You’ve probably heard people say that “the grass is always greener on the other side.” But if you choose the perfect grass seed for your lawn, you can have the greenest yard on the block.
Buying any old type of grass seed might be tempting. However, there are several factors to consider if you want to maximize the beauty of your outdoor space.
The best grass seed for you will depend on factors like your local climate, your soil, and your water. Here are seven tips to help you plant seeds that will last.
Test and Prepare Your Soil First
Learning the state of your soil before you plant your grass seed is crucial. You can save hundreds of dollars by ensuring a high-quality soil structure for your lawn.
You can find several soil testing labs that will detail lime and pH requirements, plant nutrient levels, and levels of toxic elements. Ensuring that your soil is strong enough to support grass can make an excellent first step in plotting a full-proof lawn.
Research Grass Seeds
Browsing through near-infinite grass seed options might seem overwhelming at first, but it is an essential step in finding the right grass seed.
Many grass seed brands market themselves in mixes with names like High-Traffic Mix, Fast Grow Mix, and Dense Shade Mix.
While these blended seed mixtures can be convenient, you should still educate yourself on different grass seeds and their properties. For example, if you don’t have many children or relatives, a high-traffic mix may not be the blend for you. No matter which seed type you decide to plant, ensure you purchase your grass seed from a reputable provider.
Familiarize Yourself With The Regional Climate
Once you have familiarized yourself with the type of seeds available, you should observe your local climate and choose accordingly.
Climate-appropriate grass seed is an essential step in practicing the best lawn care.
There are two main categories of lawn grasses: warm-season and cool-season. Warm-season grasses do best in climates with hot summers and mild winter. Conversely, the latter grows best in regions with moderate summers and colder winters.
If you have an abundance of trees on your property, you will need grass seed with good shade tolerance. If you live in a dry region, you will want to look for drought-tolerant seeds.
Don’t be Cheap
Bargain grass seed might seem like a good deal at first, but these seeds often comprise the poorest performing grasses. Inferior blends are prone to weather stress, disease, bug infestation, and a shorter lifespan.
Spending a bit more on quality grass seed will save you time and money in the long run. Never buy grass seed from unverified sources. Instead, ensure that your grass seed comes from reputable sources with positive reviews.
Cater to Your Unique Needs
Before you buy any grass seed, be sure to ask yourself a few crucial questions.
- How big is your lawn?
- How do you want it to look?
- How much foot traffic will it see?
- How much time do you have for proper maintenance?
You will need to consider all of these factors when deciding on the perfect grass seed for your lawn.
Consider Maintenance and Upkeep
Certain types of grass seed require a lot of maintenance, while others have specific sunlight, water, or humidity requirements.
Other species are naturally tough and resistant. Some resilient species have low water requirements, while others are resistant to wear and tear from high traffic.
You want to choose a grass seed that matches how much time and effort you are willing to put into lawn care and your lifestyle. For example, if you’ve got little ones who love to roll around in the grass, you’ll want a strain with solid roots.
Prepare The Necessary Equipment
Once you have found the right grass seed, you may want to invest in equipment to help spread the seed evenly throughout the yard. There are tillers and cultivators that till your soil when you plant. Raking the soil will even it out after tilling.
You can find grass seed spreaders, shovels, and power landscape sprayers at your local home improvement and garden supply stores.
The Final Verdict
Planting grass seed is a great way to cultivate a healthy lawn full of lush, inviting grass. You have to start with the perfect grass seed to achieve this vision.
Make sure you research, understand your lawn care needs, use climate-appropriate seeds, and never skimp on the quality.
