When to Plant Grass Seed in Illinois
Learn more about when to plant grass seed in Illinois and which Jonathan Green products to choose. A Black Beauty® lawn will redefine your idea of what a good lawn is supposed to look like.
Since 1881, Jonathan Green has specialized in beautiful lawns. Six generations of the Green family have worked to perfect our genetically superior grass seed and our family of lawn and soil care products.
When to Plant Grass Seed in Illinois
The absolute best time to seed or overseed your Illinois lawn is in the late summer to early fall (from mid-August to mid-September). This will give the young grass two or three months to get established before temperatures get too cold and growth stops. Next spring, the growth of the grass roots will accelerate as soon as the soil temperature warms to 55 degrees. By the time the summer heat kicks in, your lawn will have developed deeper roots to handle the stress.
The Best Grass Seed
If you want the best-looking lawn, be sure to choose the highest quality grass seed. We highly recommend either Jonathan Green Black Beauty® Ultra Grass Seed or Black Beauty® Fall Magic Grass Seed:
- Black Beauty® Ultra Grass Seed is most similar to what is found on sod farms. The mixture contains exclusive, elite varieties of tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass. These cool season grasses grow a naturally dark-green and beautiful lawn with excellent heat and drought tolerance. Black Beauty® Ultra Grass Seed germinates in about 14 days and will improve any lawn it is overseeded into.
- Black Beauty® Fall Magic Grass Seed has been specially formulated for successful fall seeding and contains several cool season grass types, including Black Beauty® tall fescues. It can be used in sun and shade lawn areas on established lawns or to start new lawns from scratch. Black Beauty® Fall Magic Grass Seed repairs summer damage and provides an attractive, thicker, greener lawn, with germination in 10 to 14 days.
Feed Your Lawn & Your Soil
Before you plant your grass seed mixture, make sure that you also have the following Jonathan Green products on hand:
- MAG-I-CAL® Soil Food – Test your soil to ensure the pH is between 6.2 and 7.0. If it’s not, MAG-I-CAL® can be used immediately before seeding (and continuously until you improve the pH level adequately) to help the lawn grow greener and healthier. Mag-I-Cal® Plus for Lawns in Alkaline & Hard Soil can be used to lower pH if needed.
- Veri-Green Starter Fertilizer for Seeding & Sodding – This high phosphorus formula is specially formulated for seeding and sodding. It helps to build a vigorous root system and gets new grass plantings off to a fast start for a thicker, greener lawn.
Once your new grass has grown at least three inches, it is ready to be mowed. We call this giving the grass a haircut; it invigorates the young grass and causes the root system to grow deep.
Mentioned Products
When you are ready to plant grass seed in Illinois, visit Jonathan Green online or locate your nearest independent home and garden retailer for reliable advice.