The best time to clean your lawn is early fall.
August 15 to September 15 is the absolute sweetest time of the year for most northern regions of the U.S. That’s when daytime temperatures are still warm enough to encourage growth and nights get cooler, giving new seedlings a break from the heat.
If you live in a colder region, you may have to wait until late fall or early winter to start overseeding. But don’t worry, it’s not as hard as it sounds.
Table of Contents
When should I start overseeding?
The best time to care for lawns is late summer or fall. It is most favorable for optimum seed growth to be in the soil and atmospheric temperatures. The new seedlings will be established before the weather cools off.
Can I overseed over existing grass?
You have always wanted a thick, lush, green lawn, and Overseeding can help you get it. By spreading grass seed over your existing lawn, you can thicken up the thin areas, and your lawn will look and feel much better than it did before.
How early can I overseed my lawn?
Fall is the best time to introduce new seed into an existing lawn of cool-season grasses. If it’s done early in the spring to give the grass enough time to mature before the cold weather arrives, over seeding can yield good results. Guide to the Best Time to Seeding Lawn Seeds for Fall and Spring.
Can I overseed in spring?
Overseeding in spring is the next-best option. The weather should be warm enough for the seeds to grow, but be sure to get the seed in the ground and established before the hotter summer temperatures arrive. In the fall, you’ll want to wait until the soil is cool enough to allow the germination process to take place.
If you wait too long, the plants will die and you won’t be able to re-plant them. You’ll also need to be careful not to over-water your plants, as too much water can damage the roots and cause the plant to wilt.
Should I fertilize or overseed first?
Stop fertilizing for at least a month before overseeding. The faster the grass grows, the harder it is for the new seeds to take hold. Determine the type of grass you want to fertilize.
For example, if you are trying to find a grass that will grow fast, look for grasses that are fast-growing, such as Bermuda grass. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, ask your local nursery or garden center to help you find the right grass for your garden.
Do I need to aerate before overseeding?
Aeration will help ensure your soil is ready to absorb all of the seeds that come with topdressing. Before and after every watering, you should aerate.
Should I mix grass seed with topsoil when overseeding?
You should mix grass seed with topsoil for small areas of your garden if you’re looking for a quick answer. However, if you have a large area to cover, it’s best to use a mix of both. Grass seed is made up of grass clippings that have been ground into a fine powder.
This powder is then mixed with water and allowed to sit for several days to dry. When the grass seeds are ready to be used, they are placed in a plastic bag and sealed with a rubber band. The seeds can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Grass seeds will not germinate if left out in direct sunlight for more than a few hours, so they should be kept in an airtight container at all times. In addition, the seeds should not be exposed to temperatures above 100°F (38°C) for any length of time, as this can cause the germination process to slow down or even stop altogether.
