- Cool season grasses, such as tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass, typically do best when planted in the late summer or early fall. The exact time to plant depends on the region of the country. You should not plant cool season grasses in the height of summer or too close to winter. The warm days and cool nights of August to early October provide optimal conditions for seed germination, according to a report by Mathew J. Fagerness, a turfgrass specialist with Kansas State University.
- Warm season grasses, which includes species such as bermudagrass and zoysiagrass, thrive in warmer areas of the U.S. The best planting times for these grasses is when the soil temperature is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This usually occurs in the late spring or summer. When night temperatures reach 65 to 70 degrees, the soil is ready for seeding. You can plant a warm season grass in the fall, but do not seed later than 60 days before the first frost. Warm season grasses may not survive the winter if planted too late.
- Ornamental grasses, non-turfgrasses that add variety and color to the landscape, can flourish when planted in either the spring or fall. Planting in the spring can ensure that a strong root system is established before winter. If you sow in the fall, finish planting by the end of September and cover lightly with a mulch of hay and straw for the first winter.
- Although the best time of year to plant sod grasses is the same as when seeding a lawn, with sod another consideration comes into play. Plant sod grass as soon as possible upon delivery to your home for best results. If you cannot plant the sod immediately, store it in a cool location to prevent it from drying out. Lay the sod within 24 hours of receiving it.
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