Most homeowners pride themselves on lush, green lawns just right for hosting an outdoors garden party or playing around with the kids. Wanting a green lawn and getting one are often two different things. For those who don't want to go the sod route or those who simply cannot afford it, planting a lush lawn from seed is quite possible. The key to making it work is knowing the best time to plant grass seed and understanding what kinds of seed will produce the results you're looking for.
There are a number of pros and cons to seeding over sodding, but keep in mind that seeding is almost always less expensive and can produce some great results.
The pros of seeding include:
* The cost savings. Sodding can be expensive. This is especially so if specialty grass is chosen and you need to hire someone to do the work for you.
* Seeds typically offer a greater variety. Plus, there's the possibility of buying mixes or creating your own mixes to get just the right color and texture to suit your desires.
* A lawn that's grown from seed will likely be more durable than one created from sod. Sodding doesn't allow the gradual and deep root build up that seeding provides.
The cons of seeding can include:
* Seeding typically involves a lot more work. Although this is listed in the cons, it can be a pro for those who enjoy gardening and watching the fruits of their labor take root.
* Successful seeding should be limited to times just before the prime growing season for grass in your climate. It is not a good idea to seed during periods of extreme weather conditions - either too hot or too cold.
* Time. It's a simple fact sodding offers instant results and seeding takes time.
* Watering. Seeds will require daily watering for as much as four weeks. Sodding, too, though requires daily watering for a while.
You'll also want to find seeds that suit the climate within which you live. For those in the warmer climes, some of the most typical grasses include bahia, Bermuda, carpet grass, St. Augustine and zoysia. These grasses require hot summers and mild winters to grow properly. They will typically grow during the summer and go dormant in the fall and winter. Some forms of these grasses are drought tolerant and others are not. If water shortages are a problem in your area, check for what type of grass is the best.
Grasses for colder climates include bluegrass, rye, tall fescue and bent. They tend to do very well in areas where temperatures go below freezing in the winter months. Their growth pattern involves dormant summers and growth during the fall and spring. They thrive best for growth in areas where temperatures stay in the 60s and 70s during growth season. Lawns of these types of grass tend to have long blades that are fine to the touch.
No matter where you live, having a lush lawn is a possibility from seed. The trick is finding the right seed, nurturing it and making sure you purchase what grows best in your area and takes in account any local watering restrictions.
