A. in English from Harvard University and teaches writing at Oregon State University.

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Green Grass, Year Round - All About Lawns

When starting a new lawn, many people wonder which is better: laying sod or sowing seeds. While laying sod is fast and produces high-quality new turf, seeding lawns are much cheaper and offer a wider variety of grass types. To learn which grass types are best for your area, contact a nearby extension service (many counties and universities have extensions), or ask an expert at a local garden center. Much of the labor of starting a lawn from seed is in the all-important prep work, but just as important is watering the seed and sprouts regularly until the new grass is well established.

Remove any old grass plants and weeds from the area. You can dig out unwanted plants with a flat-bladed shovel, making sure you get the roots. Another method is to apply a non-selective herbicide (such as Roundup), then use a rented sod cutter to remove the dead grass and roots. Take a sample of the soil and have it tested for soil pH. Most lawn grasses prefer a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. If the test reveals that your soil is overly acidic, you can "sweeten" it by applying garden lime.

Break up the compacted soil with a rented tiller, or rototiller. Spread a starter fertilizer over the loosened soil. Thistype of fertilizer is high in phosphorus, the middle number in the NPK sequence on a fertilizer bag. Also, spread a soil amendment over the soil. "Soil conditioner" is often what it is called at the store, but if you have a good supply of compost at home, it will serve just as well as a soil amendment.

Use the tiller to mix the starter fertilizer and soil conditioner (or equivalent) into the soil. Rake the soil to begin to level it out, removing any rocks and debris. To ensure proper drainage of surface water, make sure that any site grading you do allows water to flow away from your house. Finally, use a rented lawn roller (with a water-filled drum) to finish leveling the soil. Water the soil lightly.

Follow the recommended seeding rate (as listed on the bag of grass seed) to apply the seed with a seed spreader. Spread 1/4 of the seed over the entire lawn area. Then, repeat three more times, each time using 1/4 of the seed. However, each of the four times you distribute a load of seed, push the spreader in a different direction, to ensure even coverage. Rake the soil lightly to cover the seed with a thin layer of soil (if recommended by the seed manufacturer). Empty the water from the roller drum, and roll the lawn surface.

Moisten the soil carefully, using a fine spray from a hose sprayer. Be careful not to over-water and create a flood. Repeat watering several times per day (depending on the weather) to keep the soil evenly moist. Do not let the soil dry out. The seeds will germinate and begin to sprout in about 7 to 14 days. Do not walk on or allow pets on any seeded area during this initial phase of growth. The soil is very unstable and any disturbance will lead to bare areas.

Continue watering up to three times per day to keep the soil moist (it does not need to be wet) until the new grass is ready to mow: about 4 inches tall, or as recommended on the seed packaging. Mow the grass to no less than 3 inches in height (cut off no more than 1/3 of the total grass blade length). Make sure the grass gets plenty of water until it has grown enough to need three mowings. From that point on, water the grass with the normal schedule for the area, the current weather, and the type of grass. It's also a good idea to pull new weeds as they emerge to prevent them from spreading.

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How to Start a Lawn From Seed - The Spruce

We work with you throughout to develop and implement strategies,allowing you to select the best solution for your Project.

Our dedicated Customer Service Department includes Natural Resource Scientists and horticulturalists,whose vast experience in establishing turf, native grass and native bushlandgives you a distinct advantage.

Aquaseeding deploys our people and equipmentacross three States, and our innovative approaches allow us to combine solutions,resources and smarts to solve any problem we encounter onsite.

We will work with you to understand the outcome you want to achieve,the soil and climatic conditions of your site and your project timelines.

By understanding this we can tailor a solution that meets your requirements and has the best chance of success. An important part of developing the solution is visiting your site to better understand conditions, such as site access and taking soil samples.

Our proposal to you will include a full description of the works to be conductedincluding seed mixes, treatments and techniques. Before we start on siteyou will know what you are going to get and what you can expect to be charged,so there are no surprises down the track.

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Aquaseeding | Aquaseeding

Planting (or seeding) a lawn is not difficult and can be done successfully by anyone. If you are planting grass seed, follow these five simple steps for best results.

A great lawn can only be grown from great grass seeds. To find a top quality grass seed, look for an NTEP rated variety, which means it has been independently evaluated and rated by the National Turf Evaluation Program, (NTEP). The NTEP rating on grass seeds means you are purchasing grass seeds that have been specifically bred for superior green grass color, disease and insect resistance and drought tolerance.

The price of grass seed is small compared to the time that will be invested in building a great lawn. To get the best lawn results you need the best grass seed.

