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.
Can I plant grass seed in March 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.
When should I fertilize and seed my lawn 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. It is more risky to start in October because you never know what the weather is going to do.
What month can I plant grass seed in spring?
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.
When should I plant 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.
How do I plant grass seed in Michigan in spring?
Mid to late spring can be a suitable time to reseed bare patches in the lawn, after frost warnings are lifted. The soil temperature needs to be at least 50 degrees for grass to germinate at a normal rate. Waiting longer gives the soil more time to warm up to about 60 degrees and improves your success rate.
What is the best grass seed to use in Michigan?
Selecting the right type of grass for your site and use: Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue and fine fescue are cool-season turf grasses commonly used in Michigan. These grasses grow best when soil temperatures are between 50 and 65 degrees F and when air temperatures are between 60 and 75 degrees F.
Can I plant grass seed in March?
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 is the fastest growing grass seed for Michigan?
Perennial ryegrass can grow quickly and add depth to Michigan lawns. With a quick germination period, perennial ryegrass can germinate in as few as five days.
When should I overseed my lawn in spring 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.
Can I just throw grass seed down on existing 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.
Is April too early to plant grass seed?
Can you plant grass seed too early in the spring? Yes, you can plant grass seed too early in the spring. Planting too early in the spring can cause poor germination, which harms the growing seeds. As such, wait for the air and soil temperature to warm up enough to plant your grass 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.
Should I put topsoil over grass seed?
Do not put top soil over grass seed, but you can add a thin layer of organic matter to help the seed to germinate. ‘Never put topsoil over newly planted grass seed,’ says Yamaguchi. ‘This won’t provide healthy growing conditions – it will actually prevent the seedlings from sprouting by essentially suffocating them.
Can you put grass seed down in 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. This roughly corresponds to the optimal soil temperatures for cool-season grass seed germination.
Can I seed lawn in spring?
The best time to seed in the spring is mid-March through early April. Like fall seeding, the soil must first be prepared. The recommended method is verticutting. A verticut slices grooves in the soil that allows for the necessary seed and soil contact for germination.
How do I overseed my lawn in Michigan?
Overseeding means planting grass seed over an existing lawn without removing the turf or the soil. In Michigan, early fall is the best time to overseed. Soil temperatures are still warm, which is necessary for optimum seed germination, and cooler air temperatures are better for grass growth.
Will grass seed germinate on top of soil?
Grass seed spread on top of the soil will still attempt to grow, but you will get poor results compared to grass seed that has been covered with 1/4 inch of soil. Uncovered seed is prone to drying out, being eaten by birds, or carried away by water runoff.
What comes first fertilizer or grass seed?
You can plant grass seed immediately after applying fertilizer. Please make sure there is no weed preventer in the fertilizer, as this will also prevent the grass seed from germinating.
Can you use too much grass seed?
Ignoring recommended seeding rates
Don’t overdo or cut corners. Too much grass seed causes undue competition for resources such as light, water and nutrients, and grass seedlings struggle as a result.
What type of grass is native to Michigan?
One of those grasses is Koeleria macrantha (prairie Junegrass). Others on that list that would be a good grass for your lawn are Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem), Bromus kalmii (arctic brome), Pascopyrum smithii (western wheatgrass), Elymus canadensis (Canada wildrye) and Sorghastrum nutans (Indiangrass).