Are you feeling guilty about not getting around to seeding your lawn yet? You're not alone! Most people wait until the last minute, and then realize they don't have enough time to do it properly.

So, when is the best time of day to seed your lawn? How about the best season? And how long does it take for the seeds to germinate? Keep reading for all the answers!

AM or PM?

Lush green lawn

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As a general rule, the best time of day to seed your lawn is in the early morning before the sun gets too hot. Seeds need 12 to 16 hours of sun per day allowing the seeds to get a head start on germinating and growing.

Warm season grasses benefit from full sun exposure and sowing the seeds in the morning is a great way to ensure proper germination and growth. However, cool-season grasses prefer shade during the day. It's best to know what type of grass you plan on using so you can provide it the proper conditions.

Best Time Of Year To Sow Lawn Seeds

Wet lawn

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The best time of year to seed your lawn depends on the type of grass you're growing.

For cool-season grasses, like Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and rye, the best time to seed is in the fall or late summer. Mid-August to mid-September is a great time so get started now! The cooler temperatures at night and the morning sunlight help new grass seeds germinate and grow quickly.

If you're growing warm-season grass, like bermudagrass, St. Augustine, or zoysia, the best time to seed is in the early spring to summer. Warm-season grasses need warm soil temperatures to germinate, so they won't do as well if you plant them in the fall. Wait until the temperatures reach 65 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and plant your seeds.

How To Properly Sow Your Lawn Seeds

Spring lawn care.

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Sowing lawn seeds is not as difficult as it may seem, and with just a little bit of effort, you can have a lush, green lawn in no time. Here's everything you need to know about how to sow lawn seeds like a pro. Just follow these simple steps:

Preparing 

Lawn care tools, several spades

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First things first: choose the right type of seed for your lawn and climate. There are many different varieties of grass seed available on the market, so doing a bit of research ahead of time will help ensure that you select the best option for your needs. Once you've made your decision, it's time to get started.

The most important step in sowing lawn seeds is preparing the soil. If the soil is too compacted, or if you have weeds, the seeds will have difficulty taking root and growing.

Dig to a depth of 8 to 10 inches and add a layer of organic matter, well-rotted or composted manure. This will help improve drainage, hold moisture, and provide nutrients for the new seedlings.

Wait at least several days for your bed to settle; This could take up to six weeks. Then, rake a few times in all directions to even out your new turf. At this point, you can also rake in a general fertilizer to give your new seeds a boost.

Sowing

Fertilizing a Lawn

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Once the soil is ready, it's time to sow the seed. The best way to do this is to use a seed spreader, which will ensure an even distribution of seeds.

Divide your seeds into two batches. Start at one end of your lawn and walk in a straight line as you evenly distribute the seeds over the entire area. Now repeat the method with the leftover seed, going in the perpendicular direction.

After you've sowed the seeds, rake the area. If there is no rain forecasted, be sure to water your seeds gently with a sprinkler, so that the water reaches down to the roots where the seeds have been deposited. Keep the soil moist by watering regularly (about once per day) until the grass seedlings have sprouted and are a few inches tall.

Growing

Young man mowing lawn

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Once the grass has grown to about 2 to 3 inches, which should take a couple of weeks, gently firm the soil with a garden roller. After a couple of days, you can mow your lawn down to about one-third of its length. To prevent tearing your new grass, make sure you’re using sharp blades on your mower!

Additionally, avoid walking on your new lawn until it’s completely established. This could compact the soil and make growth difficult.

After two weeks you can do a "tug test" to see how your grass is rooting. Gently pull on your lawn in a few different places - if their is resistance, you're doing something right!

And that's all there is to it! With just a bit of time and effort, you can have a beautiful, green lawn that will be the envy of your neighborhood.

Aim For The Perfect Lawn

Now that you know the best time of day and season to seed your lawn, as well as how long it takes for the seeds to germinate, you can go forth and conquer! Just be sure to leave enough time for the seeds to take hold before winter hits in full force.

Do you have any tips or tricks of your own? Leave a comment below!