Get GreenView Fairway Formula top rated NTEP grass seed today

For planting new lawns:

For overseeding an existing lawn:

Grass seed can be planted in the spring and fall with good results. If you are planning a spring planting of grass seed, do not apply weed control products to the grass. Delay the weed control application until the grass seed has germinated and you have mowed the grass at least 3 times.

For a fall planting of grass seed, follow the same weed control precautions and time the seed planting to allow the grass seed to fully germinate before freezing temperatures arrive in your region.

Learn more about:NTEP and grass seed ratings Selecting a cool season grass Selecting a warm season grass How to read a grass seed label

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How to Plant Grass Seed GreenView Fertilizer

As with most landscaping projects, preparation is the most critical part of seeding a lawn. The condition of the soil has to be ideal to coax the tiny grass seeds into germinating. That means using well-turned earth with proper drainage and the right chemistry.

To get these conditions, you first need to remove any vestiges of the old lawn. Renting a sod cutter for about $75 to $100 a day allows you to slice off old grass and weeds at the roots. Then it's time to turn the soil with a rotary tiller, adding sand and compost in successive layers to achieve an ideal mix.

But even with these additions, no soil is ready for seeds if it doesn't have the right pH. The pH scale measures acidity and alkalinity, denoted by numbers from 0 to 14, with 7.0 being neutral. Grass grows best in soil that has a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. If your soil is too acidic (below 6.0)a common problem in cooler wet climates like the Northwest and Northeastyou can add lime to bring it up. If it's mildly alkaline (7.5 to 8.0), a little peat moss, which is naturally acidic, should correct it. Soil that is very alkaline (more than 8.0), which is more likely to exist in dry, hot climates, needs sulfur.

All soil could use a little fertilizer boost to nourish the seeds. Then once the soil is ready, the actual planting is cake. Just throw out the right amount of seeds, gently rake them into the turned earth, and make sure they get enough water to keep on growing.

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How to Seed a Lawn | This Old House

Planting grass seed is an economical and satisfying way to expand the green space around your home or improve your existing lawn. In order to enjoy successful grass establishment and all the benefits seeding offers, follow these eight steps to grow a lush, inviting green lawn:

The time of year you plant grass seed has a direct effect on its success. Proper timing helps ensure your grass seed will germinate properly, grow quickly and remain healthy while new seedlings become established.

The best time to plant grass seed varies according to your grass growing region and the type of grass you grow. Lawns across the northern tier of the United States typically consist of cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue or perennial ryegrass. Planting during cool weather in fall and spring coincides with the most active growth periods for these grass types.

In Massachusetts, for example, early fall is the ideal time to plant grass seed.1 At this time, the ground is still warm enough to aid germination, but the days are cool and sometimes rainy. This combination helps ensure newly planted seeds don't dry out. There's also sufficient daylight in early fall to allow new grass to thrive and become established before winter's arrival.

Spring seeding is your second best option for planting cool-season grasses. Aim to seed early in the season, but wait until daytime temperatures are in the 60 to 75 degree Fahrenheit range. This roughly corresponds to the optimal soil temperatures for cool-season grass seed germination. Spring sunshine and rain both contribute to strong grass growth.

For lawns across the southern half of the U.S., warm-season lawn grasses such as Bermudagrass, Zoysia grass, Bahiagrass and Centipede grass are the rule. These grasses are best planted during their optimal growth period, which falls in spring and early summer instead of fall. Wait to plant warm-season grasses until daytime temperatures stay near 80 F or higher and all danger of a late spring frost in your area has passed.

If you intend to replace the entire lawn, it's important to do a thorough job of removing the old turf. Use a sod cutter to take out the old grass at the roots. Another option for clearing the area is to spray the lawn with a non-selective herbicide, which kills both grass and broadleaf plants. If you choose to spray, follow label instructions for your product closely and avoid any contact with grass or plants you want to keep.

After the product's designated waiting period, reapply as needed to kill any remaining grass. Once you're certain that the turf you want to replace is dead, clear the dead grass from the site and make any needed adjustments to the grade to prepare for seeding.

Optimum soil conditions boost successful seed germination and support healthy turf growth. To prepare your soil for planting, do the following:

To succeed at growing a healthy lawn, it's important to buy quality grass seed that is well-suited to your climate and your growing conditions. Premium, purebred Pennington Smart Seed grasses are water-conserving, drought-resistant and developed for superior performance in home lawns.

Whether you grow warm-season or cool-season grasses depends primarily on where you live. Warm-season lawn grasses are best suited to southern climates and grow most vigorously during the warm months of the year. They typically go dormant and brown in the winter. Cool-season grasses are typically used in northern and transition zone lawns, growing best where summers are moderate and winters are cold. They remain green all year, but can go brown and dormant in heat and drought.

