Selecting the right grass seed for your lawn can be hard. You see many choices at your local garden center. Homeowners want a green, full yard. They look at seed packages to pick the best seed.
Read the Seed Tag
Each bag has a seed tag. The tag gives clear details. Check these items on the tag:
-
Germination Percentage: This number tells you how many seeds may sprout. A higher number means more seeds can grow.
-
Purity Percentage: This number shows how many seeds are true grass. More true grass means fewer weed seeds.
-
Inert Matter: This number tells you how much is not grass seed. It may include coatings or small plant bits. Coatings help seed growth but do not make the seed sprout.
-
Testing Date: This shows when the seed was tested. Newer dates usually work better than older ones.
Watch Seed Coatings
Many seeds come with coatings. They mix small amounts of food and compounds on the seed. These coatings help the seed. Some coatings may hide chemicals that need care. Read the label for any signs of harsh items. Wear gloves or a mask if needed.
Read Grass Type Labels
Seed bags often have names like "sun and shade mix" or "heavy shade mix." These names point to one use. Look at the actual grass types too. The type you pick matters most:
-
Perennial Ryegrass: This seed grows fast. It makes ground cover quickly. It may struggle in harsh heat.
-
Annual Ryegrass: This seed dies after the season. It can make patches. It works well as a short-term cover on bare soil.
-
Kentucky Bluegrass and Fescues: These seeds last a long time. They make the lawn thick. They work well in many weathers.
Check for Too Many Weak Seeds
When you mix seeds, do not choose many annual or Italian ryegrass seeds. In one mix, Italian ryegrass made up nearly 24%. That mix meant about 40% of the seeds would not last the hot months. Look for mixes with few annual seeds and more strong ones such as Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue.
Measure Seed Coverage
Seed coverage can change with seed size. A 3-pound bag of fine Kentucky bluegrass will cover more land than a similar bag of coarse perennial rye. Knowing this can save you money and give you even ground cover.
Value Long-Term Results
It is tempting to pick a cheaper seed mix. But, choosing quality seed pays off in time. Cheaper seed may bring weak types that force extra work later.
In Conclusion
Picking the right grass seed means knowing seed tags and grass types. Look at numbers like germination, purity, and testing date. With the right seed, you build a lawn that looks good and grows strong in your climate. Taking time now can bring a green lawn for years.
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!
