what is the best grass seed for kentucky

Is the grass really green in Kentucky?

Kentucky is the Bluegrass State. Kentucky is known as the Bluegrass State but the grass isn’t blue, it’s green. Furthermore, it isn’t even native to Kentucky. So why is it called Bluegrass? The grass is native to Europe, Asia and Northern Africa. Most likely European settlers brought it with them when they settled in North America.

What kind of grass seed is best?

• Bermuda grass: Bermuda is a lawn that is very drought tolerant and great for high traffic lawns. ...
• Buffalo grass: Buffalo is one of the lowest maintenance lawns available for the home. ...
• Zoysia grass: Zoysia is drought tolerant, but it will enter dormancy quickly if it goes without water for longer stretches. ...

What is the best grass seed for overseeding?

• BEST OVERALL: Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed All-Purpose Mix
• RUNNER-UP: Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed High Traffic Mix
• MOST DROUGHT-TOLERANT: Jonathan Green 10316 Black Beauty Grass Seed
• BEST FOR SHADE: Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Dense Shade Mix
• BEST FOR BLUEGRASS LAWNS: Scotts Turf Builder Grass Kentucky Bluegrass Mix

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What is the best Kentucky bluegrass seed?

• BEST OVERALL: Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Kentucky Bluegrass Mix
• RUNNER UP: Outsidepride Midnight Kentucky Bluegrass Seed
• BEST WITH FERTILIZER: Pennington Smart Seed Grass Seed and Fertilizer Mix
• BEST HEAT TOLERANCE: Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Heat-Tolerant Blue Mix
• BEST FOR LARGE LAWNS: Pendelton Turf Supply Jacklin Seed

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What grass seed grows best in Kentucky?

Adaptation Tall fescue is the most widely adapted turfgrass for use in Kentucky, adapted to full sun or medium shade. It performs well on heavy clay to sandy soils.

When should I seed my lawn in Kentucky?

The best time to seed cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue is from mid-August to late September. Early fall is best due to cool- ing temperatures, fall rains, no competi- tion from crabgrass or goosegrass, and 7 to 8 months of root development and maturation before the summer stress period.

Is Kentucky bluegrass better than ryegrass?

Kentucky bluegrass has better disease, drought, and wear tolerance the perennial ryegrass, but is very slow to germinate. Hence bluegrass and perennial ryegrass are often used in the same mix to get the best of both worlds.

What's better Kentucky bluegrass or fescue?

The final notable difference is their preferred growing conditions. While Kentucky bluegrass is vulnerable to weeds and diseases during summer and in generally hot climates, tall fescue is rather heat-tolerant and is resistant to summertime disease and weed invasions such as crabgrass.

What is the hardiest grass seed?

Tall fescue It is one of the most drought-resistant turfgrass varieties. As a cool-season grass type, tall fescue would fare best in northern climates. In the summer, tall fescue can benefit from overseeding with warm-season grass seeds. It has a wide blade and ranges in color from medium to dark green.

What are the disadvantages of ryegrass?

Key Disadvantages of RyegrassIf not over-seeded regularly, ryegrass in most cases will grow in clumps.Old plants have poor cold tolerance and can die in the winter, whereas new cultivars offer a much higher rate of tolerance.A dull mower can shred the tough grass blades, leaving you with fuzzy lawn.More items...

What is the easiest grass to grow?

Some of the fastest-growing grass types include Perennial Ryegrass, Annual Ryegrass, Fine-leaf Fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Bentgrasses.

What is the best grass to stay green all year?

Basically, Fescue is a cool season grass (that means it likes cooler temperatures, more appropriately, it melts in higher temperatures), so now is the time it should look good. Many covet their fescue simply because it is green year round, unlike its warm season grass counterparts that brown out in the winter.

Can I mix tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass?

Hard (fine) fescue and Kentucky bluegrass seed can be added to the tall fescue seed at the rate of 1 to 2 lb of each species per 1,000 square feet.

Who makes the best Kentucky bluegrass seed?

BEST OVERALL: Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Kentucky Bluegrass Mix.RUNNER UP: Outsidepride Midnight Kentucky Bluegrass Seed.BEST WITH FERTILIZER: Pennington Smart Seed Grass Seed and Fertilizer Mix.BEST HEAT TOLERANCE: Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Heat-Tolerant Blue Mix.More items...•

When should I overseed in spring in KY?

There are two periods each year that are ideal for overseeding a lawn with cool season grass seed – spring (March to Mid-June) and fall (August to mid-October). Most overseeding is done in the spring when homeowners see the damage to their lawns at the end of a long winter.

When should you overseed Kentucky bluegrass?

