Best Grass Seed for New England
If you are looking for the best grass seed brand for New England, look no further than Jonathan Green. We’ll also tell you when and how to do it properly
Jonathan Green has been growing beautiful lawns for six generations (since 1881). Today, we are a major supplier of genetically superior cool-season grass seed, fertilizers, soil enhancers, organics, and weed, insect, and disease control products to homeowners and the professional lawn care markets. Our products will transform your lawn and help it thrive.
Select the Best Grass Seed
Two of Jonathan Green’s most popular grass seed mixtures are:
- Black Beauty® Ultra Grass Seed is most similar to what is found on sod farms. The mixture possesses species diversity and contains exclusive, elite varieties of tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. These grasses grow a naturally dark-green and beautiful lawn with excellent heat and drought tolerance. Black Beauty Ultra® grass seed germinates in about 14 days.
- Black Beauty® Fall Magic Grass Seed is formulated for successful fall seeding and contains several grass types, including Black Beauty® tall fescues. It is ideal for planting a brand new lawn or repairing a sparse, damaged lawn. Black Beauty® Fall Magic™ can be used in sunny and shady lawn areas and germinates in 10 to 14 days.
When to Plant Grass Seed in New England
Connecticut, Massachusetts & Rhode Island: The best time to plant grass seed in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island is in late summer/early fall (mid-August to mid-September). Cooler air temperatures and warm soil temperatures at this time of year are better for grass growth. The second-best time for planting is spring (mid-March to late April), but be certain daytime temperatures have warmed up 60° to 70°F before you start.
Maine, New Hampshire & Vermont: The ideal time to plant grass seed in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont is early fall (mid-August to mid-September). The soil is still warm at this time of year (55° to 65° F), which is necessary for optimum seed germination, and the cooler air temperatures and rainfall are ideal for grass growth. You will also have less competition from summer weeds, such as crabgrass.
How to Plant Grass Seed
One of the biggest things to be aware of when planting grass seed is that the seed must make good contact with the soil. The first step of the planting process is to rake through the dirt to remove any debris and loosen the soil. You will need at least half an inch of loose soil for planting.
If your soil is hard or compacted, Love Your Soil® will allow roots, air, and water to move deeper into the soil while unlocking trapped nutrients. The new roots will grow much deeper when you spread Love Your Soil. It can be used right before or after seeding.
Now test the pH. You want the pH to be in the range of 6.2 to 7.0. Our MAG-I-CAL Soil Foods will help to rapidly balance the soil’s pH and, at the same time, help the lawn grow greener and healthier. It can be used immediately before seeding, but keep checking your soil because it may take more than one application to reach the ideal pH for lawn establishment or maintenance.
Once you have spread the seed into the soil, you will need to keep the seedbed damp for a few weeks while the grass seed germinates. Plan to water daily and possibly twice daily (unless it’s raining) until the new grass is four inches high. You should also fertilize with our Veri-Green Starter Fertilizer for Seeding & Sodding to get your new grass plantings off to a fast start
Mentioned Products
The best grass seed for New England is Jonathan Green’s genetically superior grass seed. Visit us at JonathanGreen.com or find our premium products at your nearest independent retail store.