When should I plant grass seed in spring?
William Rodriguez
Published Jan 24, 2026
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 the spring?
Sowing Seed in Spring
- Remove any debris or weeds.
- Rest the soil for 2 or 3 weeks - dig out returning weeds as they appear.
- (Optional) Feed the soil with QUICK RELEASE: Pre – Seed fertiliser.
- Ensure you don't run out of seed by dividing the ground into sections.
What month is best to put grass seed down?
Plant cool-season grass seed in late summer or early fall (when daytime temperatures lower to about 60 to 75 degrees) for best success. September is typically the best month, although you might be able to get away with seeding as early as mid-August or as late as mid-October; it all depends on the forecast.
Can you sow grass seed in March?
You can generally sow lawn seed and grass seed mixtures between March and October as long as the seedbed is kept moist during dry spells, but this season is extended when weather conditions are favourable.
What time of spring is best to plant grass?
Best time to attempt spring grass seeding
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.
30 related questions foundIs April too early for 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.
Can you put grass seed down in April?
If you have your heart set on planting grass in spring, early April is, in fact, the best time to do it.
Can you put grass seed down in May?
In many cases, planting grass seed in summer is not preferable, considering that many popular grasses are warm-season grasses. For these types, planting grass seed in May or around May is the last opportunity. However, there are many types of cool-season grasses that can be grown after the middle of May.
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.
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.
Can I seed in the 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 you plant grass seed in June?
Typical seasons to grow new grass are in the early fall and spring when temperatures remain mild, but it is possible to establish a lawn during the heat of summer. Planting grass by seed or sod in June or July requires some extra care to ensure that the seedlings have enough moisture for healthy growth.
Can I put grass seed down in February?
What is the best time to reseed my lawn? The ideal time to reseed your lawn is between mid-February and October, but Winter Green Grass Seed extends the season whilst ever the soil temperature is over 5 degrees.
How long does it take grass seed to grow in April?
Most grass seed will start growing in about 10-14 days, but sometimes it can take up to 30 days. When you're planting new grass seed in your yard, it can seem like it's taking forever to start sprouting.
Can you put grass seed down in November?
It is now too late to sow grass seed, but new lawns can still be laid from turf if the weather is not too cold. Don't feed the lawn with left-over summer feeds. These contain too much nitrogen, which stimulates lush growth; at this time of year, lush growth will be vulnerable to diseases.
Is it OK to overseed in the spring?
If your lawn is not performing up to your expectations, you can re-establish a healthier, better-looking lawn by overseeding it. The best time to overseed an existing lawn is from late summer to early fall, but it can still be a success when done in spring.
Is it OK to plant grass seed in December?
Grass seed can survive the winter, and planting during the winter season is known as dormant seeding. If you put down grass seed in November or December, the seed will just lay dormant until the soil starts to warm in spring. While this comes with risks, it can also be beneficial and save you time on seeding in spring.
What temperature can you 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).
Will grass seed grow in 50 degrees?
Daytime temperatures around 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit typically mean the soil temperature is between 50 and 65 degrees and perfect for seed germination. If the soil temperature is much lower than 50 degrees, however, the seeds will lay dormant and not germinate.
Should I put topsoil over grass seed?
You can add a thin layer of organic matter to help the seed to germinate, but do not cover it over with top soil. '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 I put grass seed on top of grass?
Overseeding is spreading grass seed over an existing lawn. Done right, it's a straightforward process that gets results. As grasses mature, thinning is normal—especially if you enjoy your lawn and use it often. Overseeding keeps your lawn competitive and steeped in youth and vigor, without starting over from scratch.
Should I soak grass seed before planting?
Soak the seed in water for 3 to 5 days. Bluegrass should be soaked for 5 days. Make sure all seed is wetted. Place container in a dark area.
Should I wet the ground 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.
Does snow hurt grass seed?
Snow Halts Grass Seed Germination
The reason is that most seeds need warmer temperatures to germinate, and snow halts the germination of seeds altogether. Grass seeds in snow will simply lie there until temperatures rise, so seeding earlier in the season will yield better results.
Can new grass seed survive a frost?
The short answer is yes. But while frost will often not kill or destroy your grass seed, it's still best to avoid planting the seed when a frost could occur. This is because if your grass seed has germinated, the frost will likely kill your tender new grass seedlings.