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When to Plant Grass Seed in Maine

Seeding
4 min read

When is the best time to plant grass seed in Maine? Jonathan Green has the answers you need!

Jonathan Green has been beautifying lawns since 1881. Today we supply genetically superior grass seed and an innovative family of products that will help you get the most out of your lawn.

Which Seeds to Plant

Used by leading sod growers across the country, Jonathan Green’s genetically superior Black Beauty® grass seed creates a lawn full of grass that:

  • Is deep rooted (can grow roots up to 4 feet deep);
  • Has an invisible waxy coating (like the waxy skin on an apple) that wards off disease and locks in moisture;
  • Has leaves that are dark green, lush, and uniform in texture;
  • Grows well in both full sun and partial shade;
  • Is drought-resistant;
  • Is endophyte-bred for natural insect resistance.

The best time to plant grass seed in Maine is in late summer/early fall (mid-August to mid-September).  The soil is warm, temperatures are cooler, autumn rains are more plentiful, and weeds are less active. This creates an excellent environment for seed germination before leaves start falling and winter cold arrives.

Preparing the Soil

A good lawn is only as good as its soil. The experts at Jonathan Green have put more than a century of research into what makes a great lawn, and we have discovered that the key to success is proper soil preparation.

For proper seed germination, the pH of the soil should be between 6.2 and 7.0. If the pH tests higher, it means the soil is alkaline and, if it tests lower, it is acidic. To correct the pH of the soil, we have developed Jonathan Green Mag-I-Cal® for Lawns in Acidic Soil. With options for both alkaline and acidic soils, the formula will adjust the pH to the correct level and can be applied immediately before seeding.

For proper aeration and activation of microbes, consider Jonathan Green Love Your Soil®. This product works to loosen the soil so that it breaks up easily and allows for root growth. It also activates the microbes in the soil so the nutrients are easier for the roots to absorb. The easier the nutrients are to absorb the better fed the grass and the healthier it will be.

After feeding the soil, it is important to rake the area to remove any dead grass or debris that might impede seed growth. Finally, the seed can be put down with a lawn spreader.

Caring for Your Newly Seeded Lawn

Watering: The seeds will typically take 10 to 14 days to germinate, and during this time the soil should be kept damp. Proper watering once or twice a day is essential for a new lawn. This watering routine should be kept up until the grass sprouts are at least one inch tall.

Mowing: Your lawn should be mowed regularly during the growing season. This helps encourage healthy growth. Do not mow more than the top third of the grass blades at one time. Cutting off too much can stress the lawn.

Weed Control: In early spring, try our Veri-Green Crabgrass Preventer plus Lawn Fertilizer. This will not only treat existing crabgrass but prevent new crabgrass from growing. In late spring, keep treating for weeds with Veri-Green Weed & Feed Lawn Fertilizer. This gives your lawn a healthy green color while treating any weeds that might sprout up in the spring.

Once you determine when to plant your grass seed in Maine, visit Jonathan Green online or your local independent retail store for tips and recommendations on caring for your lawn to keep it looking healthy all year round.

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