Seeding and Overseeding Seed new lawns or overseed existing KBG lawns with Pennington Smart Seed Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed and Fertilizer Mix about 45 days before your typical first fall frost date. Late seedings are more vulnerable to winter damage.

When can you overseed Kentucky 31?

Seeding and Overseeding Plant Pennington Kentucky 31 Grass Seed about 45 days before your typical first fall frost date so it can get established before winter cold arrives.

How do I plant grass seed in Kentucky?

The first step to planting grass seed is to prepare the soil. Rake through the soil to loosen it up. At least half an inch of loose soil is required for proper seed germination and new root penetration. If the soil is typically hard and compacted, our Love Your Soil special soil food can help.

What is Black Beauty Ultra grass seed?

Black Beauty ® Ultra Grass Seed – This seed mixture is most similar to what is found on sod farms and is ideal for sunny and shady areas. It contains exclusive, elite varieties of tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass that will grow a naturally vibrant dark green and lush lawn with excellent heat and drought tolerance. Black Beauty Ultra® grass seed germinates in about 14 days.

How long does it take for Black Beauty Ultra grass seed to germinate?

Black Beauty Ultra® grass seed germinates in about 14 days. Black Beauty ® Fall Magic™ Grass Seed – Specially formulated for successful fall seeding, this seed mixture contains several grass types, including Black Beauty ® tall fescues. It can be used in sun and shade for overseeding or to start new lawns from scratch.

How long does it take for grass seed to germinate?

Expect germination in 14-21 days. When seeding your lawn, seed-to-soil contact is the key to achieving maximum germination. Once your soil has been prepared, apply the grass seed with a spreader. Lastly, keep the seed bed moist for a few weeks to give the grass seed time to germinate and the new lawn time to establish.

What is blue panther grass?

Blue Panther ® Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed – Blue Panther® contains the very best Kentucky bluegrasses currently grown by leading sod growers and on golf courses across America. Use it to overseed a thinning lawn that was previously planted with Kentucky bluegrass sod.

What is the transition zone for grass seed?

Cool season grasses flourish across cooler northern climates and into the “transition zone” where cool and warm regions overlap , such as Kentucky. We recommend the following Jonathan Green Black Beauty ® grass seed mixtures:

What is the best grass seed for the Northeast?

Photo: amazon.com. Kentucky bluegrass— prized for its soft, low-growing habit—is best suited to northern regions where summer temps do not exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit, making it an optimal choice for the Northeast and northern Central regions of the United States. This desirable grass seed spreads by rhizome to fill in bare spots, ...

What is the best soil pH for Kentucky bluegrass?

This involves having the soil tested by a local county extension agency. Kentucky bluegrass grows best in soil with a pH between 6 and 7. If the soil pH tests too high or low, the extension agency can recommend products to amend the pH before planting.

How long does it take for bluegrass seed to germinate?

This reduces the risk of erosion from heavy rains, so slow-to-germinate bluegrass seeds are less likely to wash away. Both ryegrass and fescue can sprout within 5 to 7 days, while it takes Kentucky bluegrass 10 to 21 days to germinate.

How does Kentucky bluegrass seed spread?

This desirable grass seed spreads by rhizome to fill in bare spots, and though some choose to establish a bluegrass by laying sod, it also grows from seed. The best Kentucky bluegrass seed may come as a bluegrass-only product, or it might come blended with another type of grass seed to help the bluegrass become established.

What is Pennington grass seed mix?

Pennington’s seed mix covers all bases for both sunny and shady spots in northern lawns with a premium combination of Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and perennial rye seeds. The grass seeds are coated to help retain moisture and provide nutrients to the sprouts as soon as they germinate for robust, healthy growth.

How many square feet is 100 percent bluegrass seed?

This 100 percent bluegrass seed product comes in a 50-pound bag—enough for a large lawn of up to 20,000 square feet. It provides durability for heavy foot traffic and has been developed to resist diseases. The uncoated seeds are a mix of various low-growing bluegrass varieties to offer the grower a well-rounded lawn that will tolerate moderate drought and light shade.

What is Scotts grass seed?

From Scotts, this turf-building grass seed is designed to establish healthy Kentucky bluegrass lawns. This variety produces soft, fine grass blades that grow exceptionally well in full sunlight but also can tolerate light shade. The seed also naturally resists slight drought and will withstand heavy traffic.

What are some misconceptions about grass seed?

There are a lot of misconceptions about grass seed that can make the buying process a challenge. One major misunderstanding is the idea that every seed type is more or less the same, leading some homeowners to be fooled into choosing a product that has a fancy or appealing label or a brand name they recognize. Sometimes people also get fixated on certain advertising gimmicks. For example, they might pick a type that claims to have fast germination. But this is a common marketing ploy and it may turn out that what is growing quickly is a grass you do not desire in your yard.

