Selecting the right grass seed is key to building a healthy lawn. Many homeowners feel lost by the many seed options at garden centers. Knowing each detail can boost your chance to succeed. Here is a guide to help you pick lawn seed.
1. Look at the Seed Tag
Every bag of grass seed comes with a seed tag. It gives facts about the seed. Key facts include:
- Germination Percentage: This shows the chance that seeds will sprout. A higher rate is best.
- Purity Percentage: This tells how much of the bag is real grass seed. You need a high percent here.
- Inert Matter: This is anything in the bag that is not live seed, such as stems or seed chaff. A low percent is best.
- Weed Seed Percentage: Be alert if the mix has seeds from other plants.
The best seed bag has high germination and purity percentages. It keeps inert matter and weed seed percentages low.
2. Look at Seed Coatings
Many grass seeds have a coating. The coating helps the seeds sprout by adding nutrients, holding moisture, or including a fungicide. Use care with coated seeds. Some chemicals need safe handling.
3. Look at Seed Types
Names like "sun and shade mix" or "heavy shade mix" may help. Yet the exact types of grass in the mix matter.
- Perennial Ryegrass: It sprouts fast. It gives quick cover but may fail under strain.
- Annual Ryegrass: It is common in budget mixes but dies in warm weather.
- Kentucky Bluegrass: It works for many years. It is strong and good looking.
Pick a mix with little annual ryegrass and more perennial types like Kentucky Bluegrass or Tall Fescue. This mix gives a stronger lawn in time.
4. Consider Area Coverage
The seed bag shows the area that the seeds will cover. Different seeds have different sizes. Three pounds of Kentucky Bluegrass cover more ground than three pounds of perennial ryegrass. Knowing coverage helps you buy the right amount.
5. Skip Cheap, Economy Mixes
Cheaper seed mixes often have low-quality seed or unwanted types. These mixes can make your lawn look less neat. Buying better seed now may save money later by cutting the need for replanting or extra lawn care work.
Conclusion
Choosing the right grass seed is key to a thriving lawn. Study the seed tag, note the seed types, and learn about coatings and coverage. Research well and choose with care. Your lawn will live well for many years. A good choice now will brighten your outdoor space and give you years of pleasure.
About Steve’s Property Maintenance
Steve’s Property Maintenance is a trusted lawn care and landscaping service provider dedicated to keeping properties in top condition across New London County, Connecticut. With a reputation for reliability, attention to detail, and top-quality service, we specialize in lawn care, yard maintenance, landscaping, power washing, and more. Our team is committed to delivering lush, healthy lawns and pristine outdoor spaces for both residential and commercial clients.
📍 Serving: Norwich, Preston, Groton, Stonington, Waterford, Mystic, and surrounding areas.
📞 Contact us at +1 (860) 847-3441 for a free quote and let us take care of your lawn care needs!
