How early can grass seed be planted in Michigan?
Recently Germinated Grass Seedlings If you need to plant grass seed in a section of your yard, you may be wondering when is the best time to do so. In Michigan and the rest of the Midwest, planting seed is possible from April to October. However, September is an ideal month for a number of reasons.
Michigan’s turf grasses are cool-season varieties. Common types include Kentucky Bluegrass, rye and fescue. These grasses germinate best when day time temperatures are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which typically happens by the second half of September. Ideal temperatures mean quicker germination and the sooner the grass fills in, the less time weeds have to take over.
Although grass planted at the end of October will sprout, a hard frost when seedlings are small can have a negative effect. By planting in September the grass will have time to become established before it goes dormant for the winter. Another benefit to planting in September over April of May is that there are less weed seeds for the grass to compete with.
In the spring, the temperatures are right, but many weed seeds can be lying dormant from the year before. The majority of weeds germinate at higher temperatures than the previously mentioned grasses, but well before the turf would be fully established. Consequently, a spring-planted lawn will typically contain more weeds than a fall-planted lawn.
Fall is accompanied by more frequent precipitation than summer. About a week of soil moisture is required for ryes and fescues to sprout, and up to a month for bluegrass. A few weeks of regular watering is required after the germination of seeds. The rainy season reduces the amount of time and money spent watering with a hose or sprinklers, saving both.
When should I plant grass in Michigan during the spring?
Establish a Beautiful New Lawn – In Michigan, early fall grass plantings (late August to early October) yield the best results. Temperatures in the soil and air are optimal for seed germination and seedling growth. Mid- to late-spring, but no later than mid-June, is the next optimal time to plant.
Most new lawns fail to become established because of poor quality seed, soil compaction, the nutrient status and pH of the soil, and lack of irrigation after seeding. No matter when you decide to seed your lawn, the key to success will be a focus on healthy, biologically active soil and the right grass seed mixture.
Both organic and conventional fertilizers are employed to promote grass growth in Jonathan Green’s system. By adhering to the Plan, you will be able to cultivate an attractive, healthy lawn that is resistant to the majority of lawn problems and does not require the annual application of turf chemicals.
Is it too early to plant grass in April?
When to sow spring grass seed – If you have your heart set on planting grass in the spring, you should do so in early April. However, depending on where you live, spring sowing may involve complications. The spring conditions in the Midwest and Northeast (temperatures in the 60s and 70s and consistent precipitation) are ideal for growing cool-season grasses.
Unfortunately, weeds also thrive in these conditions. This means that your grass will have to compete with undesirable weeds in order to grow. In addition, if the springtime weather isn’t ideal, such as if the soil is too cold or too saturated with rain, it’s unlikely that you’ll have much success growing new grass.
Also, if you plan to apply pre-emergent weed control to your lawn around this time, be aware that this will prevent grass seed from germinating. Suppose the April weather is conducive to planting grass. Should you proceed? You could, but there’s a chance you’ll run into issues come summertime.