What is the best way to protect your lawn from weeds?

A thriving lawn is the best natural defense against weeds. A gorgeous lawn beckons your family to enjoy the outdoors. To keep your lawn in top shape, seeding can help both to support thinned-out areas and as an integral part of routine maintenance. In either case, you obviously want the best grass seed for your Cincinnati, Dayton, ...

Why do you need to do seeding at the same time as fall aeration?

It needs some nurturing in order to germinate, with good seed-to-soil contact. That is why it is beneficial to do your seeding at the same time as your fall aeration, the service that pulls the soil plugs throughout your yard.

Can tall fescue be grown in shade?

We have found that the new varieties of Turf Type Tall Fescue can even grow in shaded areas, although sections of the yard that receive virtually no sun may require a different solution.

Do grass seed blends contain filler?

A poor choice could leave you with more hassle than you started with. Some seed blends contain filler (which can produce untreatable weeds – as we will discuss later); some turf types don’t work well in our region and yet there they are on the store shelves. We understand how confusing these options can be for you.

Trust Brand

Before purchasing the best kentucky blue grass seed, make sure the manufacturer has a good reputation in the present market. Finding trustworthy and user-friendly information is essential for a successful best kentucky blue grass seed.

Practical Features

When purchasing the best kentucky blue grass seed, this is the next thing to look at. Always strive to find a product that has the features you're looking for. We advise you to focus on the most important or required elements of each product.

Pros and Cons

Getting a product that is excellent in every way is next to impossible. As a result, your chosen product may have both positive and negative qualities. As a result, focus on the most important advantages and demonstrate how they meet your best kentucky blue grass seed, requirements.

Performance and Durability

Regardless of user ratings, there are various ways to determine the best kentucky blue grass seed performance and durability you are looking for. Try to see where the materials used to make the product come from. As it is, the best products are made of the best materials available.

Why is Kentucky bluegrass so popular?

Kentucky bluegrass is popular because of the dark, lush, dense lawn that it produces. It is a great cool season grass and also stands up well to lots of foot traffic. Investing in a good seed is important – it can save lots of time, money, and headache in the years to come.

What is blue ribbon grass?

Blue Ribbon Blend is a blend of grasses that is designed to grow quickly but also look beautiful. Their blend produces a grass that is rich in color and lush in appearance. Meanwhile, the added perennial ryegrass grows very quickly, so landscapers will never need to wait for a blank space to fill in or a lawn to grow.

What is Scotts Turf Builder?

Scotts Turf Builder produces a soft, fine-bladed grass that is perfect for walking on. This brand works well in high-traffic areas, and it is a good choice for either full sun or partially shaded spaces. The mix also contains a WaterSmart Plus coating which helps plants absorb more water and delivers nutrients to help establish lawns. The nutrients included in this mix are also designed to help the lawn self-repair over the lifetime of the grass, so gardeners and landscapers will find that their lawns are always lush and full.

What is seed rack?

SeedRanch helps gardeners add color and fullness to their lawn. Their product produces a lawn that is a striking deep blue-green hue. It works well in either full sun or light shade, and although it works particularly well in cold weather areas, it can also withstand heat. The grass grows best in soil that is healthy and drains well, the strong roots of the grass can actually help to improve the strength of the underlying sod. Gardeners who use this seed will find that their lawns are dark green, lush, and a pleasure to look at and walk on.

Why do people like bluegrass?

Many people love bluegrass because of its hardiness. It is well adapted to areas of high foot traffic, making it ideal for yards or parks with children and dogs. It has the ability to recover after being stepped on. It is also very hardy in withstanding cooler temperatures.

Does bluegrass need full sun?

Even though bluegrass is a hardy grass species, it still grows optimally when grown in full sun. It tolerates shade and certain varieties have been bred to tolerate shade more than others. Nonetheless, if you want a lush and dense lawn, you will want full sun.

Does grass grow in soil?

The grass grows best in soil that is healthy and drains well, the strong roots of the grass can actually help to improve the strength of the underlying sod. Gardeners who use this seed will find that their lawns are dark green, lush, and a pleasure to look at and walk on. Click Here for Details.

What is blended grass seed?

Blended grass seeds contain several different varieties of the same grass species. This capitalizes on the strengths of each grass variety but still gives a uniform appearance, as different varieties of the same species will usually be close in appearance.

What is mixed seed grass?

