The Best Grass Seed for Lawns

The best grass seeds to plant for lawns largely depends on the location of the lawn. Cooler climates will need different grass seeds than warmer climates. Each climate and shade type has a different grass that will grow best in that area. To find the best grass for your lawn consider the climate and shade range of your yard. You will also want to consider what you do in your yard.

The best grass to grow in cool climates (U.S. hardiness zones 1 to 4) is fescue grass. Fescue grasses are great for cooler climates because they are both drought and water-resistant, grow well on their own from seeds and can grow in the shade and sun. The best time to plant fescue grass is when the soil temperature is between 50 and 60 degrees F. Usually this will occur in the summer or fall. The fall is the ideal time to plant fescue seeds. The seeds are sprinkled over the lawn and then a loose top soil can be raked over the seeds. The seeds can also be watered immediately after planting; this will cause them to bury in the ground. Fescue grass has a deep root system.

St. Augustine grass is the best grass to plant in a warm climate (hardiness zones 5 to 9). St. Augustine grass is a turf grass that has a high thatch rate which can be damaging to new grass if not taken care of. St. Augustine grass has a coarse texture, and needs about 60 inches of rain every year to stay healthy. The grass is drought tolerant. St. Augustine seeds are difficult to obtain; the grass is typically planted with sod or plugs.

Kentucky Bluegrass is a grass that has a high shade tolerance. It works well is lawns that have both areas that receive full sun and areas that receive only partial sun. No grass can grow in complete shade, so it is important to make sure that at least a few hours of sunlight each day reach the grass. Kentucky Bluegrass is a turf grass and does best in cool climates. Seeds can be planted in the spring or summer. An application of fertilizer about once a month is encouraged until the grass is settled (2 to 3 months old).

Bermuda grass is a type of grass that performs excellently in full sun conditions. This kind of grass also grows well with moderate to little amounts of water. Bermuda seeds should be planted in late spring or early summer. The grass loves hot weather, so most new growth of the grass occurs during the summer. Seeds can be sprinkled over the lawn and watered into the soil. The grass should be fertilized about once a year in the fall or spring.