A lush, green lawn adds to your home's curb appeal. If you want to have one without splurging on landscaping services, you can achieve it by planting grass seed. It's not a task common to most homeowners, and doing it wrong will leave you with a bare spot. Here's what you need to know.

Commonly Asked Questions on Grass Seed

How do I plant grass seed?

The process begins with proper soil preparation to ensure successful germination and support healthy growth. You may need to correct soil pH with recommended amendments—excessive acidity or alkalinity makes for difficult growth—and add nutrients. Pick the best seed suited to your climate and growing conditions, and follow the label instructions. It's essential to keep the seeds moist during germination for seedling growth.

When is the best time for planting?

It depends on whether your seed is warm- or cool-season grass. For cool-season varieties like Kentucky bluegrass, fescues, or ryegrass, plant them in mid-spring to early fall when there are shorter days and cooler nights. Meanwhile, warm-season grasses such as Bermuda, zoysia, centipede, and Bahia are best planted from late spring to early summer, with daytime temperatures above 75 degrees.

What does overseeding mean?

Overseeding is placing grass seed over an existing lawn to boost the density of the grass or cover thinning or bare spots. Seasonal stresses, like heat, drought, and pests, can thin out the cover. Overseeding is a quick, effective technique to restore your turf's lushness without starting from scratch.

How long can I store grass seed?

Storing grass seed in a cool, dry place keeps it good for two to three years, which means you can overseed your lawn for next year's spring. However, the germination rate—the chances of seeds growing—decreases the longer you store them. Ideally, plant them within the year and use a fresh batch of seeds in your next cycle.

When you need quality grass seed for your garden, contact Oakley Professional Products, formerly T & N, in Foristell, MO. They are a long-time supplier of professional turf products, including grass fertilizer and weed control, to keep your lawn lush and verdant. Call (636) 673-2505 or check out their full offerings online.