When to Make a Lawn

Lawns are made in the spring or fall. Experience has long since taught that fall is the ideal time. Weeds give no competition, there is usually more moisture, the cool weather is more favorable to seed sprouting (this is especially true of the fescues) and roots of grasses penetrate deeper in the fall. Early September through October is considered the proper season.

Seeding can be done much later further South and it can be done later over a great part of the northeastern sections too. Usually if the best season is impossible seeding is done just before winter or when the seed can lie in the ground until spring. Then it germinates at the first opportunity. Seeds can be sown in a mild spell in January with excellent results in spring. The next best time for sowing lawn seed is spring, just as early as it is possible to get the soil into condition.

The difficulty is that the soil is too wet at this time for an early start. The longer that seeding is delayed in spring the less your chances are for a successful lawn. Grass cannot become established before the hot weather, weeds soon give competition. Besides, young grass is more subject to fungus diseases than that which is better established.

Nevertheless, a spring-sown lawn can be successful if it is sown as early as possible, then proper attention given to watering and feeding through summer, coupled with weed and insect control whenever they are needed. Should dry weather follow seeding, water must be given. Apply it in a fine spray, not poured from a hose in a coarse stream. This latter method will wash the seeds onto the surface and into pockets, pack the soil and prevent sprouting. Water carefully so that it does not collect in puddles.

Usually if the best season is impossible seeding is done just before winter or when the seed can lie in the ground until spring. Then it germinates at the first opportunity. Seeds can be sown in January with excellent results in spring.