Fall Lawn Seeding

• Aug 29, 2024
• by Rebecca Auchter

First of all, let’s clarify that fall seeding of lawns means late August or early September. The most influential factor for seeding turfgrass throughout the year is soil temperature. Of course, seedbed preparation, the turfgrass seed itself, and watering practices matter, but nothing happens without soil temperature. Here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, our soil temperatures are conducive to turfgrass growth from roughly April 15^th until October 15^th. Given that turfgrass seed needs time to germinate and somewhat mature before low soil temperatures impede growth around October 15^th, the deadline for getting seed on the ground is mid-September. So, why is fall seeding preferable to spring seeding? The easy answer is weeds! Specifically, summer annual weeds like crabgrass, goosegrass, purslane, and knotweed are done germinating by late August so they don’t compete with young turfgrass seedlings. By next spring, your fall seeded turfgrass will be mature enough to tolerate herbicides, if necessary, to manage annual and perennial weeds.

Once we have the timing figured out, seedbed preparation, seed selection, fertility, and watering practices will get us a successful outcome.  We have step-by-step instructions that live on our website's Resources Page for easy reference anytime.  Once you've looked over the instructions, we have Jonathan Green grass seed and the recommended starter fertilizer here at the garden center.  As well, we have topsoil and compost that you may need as part of your seeding project.  Watering guidelines for seeded lawns are included with the instructions and we can help get you set up with the right sprinkler for watering, too.

A healthy lawn creates a great space for family and pets while serving as a carbon sink and protecting our soils from erosion.  Turfgrass takes very few inputs aside from an organic fertilizer a couple times annually and will naturally defend against weeds when it has good density.  Early fall is the perfect time to improve your lawn with seed!  Visit us at the garden center in Lawrenceville if you have any questions.