Grass Seed by Region

Knowing the best time to seed according to your region is essential for growing the lawn you want. This quick guide will help you determine the correct time for planting grass seed in the following regions: Northeast, Southwest, West, and Midwest.

The Northeast

Do you live in a Northeastern state? If so, the best time to sow grass seeds is fall, between mid-August and mid-September. This period has the best weather conditions for supporting seed development, such as cool nights and warm days. The soil is also at the ideal temperature range for planting during this time, which is above 50º F and below 70ºF.

The Southwest

In the Southwest, grasses like tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are the preferred choices of homeowners who want a thick, weather-resistant lawn. These are cool-season grasses, so the best time for planting grass seed is during the fall, between mid-August and mid-September. Autumn weather nourishes grass seedlings with its increased rainfall and cooler temperatures.

The West

Warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass, Zoysia grass, Bahiagrass, and Centipede grass flourish in this region. They germinate best in the spring when soil temperatures are always in the 65°F to 70°F range. Grass seeds thrive best in the western region when planted in late spring and early summer thanks to the warm soil and seasonal rains. 

The Southeast

If you live in the Southeast region, there are two ideal times to plant grass seed. If you reside further south, the same rule for warm-season grasses applies, making spring and early summer the ideal time for planting. If you live further north, then early fall is usually better.

The Midwest

In the Midwestern states, the best time to sow grass seeds is the early fall to spring, around April to early May. Both fall and spring offer the ideal mild temperatures and moisture that grass seedlings need to germinate and establish well.