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Dense Shade Grass Seed Reviews

Seeding
5 min read
Photograph of lawn mower on the green grass. Mower is located on the left side of the photograph with view on grass field. There are some shrubs along the curb.

There are a number of different varieties of dense shade grass seed, and online reviews can help you determine which ones have delivered on the promise of a rich, green lawn. Jonathan Green is known for providing genetically superior grass seed that is the choice of homeowners and sod growers alike.

Jonathan Green is a company that has put technology and tradition together to produce the finest grass seed available. Since 1881, we have experimented with grass seed, fertilizers and soil treatments to understand what it takes to have a healthy lawn. For five generations, we have prided ourselves on testing our own products again and again and improving them to make sure they deliver excellent results year after year.

For dense shade areas we have developed our own Black Beauty Dense Shade Mixture. This mixture is made up of several different grass seed varieties including Black Beauty Tall fescues. It also includes varieties that are naturally insect resistant to deter pests. It is able to establish in dry or sandy soils where other grass seeds have failed. It can thrive in both medium and densely shaded areas.

Our Dense Shade Mixture can also be used to overseed lawns that are thinning or worn.  It develops a root system that grows up to four feet deep for superior drought resistance and the ability to compete with tree roots. The blades of grass also have a waxy coating that allows them to retain moisture even during hot weather.   

The best time to plant grass seed is in the fall, because the soil has been warmed by the sun all summer long so the new grass roots grow deep very quickly The seed has plenty of time to germinate before the winter cold arrives. It is also a time when the weeds and insects are less prevalent and less likely to cause a problem in your new lawn. The soil temperatures are likely to be in the high 60’s or low 70’s and this is ideal for seeds to sprout. It is important to make sure that the seeds have good contact with the soil so that they absorb water and nutrients.

Tips for Planting Grass Seed

Rake the soil first. This will not only loosen the soil but it will get rid of any dead grass or debris. It also provides for good seed to soil contact.

Use a lawn spreader for best results. This will provide a uniform distribution of seed over the area and you’ll get the maximum of coverage as stated on the grass seed bag.

Treat the soil. It is imperative for the soil to be just right for the seeds to germinate quickly and develop a strong root system.  If the soil is dry or hard, you should treat it with Love Your Soil after seeding. This will loosen the soil and activate the microbes within it to allow the nutrients to be easily absorbed.

Keep the soil bed moist by doing light waterings daily. Once the seed has germinated you can reduce this to watering three times a week unless the weather is very hot. When you water only a few times a week it is important that you water deeply to get the water further down into the soil, this causes the new grass root system to go even deeper.  

Never water your new lawn at night. This can lead to turf disease because the mycelia which causes fungus are spread by the water droplets at night.  In the day time the grass blades are dried by the sun before this happens..

Let your new grass grow to at least 4 inches high before your first cut. Afterwards, keep it around 3 inches in height.  It is important to never cut more than half of the grass leaf blade in one mowing.  This can shock the plant, especially during times of heat and drought stress.

For dense shade grass seed reviews, you can read the comment at jonathangreen.com or ask your local independent retail store, and they will tell you that you will not find a better-quality seed for heavily shaded areas than Jonathan Green’s Dense Shade.

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