--- title: "When to Plant Grass Seed to Get the Lushest, Greenest Lawn" description: "When is the best time to plant grass seed? A turfgrass expert explains the variables to consider, and how to prep your lawn before planting." date: "2017-05-03" modified: "2024-05-13" authors: - name: "Amy Lynch" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/amy-lynch/" - name: "Teresa Odle" job_title: "Contributing Writer & Editor" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/teresa-odle/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/when-to-plant-grass-seed/" categories: - "DIY" - "Landscaping" - "Lawn & Garden" - "Lawn Care" - "Lawn Care & Gardening" tags: - "How To" --- # When to Plant Grass Seed to Get the Lushest, Greenest Lawn ![Man's hand holding a hand full of grass seed near a patch of green grass.]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* Sowing grass seed, whether for scattered patches of lawn or an entire yard, is not difficult, but it takes a little research up front to ensure that you plant your grass seed at the right time. Typically, for a summer lawn with warm-season grasses, spring is the best time to plant. For cool-season grasses, opt for fall sowing, if you can. These are general guidelines, however. “Forecast temperature is often more critical than a strict calendar date for seeding success,” says John Kaminski, Ph.D., professor of turfgrass management at The Pennsylvania State University in University Park, Pennsylvania. Other factors like [grass type](), soil preparation, and seed care can also affect germination. Read on to learn more about when to plant grass seed and what steps you can take to ensure success. ## Why Timing Matters When Planting Grass Seed ![Young couple wearing clothing appropriate for the outdoors while sprinkling grass seed in yard f modern home.]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* Grass is generally broken into two categories: cool-season and warm-season varieties, depending on when the grass thrives. Each category has different sowing and maintenance requirements. - Warm-season grasses, such as Bahia grass, [Bermuda grass](), centipede, and St. Augustine, thrive in climates with mild winters and hot summers. - Cool-season grasses, such as bluegrass and ryegrass, fare best in places where summers are temperate and winter days dip below freezing. These varieties lie dormant in warmer summer months and do most of their growing in autumn and spring. - In the region that falls between the cool-season and warm-season zones (this is known as the transition zone), cool-season grasses (sown in late summer/early fall) are more likely to flourish than warm-weather varieties. But you can choose to plant a mix of both, sowing cool-weather grass in late fall and warm-weather varieties during the spring and summer months. If you’re not sure which [grass seed]() best suits your area, consider your neighborhood’s altitude and [USDA Plant Hardiness Zone](). [University extension programs]() can be great sources of expert advice on local grass types and can help you determine when is the best time to plant grass seed. ## When is the best time to plant grass seed? ![Grass seed inside a grass spreader, sitting on a very green lawn.]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* The best time to [plant grass seed]() is when temperatures and other weather conditions are optimal for the germination and growth of your chosen grass. For example, sowing warm-season seed too soon, when temperatures are still too low, could lead to slow (or no) seed germination. Similarly, sowing a cool-season grass in the heat of summer can result in slow germination and damage to young growth. ### Plant cool-season grasses in the fall. “Cool-season grasses thrive when planted in early fall,” says Kaminski. The fall timing offers cool temperatures (between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit) and natural rainfall to support seed germination and growth before winter begins. “Spring is also a good time, but fall planting allows cool-season grasses to establish before summer stresses,” Kaminski adds. ### Plant warm-season grasses in the spring. “For warm-season grasses, the best time to plant is late spring through early summer,” says Kaminski. These grass seeds need soil that has warmed sufficiently, usually to 65 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. He says these temperatures are “ideal for warm-season grass seed germination and root development.” ## How long does it take for grass seed to grow? In general, cool-season grasses grow faster than warm-season ones. Time from planting to picnicking on a new lawn can vary, though, depending on the specific seed type ([some grow faster than others]()), site prep, [seed quality (and age)](), and unpredictable factors like weather. Most cool-season grass seeds should begin to germinate in 5 to 7 days. Popular warm-season grass seeds usually take 2 to 3 weeks. Be patient. Factors such as soil health and pH can affect germination and [how fast grass grows](), especially in new lawns. “Ignoring soil testing and amendments based on its needs can lead to poor seed establishment,” says Kaminski. Factors that impact germination include: - Preparation, such as loosening soil, leveling, and removing rocks and weeds. - Unseasonal dips or peaks in temperature, even in the evening, that can affect soil temperature and seed germination. - Lack of sunlight; seeds can germinate in cloudy weather or shady spots, but seedlings need some sun (6 hours a day or more) to help them grow and spread to form turf. - Irrigation, especially too little, affects time to germination. Seeds need steady moisture to sprout. Get a pro to do it for you Lawn care specialists in your area are available to help. Get free, no-commitment estimates today! [Find Pros Now]() [+]() ## What to Consider Before Planting Grass Seed ![Hand depositing grass seed in patch of dirt among green grass.]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* Once you’ve selected a grass variety that will grow well in your region, make sure you’ve dealt with the following considerations before you sow your grass seed. ### Is the soil prepared? “One significant mistake homeowners make is neglecting soil preparation,” says Kaminski. He suggests the following steps to prepare the soil surface for seeding success: - Clear the area of weeds and debris. - Conduct a soil test to determine pH and nutrient needs. Adjust pH according to grass type preference. - Till the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches to loosen and aerate, which promotes root penetration. - Add soil amendments as recommended by the soil test results. - Level and lightly compact the soil to provide a firm seedbed. ### What’s the weather like? “Monitoring soil temperature and weather forecasts can provide a more accurate planting window than relying solely on the calendar,” says Kaminski. Establish the ballpark timing and then pinpoint the best day to plant grass seed based on the forecast. Look out for an unusual cold snap, heat wave, or significant wind and rain events. While a good soaking can help seeds germinate, a downpour can cause seeds to erode or migrate. It is best to plant grass seed before a steady rain, not right before or after a heavy one. If possible, avoid seeding the lawn on a windy day, which can affect broadcasting of seeds. ### Have you applied herbicides recently? If you use chemical treatments in your landscape to control weeds, wait at least a month after treatment before you lay down new grass seed. The recommended waiting period is even longer, usually around 4 months, after using a product to [get rid of crabgrass](). Schedule your lawn treatments carefully and plan well in advance to make sure you can accommodate the appropriate waiting period after treatment and still be able to sow the seed while temperatures are ideal for germination. ### Do you have a watering plan in place? ![Watering newly grown grass.]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* “Maintaining consistent moisture is crucial for seed germination,” says Kaminski. He advises that you “water lightly and frequently until germination, then gradually reduce frequency to encourage deeper root growth.” Overwatering can cause seed runoff or fungal diseases, and underwatering can stop seed germination. “A good rule of thumb is to keep the top inch of soil moist,” Kaminski says. ## Final Thoughts If you choose a variety of grass seed that thrives in your region, properly prepare the soil, and sow the seed when the temperature’s right, you can achieve excellent coverage with a newly seeded lawn. Once the seeds germinate, the seedlings are tender as they grow above and below the ground, establishing roots. Take care not to walk on them too soon. ## FAQs ## Author Amy Lynch is a veteran writer and editor specializing in design and decor, health and wellness, travel and culture. Her work has appeared in [Brit + Co](), [Refinery29](), [The Hairpin]() and [Collective Quarterly](), among many other outlets. Her background also includes work in content production for Fortune 50 brands, startups, and government agencies. Amy lives, works, and plays in the weird, wild heart of Austin, TX. ### Author social links [Twitter]() [LinkedIn]()