Seeding your lawn at the wrong time of year can severely stunt or completely inhibit grass growth.
So, when is the right time to plant grass seed? And what temperature range do most seeds prefer?
This blog post will answer those questions and more. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about seeding your lawn at the right time!
What month should I sow grass seed?
One of the most important things to consider when you’re sowing grass seed is the weather. You want to make sure that it’s not too hot or too cold outside.
If it’s too hot, the grass seed will dry out and die. If it’s too cold, the grass seed won’t be able to germinate.
Lawns are generally sown between March and October as long as the seed can be watered especially during dry spells.
The growing season is more dependent on the actual weather and not set months – for example a mild winter can open up the growing season if there are no frosts about.
The most important environmental condition other than moisture is a constant soil temperature of more than 8°C; otherwise lawn grass won’t grow!
How do I sow grass seed?
There are a few different ways that you can sow grass seed.
You can either broadcast the grass seed by hand, which means you will just sprinkle it over the area that you want to plant.
Or, you can use a rotary spreader, which will scatter the seeds evenly across your lawn.
In order to get the best seed to soil contact, make sure to remove any debris by raking or scarifying the area first.
This will allow the grass seed to fall into the grass sward and start to grow when it’s in contact with the soil layer.
Whichever method you choose, it’s key to make sure that you sow the grass seed evenly, that it’s in contact with the soil and it’s moist during the germination phase.
Best Grass Seeds
When is the best time to sow grass seed?
To give your lawn the best chance of survival, it is important to sow grass seeds early in spring or autumn when possible.
Autumn provides fewer problems with weeds and rain makes keeping soil moist enough for rapid root growth
Sow grass seed in spring time is also a great time because the soil temperatures are on the rise.
Grass seeds needs adequate soil temperature and contact with the soil in order to germinate so sowing in spring is ideal as the temperatures pick up out of the colder winter months
Which grass type is best for cold weather?
The different types of grass require varying degrees to germinate, and this is often dependent on their preferred temperature range.
For example perennial ryegrass needs 8-10°C soil temperates and some specialist rye grass can grow down to 5°C
Fescues require slightly warmer temperatures of 10 degrees plus to germinate.
This means for finer fescues later spring into the summer can be preffered when the soil temperature warms up
TIP : Grass seed germination is discussed in “Soil Temperature” not ambient air temperature. The grass needs to be in contact with warm enough soil to germinate.
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