When to Plant Grass Seed in Nebraska
When to plant grass seed in Nebraska depends on what the weather is doing, but you can typically expect to plant in spring or early fall. Jonathan Green can provide you with tips on how to get the best results.
Jonathan Green has been growing great looking lawns since 1881. We supply genetically superior cool season grass seed and other lawn and soil care products to commercial sod growers and independent retailers in all the areas of the United States where cool season lawn grasses – Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass and Fine Fescues – are grown.
When to Plant Grass Seed
Planting cool-season grass seed in Nebraska can be done in spring or fall, but fall offers some advantages.
March or April
This is the second-best planting season for grass seed in Nebraska. The weather is still cool enough for the seeds to germinate, and there is not typically any danger of a drought that would affect the new sprouts.
You may experience competition from weeds trying to crowd out the new sprouts, especially crabgrass. To prevent this, apply Veri-Green Crabgrass Preventer plus Lawn Fertilizer on the same day you sow the grass seed. This pre-emergent herbicide prevents crabgrass and grassy weeds from germinating without injuring new grass seedlings. It contains 30% slow-release nitrogen to gently feed the new seedlings.
Late August to mid-October
This is the best time in Nebraska for planting grass seed, with early September (within a week of Labor Day) being ideal. The soil is still warm, so the grass seed will germinate faster. Also, weed growth tapers off in the fall, so your new grass won’t have to compete for sunshine, water and nutrients. The newly established grass will have two seasons of optimum growth before having to face a hot summer.
Choose the Best Grass Seed Mixture
For the best lawn you will want to purchase the best seed. We recommend our genetically superior Black Beauty® Ultra Grass Seed. Planted by leading sod growers in Nebraska and across the country, Black Beauty grass seed creates a lawn that:
- Is deeply rooted (can grow roots up to 4 feet deep);
- Exhibits 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 as well as partial shade;
- Is drought and disease-resistant;
- Is endophyte-bred for natural insect resistance.
To fertilize your newly seeded lawn we recommend Veri-Green Starter Fertilizer for Seeding & Sodding. It is safe for new seeds and will ensure that they sprout quickly and develop a strong root system. It will feed your lawn for up to two months and develop a thicker, fuller lawn. The formula contains 1% iron to fortify the grass and give it a deep shade of natural green color and 30% slow-release nitrogen to provide the nutrients the lawn needs in a time-released formula.
Mentioned Products
When you plan to plant grass seed in Nebraska and want more advice on how to prepare the soil or tend to your beautiful new lawn once the grass seeds germinate, visit Jonathan Green online or your nearest independent retail store where they will answer any questions you may have.