10Best.Guide

Grass Seeds for Lawn

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • Works well when instructions are followed
  • Good results when soil is prepared properly
  • Excellent product for lawn renovation
  • Amazon delivery is convenient
  • Some customers had successful growth
Cons
  • Some bags may be fake or expired
  • Coated seeds mean less actual seeds in the bag
Bottom Line
Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Tall Fescue can be a good product for lawn renovation or overseeding when used properly, but there are reports of fake or expired bags and inconsistent results. Buyers should prepare soil well and follow instructions carefully.
Pros
  • Grass grows quickly and fills in bare spots.
  • Easy to spread and see where it has been applied.
  • Works well in high traffic areas.
  • Reliable for areas with both sun and shade.
  • Unlikely to fail to grow.
Cons
  • Can be expensive.
  • May not work well in extreme conditions.
Bottom Line
Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Sun & Shade Mix is a reliable option for filling in bare spots and growing grass quickly. It is easy to spread and works well in high traffic areas. However, it may not work well in extreme conditions and can be expensive. Buyers should check the sell-by date before purchasing.
Pros
  • Good value for money
  • Easy to apply
  • Results seen in about two weeks
  • Effective in establishing a full lot of grass
  • Good for controlling moss
Cons
  • Disappointing amount of grass seed in the product
  • Instructions can lead to overuse of the product
Bottom Line
Scotts Turf Builder is a good option for those looking to establish or maintain a lawn, but may not be the best choice for those looking for a product with a high amount of grass seed or who are concerned about overuse of fertilizer.
Pros
  • Grows well in tough soil and harsh environments.
  • Quick germination and growth.
  • Works well in hot and dry climates.
  • Good for filling in bare spots.
  • Scotts offers a money-back guarantee.
Cons
  • Not suitable for all types of grass.
  • Requires proper preparation and care for best results.
Bottom Line
Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed is a good option for those looking to fill in bare spots or grow grass in harsh environments. However, it requires proper preparation and care for best results and may not be suitable for all types of grass.
Pros
  • Rapid germination
  • Works well with proper watering
  • Good for bad soil
  • Effective in extending established lawns
  • Comes with fertilizer
Cons
  • Inconsistent growth between bags
  • Requires frequent watering
Bottom Line
Scott's Rapid Grass is a fast-acting grass seed that requires proper watering and may have inconsistent growth between bags. It is effective in extending established lawns and comes with its own fertilizer. However, it may grow clover patches and have sparser growth compared to other Scott's products.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Grass Seeds for Lawn

Overview

A lush, green lawn is a dream for many homeowners, and choosing the right grass seed is the first step towards achieving it. With so many types of grass seed available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is best for your lawn. This buying guide will help you understand the different types of grass seed, key considerations, features, prices, tips, and FAQs to make an informed decision.

Types

1. Cool Season Grass Seed: Cool season grasses thrive in cooler temperatures and are ideal for lawns in northern regions. Popular cool season grass seed types include Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass.

2. Warm Season Grass Seed: Warm season grasses are best suited for lawns in southern regions with hotter temperatures. Bermuda grass and zoysia grass are popular warm season grass seed types.

3. Drought-Resistant Grass Seed: If you live in an area with frequent droughts or water restrictions, consider drought-resistant grass seed such as buffalo grass or tall fescue.

4. Shade-Tolerant Grass Seed: If your lawn is shaded for most of the day, choose shade-tolerant grass seed like fine fescue or St. Augustine grass.

Key Considerations

1. Climate: Choose a grass seed that is well-suited for your region's climate and temperature.

2. Soil Type: Consider your soil type, pH level, and nutrient content to choose a grass seed that will thrive in your lawn.

3. Lawn Use: Determine how you will use your lawn, whether it's for high-traffic areas, pets, or sports, to choose a grass seed that can withstand wear and tear.

4. Maintenance: Consider the maintenance requirements of the grass seed, such as watering, mowing, and fertilizing.

Features

1. Germination Rate: Look for grass seed with a high germination rate to ensure that the majority of seeds will grow into healthy grass.

2. Seed Blend: Seed blends combine different grass types to create a lawn that is more resistant to pests, disease, and weather.

