Question: When Should I Put Scotts Grass Seed Down?

So the best time to plant grass seed is from late spring (after the last frost date) through early summer. We recommend also applying Scotts® Turf Builder® Starter® Food for New Grass to your newly seeding areas to booth root development.

When should I apply Scotts grass seed?

Early fall is the best time to seed because of its shorter days, cooler nights, and heavier dews. Your most successful seeding time is right around Labor Day. Seeding 2 weeks before or after that easy-to-remember holiday gives your new seedlings time to build strong roots before the winter.

What month should I put grass seed down?

Grass seed is best sown from late summer to mid-autumn; there is less competition from weeds, and the soil is warm, and damp from rain. Perfect for seeds to germinate. If you miss the opportunity to sow in autumn, try in mid-spring, but only if you can give the new grass plenty of water.

When should I plant grass seed in spring?

The best time to seed in the spring is mid-March through early April. Like fall seeding, the soil must first be prepared. The recommended method is verticutting. A verticut slices grooves in the soil that allows for the necessary seed and soil contact for germination.

Will grass seed grow if you just throw it on the ground?

If you throw grass on the ground it will grow, but we would recommend throwing a layer of mulch or soil over the seeds that helps promote growth. Bermuda seed needs to be covered to germinate.

Can I put down grass seed in April?

If you have your heart set on planting grass in spring, early April is, in fact, the best time to do it. But, depending on where you live, spring seeding could come with complications. Stressful summer heat could slow or completely stop the growth of cool-season grasses.

Can you put grass seed and fertilizer down at the same time?

When seeding a lawn, you should never apply the fertilizer and seed together. This can cause an uneven distribution of the materials resulting in patchy areas or seedlings burned by excess fertilizer. It is best to spread the fertilizer just prior to planting the seed.

How cold is too cold for grass seed?

The Short Answer. Generally speaking, if the daytime temperature is cooler than 60°F, that means that your soil temperature will be lower than 50°F. In this case, it’s probably too cold for you to plant grass seed. If there is still the possibility of frost outside, then it’s definitely too cold to plant grass seed.

Should you plant grass seed before it rains?

And it is best to plant grass seed before a steady rain, not right after a heavy one. Muddy ground is hard to work and too much moisture around new seeds could lead to a fungal disease that kills the seeds.

What temperature will grass seed germinate?

They grow most actively when air temperatures are warm, between 70 and 90 degrees F. In addition, seeds need warmer soil temperatures than cool-season grasses to germinate (ideally between 65 and 70 degrees F ).

Is may too late to plant grass seed?

You should put down grass seed before it is too late to take advantage of peak growing times. Do it too soon, and warm weather can prevent the seeds from growing properly. Do it too late, and the seed will lay dormant until the weather warms up.

Can I plant grass seed in May?

In many cases, planting grass seed in summer is not preferable, considering that many popular grasses are warm-season grasses. For these types, planting grass seed in May or around May is the last opportunity. However, there are many types of cool-season grasses that can be grown after the middle of May.

Do birds eat grass seed?

Sparrows, finches, buntings, pigeons, even parakeets — these are just a few of the seed-eating birds you’ll have to watch out for. The best time to sow grass seeds is in late summer through to mid-autumn. At this time of the year, birds should have plenty of wild seeds and berries to feast on.

Do I have to rake in grass seed?

Raking is necessary because the seeds need to come in contact with the soil to germinate properly. Grass seed is typically spread on the lawn using a spreader and this does not ensure good contact between seed and soil. This is important because a newly seeded lawn will need to be watered at least every other day.

Does grass seed need to be watered daily?

Normally a lawn should be watered deeply but infrequently, but when you are watering for new grass seed, you must water every day. Twice daily watering is essential until the new grass is up, then after one more week, reduce to once per day. Adjust this pattern according to season and temperature demands.