Question
Hello Ronald,

I'd like to know if it's possible to allow parts of a lawn to go to seed and have the lawn re-seed itself?

What I'd also like to know is what is the life ccyle of a typical grass lawn mixture and when actually does one know when it's OK to cut the grass that has produced seeds?

Thanks and have a nice day,

Stacey Bindman
Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Answer
To begin with, some grasses do not produce viable seed. If you are sure that yours does, then sure, you can produce your own seed. You will have to allow the seed to fully ripen and by the time it is ready for harvest, there might be a lot of "chaff among the wheat". this will have be "processed" further. Are you in to winnowing? But I have to question "parts of the lawn". The average homeowner lawn does not have the appeal when it is allowed to go to seed and the picture gets worse if only parts are done at a time. I have seen lawns in Toronto and they are very, very well kept. I am told that the growing season can be very short so everyone takes on lawn care with great enthusiasm. Under those circumstances, I would buy seed rather than produce on my own. I am guessing that in Montreal the season is shorter and you might want to reconsider your approach. But it is your call, absolutely!