Why, when, and how should I seed my lawn?
SEEDING
Seeding your lawn is an important part of your annual lawn care maintenance. In general, for best results, we recommend seeding your lawn in the Spring or Fall. During the spring months, the soil warms up and provides favorable conditions for seed growth, but fall is considered the ideal time for seeding because the soil is still warm, and there is typically more moisture. This allows the grass seed to germinate and establish itself before Winter.
Seeding your yard also depends on the type of grass you plan to plant. Cool-season grasses, like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue, are typically seeded in early spring or late fall. Warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda and Zoysia, are usually seeded in late Spring to early Summer.
In the Midwest, several types of lawn seeds are commonly used, each with its own characteristics suited to the region’s climate. Here are some popular types of lawn seed for the Midwest:
Kentucky Bluegrass: Known for its lush green color and fine texture, Kentucky Bluegrass is a cool-season grass that thrives in the Midwest. It establishes a dense, carpet-like lawn and is well suited for areas with full sun.
Fine Fescue: Fine Fescue is a group of grasses that includes varieties like creeping red fescue, chewings fescue, hard fescue, and others. These grasses are known for their fine texture and shade tolerance, making them suitable for various conditions in the Midwest.
Tall Fescue: Tall Fescue is a durable, heat-tolerant grass that can withstand the summer temperatures in the Midwest. It has a coarser texture compared to the Kentucky Bluegrass, but it is known for its resilience.
Perennial Ryegrass: Perennial Ryegrass is often used in seed blends for the Midwest due to its quick germination and establishment. It adds a fine texture to the lawn and can tolerate a range of conditions.
Buffalo Grass: Buffalo Grass is a warm-season grass that is well-adapted to the Midwest. It has a unique blue-green color and is drought-tolerant. It goes dormant in winter but greens up in the warmer months.
Zoysia: Zoysia is a warm-season grass that can thrive in the Midwest. It forms a dense, carpet-like lawn and is best known for its heat tolerance. It may go dormant in winter, but regreens in the spring.
JB’s Landscape and Lawn Care suggests choosing a lawn seed suitable for the Midwest. When doing so, you should consider factors such as your specific location, soil type, sunlight exposure, and maintenance preferences. Alternatively, opt for a seed blends that will combine different grass varieties to achieve a more resilient and adaptable lawn.
JB’s Landscape and Lawn Care offers offers the following recommendations to growing grass seed here in the Lincoln, Roca, Hickman, Crete, and Beatrice territories:
Choose the Right Seed: Select a grass seed that is suitable for your climate and the type of soil in your area. There are different types of grass, such as cool-season and warm-season varieties.
Prepare the Soil: Loosen the top layer of soil using a rake or garden fork. Remove debris, rocks, and weeds from the area where you plan to sow the grass seed.
Add Soil Amendments: Depending on your soil quality, you may need to add compost or other organic matter to improve fertility and drainage.
Level the Surface: Level the soil to create a smooth and even surface. This can be done using a rake or a leveling tool.
Seed Application: Follow the recommended seeding rate on the grass seed packaging. Use a broadcast spreader for even distribution.
Rake and Press Seeds: Lightly rake the soil after seeding to cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. Press the seeds into the soil using a roller or by walking over the area.
Water Appropriately: Keep the soil consistently moist until the grass seed germinates. Water lightly and frequently to prevent the soil from drying out.
Fertilize: Once the grass seedlings are established, apply a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
Mow: Once the grass reaches a height of 3”, you can start mowing. Ensure that you don’t cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.
Maintenance: Continue to water and care for the grass as needed. Address any weeds promptly and consider over-seeding if necessary.
Have Patience: It takes time for grass to establish, so be patient and consistent with your care.
JB’s Landscapes and Lawn Care have tenured installation staff that know how to create a new yard for you through seeding. All variables are taken into consideration when proposing what type of seed to utilize. We’ll compose a step-by-step program for growing and maintaining your new yard, complete with seeding, overseeding, fertilization, aeration, and weed management!