3. Seed Coating: Coated seeds are easier to spread and offer better protection against pests and disease.

4. Seed Packaging: Choose grass seed packaged in durable, moisture-resistant bags to ensure the seeds stay fresh and viable.

5. Seed Weight: Consider the weight of the seed bag to determine how much coverage you will get per bag.

Prices

Grass seed prices vary depending on the type, brand, and quantity. Expect to pay between $10 to $50 for a 5-pound bag of grass seed. Larger bags or bulk purchases may offer a lower price per pound.

Tips

1. Prepare your soil before planting by removing weeds, debris, and rocks, and adding fertilizer or compost.

2. Water your lawn regularly, especially during hot or dry weather, to help the grass seed germinate and establish roots.

3. Mow your lawn to the recommended height for your grass type to encourage healthy growth and prevent disease.

4. Overseed your lawn regularly to fill in bare spots and keep your lawn looking lush and healthy.

FAQs

Q: How much grass seed do I need for my lawn?

A: The amount of grass seed you need depends on your lawn's size and the recommended seeding rate for your grass type. A general rule of thumb is to use 1 pound of grass seed per 250-300 square feet of lawn.

Q: When is the best time to plant grass seed?

A: The best time to plant grass seed depends on your grass type and your region's climate. Cool season grasses are best planted in early spring or early fall, while warm season grasses are best planted in late spring or early summer.

Q: How long does it take for grass seed to germinate?

A: Grass seed germination time varies depending on the grass type and environmental conditions. On average, it takes between 7 to 21 days for grass seed to germinate.

Q: Can I mix different types of grass seed?

A: Yes, you can mix different types of grass seed to create a lawn that is more resistant to pests, disease, and weather. Just be sure to choose grass seed types that are compatible with each other.

Overall, choosing the right grass seed is essential for a healthy, vibrant lawn. By considering the types of grass seed available, key considerations, features, prices, tips, and FAQs, you can make an informed decision and achieve the lawn of your dreams.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Works well when used with topsoil containing fertilizer
  • Plumps up after rain showers
  • Good for novice seed planters
  • Improves the appearance of lawns
Cons
  • Needs to be watered every day
  • Not enough grass seed in the bag
Bottom Line
Scotts EZ Seed is an easy-to-use product that works well when used with topsoil containing fertilizer and planted in the right weather conditions. It helps to improve the appearance of lawns and grow thick green grass. However, it needs to be watered every day and may not work well in cooler temperatures. The bag may also spill during shipping.
Pros
  • Good germination rate
  • Works well in shade
  • Grass grows in areas where nothing grew before
  • Grass grows in areas with zero direct sunlight
  • Grass grows in soggy areas
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Coverage rate is lower than advertised
Bottom Line
Scotts Dense Shade Mix is a good choice for growing grass in shady areas or areas with zero direct sunlight. It has a good germination rate and can grow in soggy areas. However, it is expensive and may not work well in high sun areas.
Pros
  • Effective in growing grass in difficult areas.
  • Works quickly, with visible results in just a few days.
  • Good for building portions of lawn from scratch.
  • Good for sunny areas.
  • Covers bare spots in the yard.
Cons
  • Expensive compared to other grass seeds.
  • Can cause dandelion growth.
Bottom Line
This grass seed is effective in growing grass quickly in difficult areas, but may result in weed growth and is more expensive than other options. The guarantee process is also inconvenient.
Pros
  • Quick growth
  • Fills in bald spots
  • Affordable
  • Good germination rates
  • Works well in dry climates
Cons
  • Can produce weeds
  • Inconsistent results
Bottom Line
Pennington Smart Seed is an affordable and effective option for filling in bald spots and holes in your lawn. However, it may produce weeds and inconsistent results, and may not perform well in extreme heat.
Pros
  • Good germination rate
  • Performs well in various temperatures and climates
  • Easy to use with spreader
  • Fast-growing grass
  • Produces thick and beautiful grass blades
Cons
  • Some customers experienced no germination
  • May require frequent mowing
Bottom Line
This product is a good choice for those looking for fast-growing and thick grass. However, some customers experienced no germination and it may require frequent mowing. Proper preparation may also be necessary for best results.
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