Question
11-4-07:  We live in the northern Chicago suburbs, not far from the Wisconsin border.  My husband just planted grass seed about 16 days ago.  About 3 or 4 days ago I noticed grass starting in one of the planted areas, but not another (the other area has even more sun, so that's a mystery!).  We've been watering lightly pretty much every day, but now I'm wondering, due to the cool/cold weather, whether it's a waste and will not help the seed germinate or the new grass grow.  Shall we discontinue the watering?  Will the seed that hasn't germinated come up next spring?

Answer
Sue:

Watering should help in any case.  If cold/cold has set in and you have no days in the 50 to 70 deg. F range, grass should lay dormant until temps get back in that range, or next spring.

If temps are consistently in the 40's and 30's, I would consider stopping.  Seed is an inexpensive material.  You can add it at any time in IL.

I have noticed this unevenness in germination in recent years.  I do not know it for a fact, but believe that seeds have been altered somehow and do not perform as they used to.

Alternately, you may be watering too lightly to saturate the soil in the sunny spots.  Evaporation may be taking what little water you put out before it can wet the seeds.  Regular, deep waterings will soak the soil and keep seeds damp for germination.  Water one inch of soil until it is very wet. Leave it until soil shows to be dry in the morning, may be days.  It should show dampness before sun hits it.  Then, water again.

Best wishes.