There are a couple of considerations when picking a grass seed €" climate and usage.
Climate
Warm and cool climates have different varieties of grass that thrive there. Usually your neighborhood supplier is only going to stock ones adapted to your region so this isn't something you need to care about, however if buying over distance by using the internet you should ensure you get the right type.
Cool season grass seed
If you are sowing around May or are currently in a generally cooler climate you should get a blend labeled as cool season seed. This mix will typically contain different proportions of Bluegrass, Bentgrass, Ryegrass and Fescue which all grow well between 41 and 77 degrees F (5 to 25 degrees C). They tend to have two growing periods which will be in the spring and autumn, grow densely and keep their color well when the temperature drops over winter.
Warm season grass seed
If you happen to be sowing in September a warm season seed could possibly be better suited. It is likely not to grow as fast initially but it will begin working well the first summer season after getting established before winter. Also in the event you are in a generally warm/hot climate with mild winters it should go on growing for much longer and can be more drought resistant than some cool season seeds. Warm season grass seed often consist of Zoysia, Bermudagrass, Bahiagrass, St Augustine or Centipedegrass. These are also normally in isolation instead of mixtures as warm season grasses have different visual characteristics and don't look right when grown together and can become patchy.
Usage
The main decision you have to make is which variety of seed to obtain based on what you wish to use the grass for. Back and front yards should be considered separately as usage patterns differ.
The primary types are -
Depending upon your exact needs there are a few other types providing you less control over the appearance but thrives considering the care-level you can give it or exact situation in your garden -
Climate
Warm and cool climates have different varieties of grass that thrive there. Usually your neighborhood supplier is only going to stock ones adapted to your region so this isn't something you need to care about, however if buying over distance by using the internet you should ensure you get the right type.
Cool season grass seed
If you are sowing around May or are currently in a generally cooler climate you should get a blend labeled as cool season seed. This mix will typically contain different proportions of Bluegrass, Bentgrass, Ryegrass and Fescue which all grow well between 41 and 77 degrees F (5 to 25 degrees C). They tend to have two growing periods which will be in the spring and autumn, grow densely and keep their color well when the temperature drops over winter.
Warm season grass seed
If you happen to be sowing in September a warm season seed could possibly be better suited. It is likely not to grow as fast initially but it will begin working well the first summer season after getting established before winter. Also in the event you are in a generally warm/hot climate with mild winters it should go on growing for much longer and can be more drought resistant than some cool season seeds. Warm season grass seed often consist of Zoysia, Bermudagrass, Bahiagrass, St Augustine or Centipedegrass. These are also normally in isolation instead of mixtures as warm season grasses have different visual characteristics and don't look right when grown together and can become patchy.
Usage
The main decision you have to make is which variety of seed to obtain based on what you wish to use the grass for. Back and front yards should be considered separately as usage patterns differ.
The primary types are -
- Premium €" Very fine-leaved grass. Tolerates close-mowing. Green a considerable amount of the year but requires a lot more care than other lawns. Perfect for families without kids or energetic pets and either a bit of time to look after it or a gardener. Will withstand occasional moderate use such as a garden party but may need opportunity to recover and repair itself afterwards.
- Hard-wearing €" Tougher grasses for instance Ryegrass which reduces damage because of walking, running and gouging. Typically consists of a much denser root network and thicker stalks.
- Multi-purpose €" A combination of hard-wearing grass with some premium varieties thrown in for colour and texture. This is perfect for a home with older kids (pre-teen/teen) who won't be racing around much.
Depending upon your exact needs there are a few other types providing you less control over the appearance but thrives considering the care-level you can give it or exact situation in your garden -
- Drought tolerant €" Survives longer between watering or whenever a hosepipe ban is in effect. Normally has deeper roots to acquire moisture from below the parched surface layers.
- Low-maintenance €" Grows slower and so requires cutting less often. Good for busy people or those spending time away from home often.
- Shaded €" Grows well with less light. Normal grass needs around 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day. Should you have trees shading your yard it could be neccesary to acquire seed designed for shaded areas which only needs around 4-6 hours of direct light each day.
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