Mixed seed grass seeds contain several different types of grass. Grass seeds labeled for specific conditions, such as “Shade,” “High Traffic,” or “Sun & Shade,” are typically mixed seed. Mixed seeds don’t create a lawn as uniform as single variety or blended seeds, but they do provide the benefits of different varieties and are generally more disease-resistant. The majority of homeowners plant a mixed seed lawn.

What is single variety grass?

Single-variety grass seeds, also labeled “straight” grass seeds, contain one type of grass. Generally, only warm season grasses are sold as single variety seeds. When your lawn is just one type of grass, it looks very even, but it is also more prone to disease.

What are the factors that affect grass seed selection?

Understanding the basics of grass seeds makes it much easier to pick the right seeds for your yard. Climate, sun exposure, and foot traffic are all important factors.

What are the two types of grass?

There are many types of grass commonly grown for lawns, but they generally fall into two categories: warm season grasses and cool season grasses.

How much does it cost to buy grass seed?

But as a general rule, you should expect to pay $10 to $25 for a good-quality, three-pound bag of grass seeds.

What is the best way to grow grass?

A vibrant mix of mulch, fertilizer, and seed, helps ensure this grass will sprout under nearly any conditions.

When is the best time to plant grass seed?

Early fall is the very best time to plant grass seed. Soil temperatures are still warm (55° to 65° F), which is necessary for optimum seed germination, and cooler air temperatures are better for grass growth. There will also be fewer weeds for the grass to compete with at this time of the year. With adequate sunlight, rainwater ...

How much soil is needed for seed germination?

At least half an inch of loose soil is required for proper seed germination and new root penetration. If the soil is typically hard and compacted, our Love Your Soil special soil food can help. It is designed to loosen the soil and support root growth by releasing trapped nutrients in the soil.

What pH should soil be for seed germination?

For proper seed germination, the soil pH should fall between 6.2 and 7.0. Soil that is below 6.2 pH should be treated with MAG-I-CAL.

Is Jonathan Green Black Beauty grass seed drought tolerant?

This seed is genetically formulated to have a waxy coating (like an apple) which makes it much more drought tolerant and disease resistant. The roots of our Black Beauty grass grow up to four feet deep for superior heat resistance.

Where is Kentucky 31 grass grown?

Today Kentucky 31 tall fescue seed is produced in major U.S. grass-growing regions from Missouri to Oregon, as evidenced on ...

What is K 31 grass?

In the years since K-31 moved into the lawn and turf marketplace, many new tall fescue lawn grasses have been developed. Research and breeding programs such as NexGen Turf Research and the Rutgers University program that developed the original turf-type tall fescue that led to Pennington The Rebels Brand have led the way. Compared to these more modern turf-type and dwarf tall fescue varieties, KY-31 has a lighter green color, coarser texture and wider blades.

How long does it take to repair bare spots on lawn in KY 31?

Under proper growing conditions, this all-in-one product repairs bare spots in two weeks or less.

Is Kentucky 31 fescue good for the weather?

Where weather runs too hot for many cool-season grasses and too cold for most warm-season grasses, Kentucky 31 tall fescue shines. Tall fescues generally have greater heat tolerance than other cool-season grasses, but KY-31 offers better heat and drought tolerance than many tall fescue varieties. Its cold tolerance, which is greater than that ...

How does Kentucky 31 spread?

But Kentucky 31 spreads through vertical shoots known as "tillers," which grow from the plant's base.

Is Pennington grass tall fescue?

Though many new varieties of tall fescue lawn grass have hit the market since Kentucky 31 opened the door, this proven performer continues to provide lawn owners with resilient, economical, attractive lawns. Pennington is dedicated to producing the finest grass seed possible and providing you with premium lawn and garden products, helpful resources and — in Kentucky 31 tall fescue — a piece of lawn care history as well.

Where is tall fescue seed grown?

Today Kentucky 31 tall fescue seed is produced in major U.S. grass-growing regions from Missouri to Oregon, as evidenced on the seed tag you'll find attached to all grass seed products.

What is overseeding in Kentucky?

Overseeding is a technique used to fill in a thinning lawn or crowd out weeds from a lawn. It can turn a dying lawn into a thick carpet of dark green turf grass. To overseed a lawn in Kentucky, you need to know when is the best time for seed germination.

When is the best time to oversee grass?

Still, early fall is the very best time to overseed, when the air is cooling down, but the soil is still warm. Weed growth tapers off in the fall, so your new grass won’t have to compete for sunshine, water and nutrients. It will also have the benefit of two cool growing cycles before the heat of summer sets in.

Do you need to bury grass seed?

The soil should be raked to loosen it, so good seed to soil contact is established. You don’t need to bury the seed just make sure that the loose soil surrounds the grass seeds.