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When to Plant Grass Seed in Wisconsin

Seeding
4 min read

When to plant your grass seed depends on the type of seed you plan to use. In Wisconsin, you should plant cool-season grasses, like Jonathan Green Black Beauty grass seed, in late summer to early fall.

Why Black Beauty Grass Seed?

Black Beauty® Original Grass Seed is the culmination of generations of work by the Jonathan Green family. Since 1881, we have specialized in high quality grass and turf products that are the result of tireless research and innovation. Growers around the country rely on our Black Beauty® Original Grass Seed for strong healthy grass that is a rich dark green color.

Black Beauty grass seed is genetically enhanced to develop stronger roots of up to four feet deep. The grass also develops a waxy coating that is similar to what you would find on an apple. This waxy coating helps the grass maintain moisture and provides a natural resistance against disease. This seed blend is great for clay or sandy soils and grows in full or partial shade conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Planting Grass Seed

1. What is the best time to plant grass seed in Wisconsin?

The ideal time to plant grass seed in Wisconsin is late summer/early fall (August 15th to September 15th), depending on the weather. Soil temperatures are still warm, which promotes optimum seed germination, and cooler air temperatures are better for grass growth. Warm-season weeds are also less active at this time of year. With the right amount of moisture, fertilizer, and sunlight, your new grass will have several months to establish itself before lower winter temperatures stop its growth.

2. Can grass seed survive freezing?

Grass seed is resilient and can survive freezing, but grass seedlings are not strong enough to survive a frost. For cool season grass, make sure to plant in early fall, at least 45 days before expected frost. If an unexpected frost comes, grass seed that has not sprouted will simply lay dormant in the soil until the temperature reaches 55 degrees.

3. When planting, should I cover the grass seed with soil?

If you are seeding an existing lawn that is thinning, raking is not necessary because the seeds will move between the blades of grass. If seeding a new lawn, you should rake the seed into the existing soil. This will help the seeds make better contact with the soil to germinate properly.

4. After planting, how often should I water the new lawn?

A newly seeded lawn will need to be watered at least every other day. Water deeply, at least 30 minutes in each area, to supply at least a half inch of water one inch down into the soil. This encourages the development of deep roots, which help the grass resist drought stress, disease and insect damage. Keep this up until the new grass sprouts are a least one inch in height.

It is always best to plant grass seed when the soil is warm, but daytime temperatures are moderate, and rainfall is adequate. For help with seeding and caring for your lawn in Wisconsin, visit Jonathan Green online or find a local independent retailer near you.

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