September & October are the best months for seeding and overseeding cool-season lawns. Cool season grass seeds are Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass. Why seed or over-seed in the Fall? Because warm soil and cool air temperatures create the ideal environment for germination and root growth.
In this article, we cover how to purchase quality grass seed for your lawn and the correct way to spread seed.
Choose High-Quality Seed
Your lawn is a long-term investment, and the seed you buy is crucial. Try shopping for grass seed at a local nursery rather than a cheaper retail outlet. Big box stores and name brands most often mix the seed with a variety of coatings and fillers plus they don't carry specific seed mixes made for your area.
Check the Label!
Always check the label to make sure you are paying for actual seed. Labels contain information about weed seeds, crop seeds, and other inert matter (things you don't want to pay for).
Spreading Seed
Make sure to set your spreader at the proper rate for your seed. Empty half the amount of seed you need into the spreader. Spread half the seed by walking in one direction and then change direction and spread the remainder of the seed. See the below diagram.
Seed Rates - How much seed do I use?
Overseeding into an existing but thin lawn: 6-8 pounds per 1000 square feet.
Overseeding into a nice lawn: 3-6 pounds per 1000 square feet.
Seeding bare ground: 8-10 pounds per 1000 square feet.
When seeding we suggest using a quality starter fertilizer.
Our Durablend Tall Fescue is a blended-seed mix. It contains 3 types of tall fescue and 1 or 2 types of Kentucky bluegrass. This blend of grass seed is best for the Maryland, DC, Virginia, and Delaware environment. Our seed is not cheapened with annual ryegrass or other inferior seed blends.
When it comes to producing our Durablend Sod we use the best available seed varieties for our area because our crop depends on it. We offer you the same Durablend Seed we use in our fields...just don't expect a fancy bag.
Visit the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program for more information on seed performance.
Learn more - Durablend Tall Fescue.