Here’s an informative article on when to plant grass seed by Hidden Creek Landscaping.
Few things beat the feeling of cool grass underneath our bare feet. When it comes to starting a lawn from scratch, though, the best time to plant grass seeds in Ohio is late summer to early fall – mid-August to early October.
In this issue, the landscaping experts with Hidden Creek Landscaping will talk more about the process of planting grass seed, how to select the right type and how long it will take for your grass seeds to grow.
Why Should I Wait Until Late Summer to Plant My Grass Seeds?
It’s best to wait until mid-August at the earliest because of seed germination – when the seed begins to grow.
Late summer provides the ideal time for grass seed germination as the warm soil and the autumn rains combine to create the perfect environment for it.
By waiting until late summer, you’re far more likely to enjoy a grass lawn that’s thicker, dense and strong.
How Long Will It Take for My Grass Seeds to Grow?
While it depends on the variety of grass seed you plant, the germination period usually takes anywhere between 5-30 days.
Keep in mind that all grass seeds will need some sun in order to grow. If your soil is too cold, it could take longer for your grass seeds to germinate.
Which Type of Grass Seed Should I Plant?
Before deciding on which type of lawn you want, consider the differences between cool-season and warm-season grasses.
While warm-season grasses will flourish in the warmer months of spring and summer when the temperatures are between 80-95, a cool-season grass will thrive more in when the temps hover between 65 and 75 degrees.
Keep that information and the realization of Ohio winters in mind when you’re making your grass seed selection.
Here’s a sample of some of the more popular grass seeds planted in Ohio.
- Kentucky Bluegrass. If you’re wanting a lawn that has a smooth and fine-textured appearance, this one is probably for you. Used in more than two-thirds of Ohio lawns, Kentucky Bluegrass is a cool-season grass that’s versatile, resistant to high traffic and disease. While it grows best in direct sunlight, your Kentucky Bluegrass should take 1-3 months to establish itself.
To keep your Kentucky Bluegrass looking its best, you should keep it trimmed to about 2 ½ inches.
- Fine Fescues. Another sturdy cool-season grass, Fine Fescues has a more narrow-leafed grass with a touch of red. The germination process is usually a bit faster than with Kentucky Bluegrass, and it blends well when mixed with other grasses. Also, Fine Fescues are more tolerant of shade, and require very little maintenance.
Your Fine Fescues grass should be kept at a height of about 3 inches. This species doesn’t require as much water like most others – but you should water it enough to prevent any drought.
- Bermuda Grass. With fine-bladed leaves, this warm-season species is an aggressive type of grass. Because of that, it’s a popular choice for both homeowners and commercial business owners. Resistant to high traffic, heat, and drought, Bermuda Grass provides you with a lush and hardy lawn. The only downside to Bermuda Grass is that it doesn’t do well in cold temperatures, so keep the Ohio winters in mind when making your selection.
If you go with Bermuda Grass, you should keep it trimmed at about 1 ½ to 2 ½ inches.
- Perennial Rye grass. Another cool-season choice, Perennial Rye grass does very well here in Ohio. This species of grass can easily handle heavy traffic and cold weather, which is why it’s a popular selection for sports and play lawn settings.
You’ll need to keep your Perennial Rye grass trimmed to 1 ½ to 2 ½ inches.
How Should I Care for My Grass?
In addition to the mowing instructions listed with each species above, t
here are some proactive steps you can take throughout the year to keep your lawn looking its best.
This includes:
- Applying fertilizer at the recommended time frames for your species of grass
- Thatching at least twice per year to make sure your grass is receiving the nutrients it needs at the root level
- Never “sheering” your lawn or cutting it too close (if you do, you’re eliminating your grass’s ability to protect itself from the beating sun and its capability of retaining moisture).
An especially effective way to maintain the health of your lawn is to set up a regular lawn maintenance program. Here at Hidden Creek Landscaping, we can set you up with a schedule to take care of:
- Complete landscaping maintenance
- Spring and Fall cleanups
- Planter rotations
- Fertilization schedules
- Seasonal displays
The Bottom Line
For more answers to your questions about growing grass seeds in Ohio, get in touch with us here at Hidden Creek Landscaping. We’ll listen to what you need and match you with the grass seed that works best for you.