Summary
- March is the best time to plant grass seed for a lush lawn.
- Early March provides warm temperatures and moisture to aid seed germination.
- Important lawn care steps include watering, mowing, feeding, thatching, and aeration.
Holding grass seed Image credits: Elena Elisseeva via Shutterstock
A gardener reseeding a grass patch Image credits: Miriam Doerr Martin Frommherz via Shutterstock
Sprinkler spraying water onto the grass Image credits: bluebudgie via Pixabay
March is here, and the harsh winter conditions are now gone. As an outdoor enthusiast, warm weather presents the best time to undertake various lawn activities that enhance your outdoor aesthetics. Planting grass is one of the landscaping activities to start in early spring as it creates a fuller and greener lawn where you can enjoy outdoor fun in late spring and summer.
However, you need to learn how to plant grass seed to enjoy a lush green environment in your backyard. But first, it's essential to understand when to plant and how to do it!
Planting Grass Seed in March
Understand when to plant seeds for a beautiful summer lawn
Do you know when to plant grass seed to grow a healthy summer lawn?
- According to Kansas State University Extension, the best time to plant warm-season grassess such as zoysiagrass, bermudagrass, or St. Augustine is March through early April.
- However, the best time to plant cool-season grasses such as sheep fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and tall fescue is from late summer to early fall.
- Therefore, if you're interested in planting grass in spring for a lush lawn later in the season, you need to start your preparations early and continue good lawn care through the season.
Usually, March presents the seasonal transition period from harsh winter conditions to the peak growing season in spring. However, other fundamental factors make early spring the best time to plant grass seed.
- Warmer Temperatures: Early March is the beginning of warmer temperatures, ideal for land preparation and seed germination.
- Soil Moisture: Early spring is characterized by consistent rainfall that provides sufficient moisture for the seeds to germinate.
- Longer Growing Season: Planting grass early gives them sufficient time to establish robust root systems that can withstand summer conditions.
- Less Competition: Weeds are yet to find a foothold on your lawn, which gives your grass a head start and eliminates unnecessary competition.
How to Plant New Seeds in March
Prepare land, plant grass, and take care of your lawn
Do you know how to plant grass seeds? Gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts love green and fresh lawns. However, to have attractive green grass in your yard, you need to know how to plant seeds and then care for them once they're in the ground as the first step in an effective lawn care routine.
With a few steps, you can quickly establish a lush green grass in your environment.
Step 1: Land Preparation Before You Plant
Land preparation is the first step when planting grass for the first time in your backyard.
- Clear your designated area of all the vegetation, debris, rocks, and other unwanted materials.
- Loosen the soil with a rake and till to a depth of about 2 to 3 inches.
- Level the soil surface to create a smooth grass planting bed.
Step 2: Choose the Right Seed to Plant in Your Yard
Choose grass seed varieties suitable for your soil, temperature, and weather conditions. You can select cool-season or warm-season grass varieties.
- Cool-season grasses thrive in cooler climates, while warm-season grass varieties thrive in warmer climates.
|
Cool-Season Grasses |
Warm-Season Grasses |
|---|---|
|
Kentucky bluegrass |
St. Augustine grass |
|
Fine fescue |
Bermuda grass |
|
Tall Fescue |
Zoysia grass |
|
Bentgrass |
Centipede grass |
|
Perennial ryegrass |
Bahia grass |
Consider perennial ryegrass if your yard has heavy foot traffic. It grows quickly and has a dense turf that can handle heavy foot traffic with minimal lawn care and maintenance.
Step 3: Plant Grass Seed the RIght Way
Plant your seeds by broadcasting or by using a spreader. The goal is to ensure your seeds are evenly spread on the prepared soil surface. Use a garden rake to lightly rake the soil to cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. Covering the seeds protects the seeds from predators and promotes quick germination.
Consult your seed manufacturer for clarity on the number of seeds you need per square unit of your lawn.
How to Take Care of Your Grass After Planting
Keep your grass healthy with proper care
In ideal growing conditions, most grass seed varieties germinate seven to 14 days after sowing. Your spring lawn will be covered with new grass after six to eight weeks. At this point, you need to incorporate routine lawn management to keep your grass healthy throughout the growing season.
According to Colorado State University Extension, watering, mowing, feeding, thatching, and lawn aeration are critical routine management practices for healthy grass.
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Routine Lawn Care |
Instructions |
|---|---|
|
Watering |
Water your grass immediately after sowing so that the soil remains moist. Keep watering your grass with at least 1 to 2 inches of water once a week after germination. Water your grass every day in summer when temperatures are hot. |
|
Mowing |
Mow your grass when it is 3 to 4 inches tall to prevent pest invasion, promote the growth of new grass blades, and enhance outdoor aesthetics. However, avoid mowing more than 30 percent of your grass blade, as this may expose your lawn to drought, pests, and weed invasion. |
|
Feeding |
Provide your grass with a nitrogenous fertilizer to support healthy growth throughout the growing season. Feed your lawn nitrogenous fertilizer containing other nutrients such as phosphorous and potassium to encourage root development. |
|
Dethatching |
Later in summer, remove the brown and spongy organic layer of dead lawn roots that accumulate above your lawn. Dethatching promotes new growth, enhances air penetration, and prevents lawn pests. |
|
Aeration |
Use an aerator to aerate your lawn during the growing season to encourage water penetration, air penetration, and root expansion. |
Avoid watering your grass at night because it interferes with normal plant activities such as transpiration while promoting lawn diseases such as rust and leaf spot.
Plant Your Grass Seed in Early March
Early spring weather is ideal for establishing new seeds and giving them a headstart before the peak growing season later in spring.
As you transition from winter to early spring, March is the best time to consider lawn landscaping. Planting grass seed will provide a good ground cover and a lush green environment where you can spend time with your loved ones in the summer, instead of spending a ton of time on lawn care.
Early spring weather is ideal for establishing new seeds and giving them a headstart before the peak growing season later in spring.