Table of Contents
Timing: Late summer and early fall plantings produce the best results in Michigan. The best time to seed your lawn is from August 15 to September 15. The warm days and cool nights are ideal for seed germination and seedling growth.
How early can I plant grass seed in Michigan?
In Michigan, grass plantings in early fall (late August to early October) produce the best results. The warm soil temperatures and cooler air temperatures are ideal for seed germination and seedling growth. Mid to late spring is the next best time to plant, but not beyond mid-June.
Can you plant grass seed in April in Michigan?
In Michigan and the rest of the Midwest, seed can be planted from April through October. However, for a variety of reasons, the month of September is ideal. The turf grasses used in Michigan are cool season grasses. Common types include Kentucky Bluegrass, rye and fescue.
Can you plant grass seed in Michigan in March?
Planting grass seed in Michigan can be done between the months of spring and fall but keep in mind that planting in spring may give grass a longer growing season in which to get well established, but the summer heat and weeds may cause problems.
Can you plant grass seed too early in the spring?
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.
When should I seed my lawn in the spring?
Aim to seed early in the season, but wait until daytime temperatures are in the 60 to 75 degree Fahrenheit range. This roughly corresponds to the optimal soil temperatures for cool-season grass seed germination. Spring sunshine and rain both contribute to strong grass growth.
How long does it take for grass seed to germinate in Michigan?
Generally speaking, it takes between 7 and 30 days for grass seed germination to begin. However, it’s important to know that host of factors can influence how fast your grass grows — including weather, grass type, and soil.
What month should I plant grass?
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.
When should I overseed my lawn in spring in Michigan?
The best time to reseed is when the soil has warmed up, but there still isn’t much competition from crabgrass and weeds. By seeding at this time, you ensure that the grass seeds can germinate early and grow into lush, sturdy grass.
Should you wet soil before planting grass seed?
The final step of site preparation for planting grass seed is to water the area well. Putting seed down on damp soil encourages speedy germination and provides immediate moisture to emerging roots. Wetting the area before planting is an important step in the process.
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.
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.
How do I overseed my existing lawn?
Mow Low. Before overseeding your thin lawn, cut your grass shorter than normal and bag the clippings. After mowing, rake the lawn to help loosen the top layer of soil and remove any dead grass and debris. This will give the grass seed easy access to the soil so it can root more easily after germinating.
Is it too late to plant grass in Michigan?
In Michigan, mid-August through September is the ideal time to repair or seed a new lawn, but if the weather is favorable, it may be possible to seed into early October and still achieve good establishment. If it get cold too soon, the seed may germinate, but the plants may not have enough time to become established.
Can you plant grass seed on top of mulch?
Grass seed can grow if not covered, but it is usually beneficial to add a layer of compost, topsoil or straw mulch over the top of your seed to keep it moist and help with germination.
Should I mix grass seed with topsoil when overseeding?
The seed can be mixed with Lawn Topdressing and applied to the lawn jointly. This will save a bit of time and effort working the topdressing and seed into the surface. The seeded area must be kept moist, therefore, water your lawn after 2 or 3 days if no rain has fallen.
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.
What should the temperature be to 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).
How cold is too cold for grass seed?
If you’re wondering how cold is too cold for grass seed germination use our rule of thumb and check the weather reports. If the daytime temperature is below 60°F then soil temperature is below 50°F, making it too cold; if there is frost or still a danger of frost, then it’s too cold.
Is April a good time to plant grass seed?
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.
