When to Overseed Lawn in Missouri
If your lawn has bare spots or has been looking pretty brown, you might want to consider overseeding it. The best time to overseed your lawn in Missouri is between August and October when the cooler temperatures are just right for cool season grasses. In the fall you will also experience less weed growth, and there will be enough moisture in the ground for proper seed germination.
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How to Overseed Your Lawn
The first step in overseeding a lawn is to prepare the area. Use a metal rake to clear out any dead grass and break up the hardened soil. Then cut the lawn short – from one to two inches in height. Once the soil is prepared it should be tested to determine the pH level.
For proper seed germination, the soil pH should fall between 6.2 and 7.0. Soil that falls too low should be treated with Mag-I-Cal® Plus for Lawns in Alkaline & Hard Soil. Our innovative formula will quickly correct the pH of the soil and help the lawn grow greener and healthier. It can be applied the same day as the grass seed is spread.
After regulating the pH, the seed can be planted. Choose a high-quality grass seed with a good mix of varietals, such as Black Beauty® grass seed mixture. For small lawns, the seed can be spread by hand, but larger lawns would benefit from the use of a seed spreader. Seed spreaders ensure an even spread of the seed across the entire lawn. It is important to rake or roll the seed into the soil after putting it down. The seed must have contact with the soil in order to germinate properly.
To get new grass plantings off to a fast start, apply a high-quality fertilizer. It is important to make sure it is a fertilizer that is safe for newly seeded grass. Our Veri-Green Starter Fertilizer for Seeding & Sodding has been meticulously created to be ideal for new seed germination. It works to build a stronger root system and a thicker, greener lawn.
Next the grass seed should be watered thoroughly and the soil should be kept moist for at least ten days until the seeds have germinated. If the weather is particularly warm, the soil may need to be watered multiple times a day.
What Seed to Use
A high-quality grass seed is essential for a strong healthy lawn. Jonathan Green Black Beauty® Original Grass Seed is a mix of the best varietals of cool season grasses and results in leaves that are dark green, lush, and uniform in texture. The seed produces grass that is drought resistant and grows well in both sun and shade. It can be used in both clay and sandy soil.
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Spring Seeding
If you prefer not to wait until fall to overseed your lawn, you can do it between March and mid-June as well. When you choose Black Beauty turfgrasses that are so deeply rooted (up to four feet deep) and drought tolerant, you can still enjoy great success. There may be more weeds to contend with at this time of year but this should not impede the growth of your new lawn if you use the proper fertilizer and seed.
If you have any questions about when to overseed your lawn in Missouri or want to know more about Jonathan Green’s family of products visit us online or locate your nearest independent retail store where you can get reliable lawn and garden advice.