In many areas of the country, you can opt for a mix of seed specific to your region. Smart Seed mixes are designed for lawns in the Midwest, Northeast, Pacific Northwest and Pennsylvania State. If you're growing lawn grass in shade, choose a grass seed product such as Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade, which is formulated especially for challenging low-light conditions. For lawns with variable shade and sun, Pennington Smart Seed Sun & Shade provides the solution you need.

Choosing the right type of spreader for your situation helps you get the results you need. A drop spreader drops seed straight down in a path the width of your spreader as you move across your lawn. This type of spreader maneuvers well in tight spaces and is ideal for small lawns (less than 5,000 sq. ft.), which typically require more precision in where the seed lands.

A broadcast or rotary spreader comes in walk-behind and hand-held types that spread seed by fanning it out in all directions, providing more uniform coverage. These spreaders are ideal for large lawns, but they lack the precision drop spreaders provide.

Once you finish spreading the seed, use a rake to lightly work it into the soil at a depth of about 1/4 inch. Don't bury the seeds any deeper; grass seed needs adequate light to germinate quickly. After raking, pass over the area with a roller, which helps ensure the good seed-to-soil contact your new seed needs.

Overseeding is the process of planting grass seed into an existing lawn. This is done to improve your lawn's overall look and health, thicken your grass, minimize weeds, fill in bare or damaged areas, or convert to another type of lawn grass. Also, southern lawns are often overseeded with a cool-season grass to provide green color during winter months. When overseeding, broadcast the seed over the lawn, and water it in well, following the same instructions as for new lawns.

Keeping grass seeds and seedlings constantly moist but not soggy is critical to successful grass-seeding efforts. Water newly seeded areas two to three times a day with a light spray to keep the seeds moist. Stop watering when puddles begin to appear on the soil surface. Once the seeds germinate and grass seedlings begin to grow, gradually transition to watering less frequently but more heavily. Taper off watering as the grass becomes taller and more mature.

Depending on the type of grass you're growing, germination may take anywhere from five to 21 days. Expect your new grass to take another four to 10 weeks to root well and become established. It will take a full season for most grasses to mature to the point where they're ready for steady foot traffic.

Once your new seedlings reach about 1 inch in height, examine the newly seeded area for any bare spots or places you may have missed. Reseed the bare areas, and repeat the process as needed until new seedlings are thick and you're satisfied with the results.

Once your grass reaches 3 inches high, it's ready to withstand mowing. Always follow best practices for mowing lawns, including the recommended mowing heights for your type of grass. Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing or you can stress your grass and invite lawn disease, problem weeds and weak growth. With fall-planted cool-season lawns, your first mowing may need to wait until the following spring.

During the first season of establishment, young grass is still tender, so avoid as much foot traffic as possible. Keep your grass growing strong with regular maintenance, including irrigation. Water as needed to supplement rainfall so your lawn receives about 1 inch of water per week under normal conditions.

Begin fertilizingcool-season lawns four to eight weeks after seed germination, but never later than November. For warm-season grasses, wait until the following spring to feed your new lawn. After initial feedings, you might need to fertilize up to four times a year, according to your soil test recommendations. Retest the soil every three to four years, and adjust accordingly.

By choosing the best grass for your region and your lawn's conditions and following these simple guidelines planting grass seed is a straightforward project that will transform for your yard.Penningtonis dedicated to providing you with theresourcesandpremium productsyou need to grow lush, beautiful turf. You and your family and friends can enjoy all thebenefits of a beautiful, natural lawn.

Total Time Required to Transform Your Lawn:6-12 weeks, depending on the region, weather and grass type.

How hard you'll have to work on a scale of 1-4:3 (a little work goes a long wayespecially during the prep phase)

Time breakdown:

Pennington and Smart Seed are registered trademarks of Pennington Seed, Inc.

1. University of Massachusetts Amherst, Lawn Renovation and Overseeding."

2. Ricigliano, D., "Lawn Establishment, Renovation and Overseeding," University of Maryland Extension, 2016.

3. Nathan, M. and Fresenburg, B., "Soil Testing for Lawns," University of Missouri Extension, June 2008.

4. Grande, J., "Seeding Your Lawn," Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, February 2004.

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How to Plant Grass Seed - Pennington.com

Growing From Seed

Growing a lawn from seed offers an affordable option, especially for smaller lawns. Success hinges on selecting the best grass seed for your situation. Turfgrass breeders make advances every year, so its worthwhile to do some research to discover available options. Local grass seed vendors typically carry tried-and-true seed types. You can find newer seed types at a nursery or landscaping business that specializes in lawn installation. Always buy top-quality seed. Its worth the investment.

