The coverage rates vary based on the type of seed you choose.Ĭonsider how you use your lawn. Both blends and mixes are formulated for specific regions and needs, using the most desirable traits of each grass type to improve the lawn.Īpply the seed with a broadcast spreader or hand spreader. A mix is a combination of different species of grasses. A blend is a combination of two or more cultivars of the same species - for example, two types of fescue. In addition to pure seed options, blends and mixes are also available. Also check for information on the drop rate for your model of spreader. Grass Seed Calculator can help you calculate this. You’ll need to determine how much seed to buy for your yard. The germination rate of the seed (a higher number means a better chance that each seed will germinate) Percentage of weed seed in the mixture (if any).Any inert ingredients in the package by percentage of weight.Other crop seeds in the package by percentage of weight.The amount of the named variety by percentage of weight.Be sure to carefully note the following information on the label: State laws require labeling on grass seed. Bunch grasses spread by producing new tillers. Tiller: This is made up of leaf blades and sheaths, the stem, and sometimes a seed head.Creeping grasses are spread by stolons or rhizomes. Stolon: This is a horizontal above-ground stem or runner.Seed Head: This is the flower of the grass plant.Water and nutrients are absorbed by the roots. Roots: This is the below-ground system that sustains the grass. Creeping grasses are spread by rhizomes or stolons. Rhizome: This is a horizontal below-ground stem or runner.Crown: This is the base of the grass where all new growth originates.If it grows tall enough, a seed head develops. Blade: What most of us call a blade of grass is actually a complex combination of the grass stem, sheath and nodes.Mow these varieties high to protect the crown to ensure the survival of the grass. Bunch grasses, such as fescue and ryegrass, spread from the crown of the plant. Are maintained at a higher mowing level than warm-season grassesĬreeping grasses, like Kentucky bluegrass and most warm-season grasses, spread by above- or below-ground runners.Thrive in temperatures from 60 degrees Fahrenheit.Thrive in regions where winter temperatures reach below freezing.Are seeded mid-August through mid-October, depending on specific location and weather patterns.For excellent results, keep in mind that cool-season grasses: See our article to learn when to seed and fertilize cool-season turfgrasses. The major cool-season varieties are Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, tall fescue and ryegrass. Are often overseeded with annual grasses for year-round color.Generally need less water than cool-season grasses, making them more drought tolerant Thrive in temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Should be seeded from March through September, depending on your specific location and weather patterns.Here are some quick facts about growing grass for best heat tolerance: If you decide to go with Bermuda grass seed, check out our Bermuda Grass Buying Guide. The major warm-season varieties are Bahia, Bermuda, centipede, St. See our guide Choose the Right Grass for Your Lawn to learn about different types of grass seed. Additional factors - such as altitude, the amount of sun and shade, degree of foot traffic, and availability of water - affect the success of a turfgrass variety. Normally the transition zone has more success with the cool-season grasses over the warm-season varieties. In the transition zone (green on the map), mixtures or blends of warm- and cool-season grasses are sometimes required. Warm-season grasses grow well in the areas shaded in brown.

On the map, cool-season grasses are suited for areas shaded in blue. In general, where you live determines your lawn type.

Turfgrasses are either cool-season grasses or warm-season grasses. Grass seed labels describe specific care requirements - such as light tolerance, hardiness and resistance to drought - for that particular species of grass.

If you’re starting from scratch, select a turf type suited to grow in your region and remember the specific requirements for your yard. Before seeding, first identify the type of turf currently growing in your lawn.

Liquid grass seed