Table of Contents
Plant grass in Virginia in the early fall (between about September 1st and mid-October). Warmer soil temperatures and consistent rainfall at this time of year encourage faster seed germination and deeper roots that will help the grass plants get established before winter sets in.
When should I plant grass seed in Virginia spring?
Lots of cool-season turfgrasses (fescues, ryegrasses and bluegrasses) will be planted from seed in Virginia lawns this April and May and it is important to understand the challenges you face with these grasses in spring plantings.
Is it too late to plant grass seed in Virginia?
The optimal time is anywhere between late August (technically late summer) through the end of October or possibly even early November. It’s not so much the exact time as it is the weather conditions.
When should I reseed my lawn in Virginia?
In Virginia, early fall is the best time to overseed your lawn. Soil temperatures in the fall are still warm, which promotes optimum seed germination, and cooler air temperatures are better for grass growth. Warm-season weeds are also much less active at this time of year.
Is it better to plant grass seed in the spring or fall?
Fall is the best time. The autumn season comes with a mix of warm soil and cool air, perfect for planting grass seed and allowing time for new grass roots to develop before winter sets in. It is also a good time to fertilize to build stronger, deeper roots for winter, resulting in a thicker, greener lawn next spring.
Is it okay to plant grass seed in the spring?
Spring seeding is your second best option for planting cool-season grasses. Aim to seed early in the season, but wait until daytime temperatures are in the 60 to 75 degree Fahrenheit range. These grasses are best planted during their optimal growth period, which falls in spring and early summer instead of fall.
Can you just sprinkle grass seed on lawn?
Can you just sprinkle grass seed on top of your existing lawn? While it’s possible to simply sow the new grass seed over your existing lawn, taking the time to prepare your lawn beforehand will increase the likelihood of seed germination and improve your end result.
Can I plant grass seed in February in Virginia?
Answer: That’s partially true. Late winter to early spring is an acceptable time to thicken an established lawn or start a new one. Although September is the best time for lawn grass seeding, the second best time is usually mid-February to late March, depending on the weather.
Is it too late to plant grass seed in November?
While planting grass seed in November is too late to make the fall growing season, there is a method called dormant seeding. Through dormant seeding, grass seed can be planted in November when the weather is cold enough to keep it dormant until the weather warms up in the spring.
How do I overseed my lawn in early spring?
Steps for Performing Top Quality Overseeding Techniques on Your Lawn Mow Grass Low. – Before overseeding your lawn using overseeding grass spring techniques, cut your grass low so that it is shorter than usual. Select Top Quality Grass Seed. Correct Existing Problems. Amend Lawn Soil. Feed, Water, and Nurture.
What is considered early spring in Virginia?
While astronomical spring is technically three weeks away, we will consider spring as starting now and lasting through March (early), April (mid) and May (late).
When should I put lime on my lawn in Virginia?
The best time to apply lime is in the fall, to enable the material to break down over the winter for the next season’s growth. However, lime can be applied any time. If a soil test in the spring indicates lime is needed, apply it at once.
When should I Dethatch my lawn in Virginia?
The best time for dethatching in most areas is late summer or early Fall/Autmn, when these grasses are growing and producing new runners.
What month should you plant grass seed?
Generally speaking, you can plant grass seed any time of the year, but fall is the best time to seed a lawn with a cool season turfgrass variety. Spring is the best time to plant warm season turfgrass seed. Cool season varieties of grass seed include tall fescue seed, ryegrass seed or even Kentucky bluegrass seed.
What happens if you plant grass seed too early?
Grass seed needs the correct soil and air temperature, as well as moisture content, to sprout. Planting it too early in the spring can result in less-than-ideal germination, because the seeds can die off or become unproductive.
What temperature can I plant grass seed?
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 March too early to plant grass seed?
In nearly all regions, March is too early to plant grass seed. Temperature is a better barometer; wait until days average about 80 degrees before planting grass seed for summer. March is too late to sow cool-season grasses.
Can I sow grass seed in March?
For best results, lawn seed should be sown in spring (from March to May) or early autumn (September to mid October), when the soil is moist and warm. Before laying a new lawn, take some time to think about the part it will play in your overall garden layout.
Should I put topsoil over grass seed?
You don’t need to turn the topsoil over. Just break it up so the new grass seeds’ roots can easily grow through. If you just have a small area to seed, a digging fork will do the trick. For larger areas, consider a core aerator.