Before spending any money on grass seed, test your soil. You can select the ideal grass seed and still grow a lackluster lawn if your soil pH is incorrect. Most turf grasses thrive in well-aerated soil with a slightly acidic pH (between 6 and 7.5). Obtain a soil test kit from your local extension office. To take a soil test, gather soil samples from several places around the area youll be seeding. Mix the soil, and place it into the soil testing bag. Expect to pay at least $15 for the test (price varies by region). It takes about two weeks to get results back, and it will take more time to adjust soil as specified by the results. Plan accordingly: dont do your soil test the day before you plan to seed.

Grass falls into two general categories: warm-season and cool-season. Warm-season grasses are the ones that grow in warmer regions of the country. These include grasses like St. Augustine, Bermuda, buffalo, centipede and zoysia. Warm-season grasses achieve their peak growth when summer hits its stride. These grasses typically require full sun to thrive, although St. Augustine can tolerate some shade in the Deep South.

Cool-season grasses are the ones that grow in northern regions of the country. Fine, tall and red fescues, perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass are cool-season grasses. This type of turf grows the most during the cool seasons of spring and fall. Cool-season grasses tend to be more shade-tolerant, especially the fescues. One key factor in choosing the right grass seed simply depends on where you live. You dont want to plant warm-season turf in Vermont or fine fescue in South Texas.

Its important to consider how much wear and tear your lawn will experience as you select a grass seed. If you have a family with young children who enjoy a summer pool and running on the lawn, opt for a grass other than fine fescue, which doesnt stand up to foot traffic. Kentucky bluegrass is the turf of choice for athletic fields, and its also self-mending. When damage causes bare spots, the turf can creep in to fill in holes. However, Kentucky bluegrass can be more demanding in terms of care, needing more mowing, fertilizing and watering to look its best.

Consider irrigation needs when you choose your grass seed. If you live in a region subject to droughts and water restrictions, select a grass like tall fescue, zoysia or buffalo grass. Floratam is the St. Augustine variety thats the most drought-tolerant, but it does require some shade. If you plant Kentucky bluegrass, you will need to water regularly to maintain a healthy lawn.

Some cool-season turf types go dormant during summer, while warm-season zoysia enters dormancy during the years chilliest months. Some municipalities now require home builders to install lawns with summer-dormancy capabilities. If you choose turf that needs watering to look its best, consider adding an irrigation system before seeding, especially if soil is bare. Its better to dig up the yard before grass is growing. Consider what your lawn will look like in winter as you select seed. While you can remedy a winter-dormant lawn by overseeding with ryegrass, you might want to consider taking a break from lawn care.

Different types of grasses tolerate differing levels of shade. By far, most grasses crave sun and need a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight to thrive. Specialized shade-tolerant grass blends thrive in four hours of dappled sun or partial shade. In the cool-season grass category, the shade-tolerant grasses are rye and fine and tall fescues. Warm-season grasses that grow in shade include zoysia and St. Augustine. A quality seed blend for a shady lawn should include several different types of shade-tolerant grasses. That way, if one grass fails to succeed, theres another to take its place.

When youre seeding a sloping area of your yard, choose a seed blend that includes a high percentage of perennial ryegrass. This grass is quick to germinate and establish. Its fast-growing root system will reduce erosion while other turf types in the seed blend establish. Avoid purchasing a seed blend with more than 20 percent perennial ryegrass, or it may overpower the other grasses in the mix. A blend is always better, because it effectively hedges your seeding bets.

Consider lawn maintenance when you select grass seed. Grasses like fescues have higher ideal growing heights and dont need mowing as often as a Kentucky bluegrass lawn. Among warm-season turf, youll typically mow centipede and Bermuda grass more frequently than zoysia. Native grasses like buffalo grass require the lowest amount of mowing. Turf that goes dormant in summer heat or winter chill also demands less mowing during periods of dormancy. Factor all of these considerations into your selection of a specific grass seed.

Research to be sure you understand the fertility needs of the turf type you intend to grow. If youre someone who likes to pursue organic fertilizing with compost and other earth-friendly brews, make sure the grass you select responds well to that type of fertilizer program. Some turf requires more frequent fertilization. Do your homework to be certain youre not planting a high-maintenance lawn when you only have time to grow a low-maintenance one. Ultimately, no matter what type of grass seed you buy, the label should show weed seed content less than 1 percent and inert material content less than 4 percent. Never buy grass seed with a germination rate less than 70 percent.

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How to Choose the Right Grass Seed | DIY