When should I put grass seed in the spring?
Emma Payne
Published Jan 22, 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.
When should you seed your lawn in spring?
If you want to sow in the Spring, you can sow any time from late March onwards. However, if you are patient, there is much to recommend waiting until September before you sow. Firstly, any weed seeds lying on or near the surface of the seedbed will be given a chance to germinate and can be removed.
Can I 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.
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.
Will grass seed grow if you just throw it on the ground?
Let us start with the simple question, will the seed grow if it is just thrown on the ground? The simple answer is, yes. Beyond just throwing the seed out into the lawn and not performing any grass maintenance there is a whole world of lawn care. While the seed is one of the most resilient out there.
34 related questions foundShould 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. '
What happens if I use too much grass seed?
Too much grass seed causes undue competition for resources such as light, water and nutrients, and grass seedlings struggle as a result. Too little seed leaves lawns thin or bare.
Can I sow grass seed in April?
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.
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.
Is 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 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.
What month can I plant grass seed?
Planting in late spring and early summer gives warm-season grasses the advantage of warm soil and early seasonal rains, which help keep soil moisture available during germination and establishment. Moderate spring weather helps spring-planted grass seed flourish.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What should the temperature be to 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).
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.
Should you rake in grass seed?
Raking is necessary because the seeds need to come in contact with the soil to germinate properly. Grass seed is typically spread on the lawn using a spreader and this does not ensure good contact between seed and soil.
How much does 20lbs of grass seed cover?
This 20 lbs. bag covers up to 6,660 sq. ft. for overseeding an existing lawn and 2,220 sq.
How do you prepare ground for grass seed?
Prepare Your Soil
First, use a sharp shovel to remove any existing grass, or, if it is a large area, rent a sod cutter to get the job done faster. Then, take a walk around and inspect the area. Remove large rocks and debris, fill in low spots, and if your soil is compacted, work it over with a tiller.
How long does it take for grass seed to germinate?
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.
Do birds eat grass seed?
Most of the birds that visit your garden are granivorous species. Sparrows, finches, buntings, pigeons, even parakeets — these are just a few of the seed-eating birds you'll have to watch out for. The best time to sow grass seeds is in late summer through to mid-autumn.
How do you grow grass on hard packed soil?
How to Grow Grass in Hard Dirt
- Step 1: Evaluate the Soil. ...
- Step 2: Cultivate the Soil. ...
- Step 3: Sow the Grass Seed. ...
- Step 4: Incorporate Seed Into the Soil. ...
- Step 5: Mulch the New Grass. ...
- Step 6: Fertilize the New Grass. ...
- Step 7: Mow the Grass Regularly. ...
- Step 8: Aerate the Soil Regularly.
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.