As you look out your window this winter maybe you’re fantasizing about having that gorgeous lawn, with lush, healthy grass growing for the first time.  Or, maybe it’s not your first time and you just want to be enjoying your yard and gardening again this summer like you did during the previous ones.  You’re not alone.

The question of "when to plant grass seed" is asked in gardening and lawn forums so much between November and February that it is hard for experts to keep up with it.  Everyone is itching and day-dreaming for sunny days and green grass from the comfort of their own property during these colder months. 

When to Plant Cool Season Grasses

Most experts will agree that the best time to plant for cool season grasses is right around Labor Day.  To be more specific, any time in the two weeks before or the two weeks after is a great time to plant for these kinds of grasses.  Heck, you can even enjoy your Labor Day holiday doing a little labor in the yard and planting on that day if you have nothing else planned.

Some examples of cool season grasses are:  

• Kentucky bluegrass
• Perennial ryegrass
• Tall fescue
• Fine fescue.

If you missed the Labor Day window of opportunity to plant your grass seed, don’t fret over it too much.  Those same experts agree that planting in the spring can be equally as good for cool season grasses.  The only drawback here is that you may have to take one small additional step.

Planting Cool Season Grasses in the Spring

If you do decide to wait and plant your cool season grasses in the spring then you have to keep in mind that it is the time of year when crabgrass and other weeds will being to rear its ugly head and start developing.  This is because of spring’s moderate temperatures and the increased rainfall in spring.  (Goodbye, snow, though. YAY!)

So, the additional step if you’re planting grass in the spring is to treat your newly seeded lawns with some kind of crabgrass preventer.  This will help your grass roots grow stronger and deter crabgrass and other weeds from forming.

Recommended Crab Grass Preventer

When to Plant Warm Season Grasses

Warm season grasses are best grown in warm or even “hot” weather.  Though you can see warm season grasses growing in the north, they are more commonly found in the southern parts of the country.  These kinds of grasses grow the best in temperatures of between 75 and 90 degrees.  So, the best time to plant would be in the late spring (after the last frost!) and early summer.

In many instances, those who plant warm season grasses do so using grass plugs or sod.  No matter how you get you warm season grass started, it will thrive and heartily survive the intense heat of the summer.

The main types of warm season grasses are:

• Bermuda grass
• St. Augustine grass
• Zoysia grass
• Centipede grass. 

Good Instructional Video for When to Plant Your Grass Seed

Conclusion:

Depending on the type of environment you live in, and where you live geographically, will have a large impact on making those winter daydreams of a beautiful lawn come true.  Don’t forget to care, water and treat your newly planted cool or warm season grass seed and you will have a lush lawn for family fun and home beautification.

Have You Thought About Using a Grass Seed Spreader?