When it comes to planting new grass seedlings, timing is everything! To get the best results from your seeding, you'll want to match the timing of your grass type with its natural growth peak. This will help seeds germinate and establish quickly.

If you live in Northern Nevada (Reno, Sparks area), you want to use cool-season grass seed. Cool-season grasses can withstand long, hot, dry summers and freezing cold winters.

The most common types of cool-season grasses are Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fine fescue, and tall fescue. These grasses do well in the Northern Nevada region.

Why Fall Is The Best Time To Plant

To ensure a successful planting of cool-season grass seed, wait until the late summer or early fall days when temperatures are milder, usually around 60 to 75 degrees. We suggest planting around the first week of September. 

The warm soil temperature is comfortable all day long, while the evenings help keep the seedlings cool and protected.

Don’t worry if you don’t have time to soak your grass seed before planting. The seeds are small and will typically germinate within 1-2 weeks after planting, with regular watering.

Helpful Tips For Planting Grass Seed

If you are planting grass seeds in a large area, you may want to use a rototiller to loosen the top three to five inches of soil. In most cases, you can rough the soil up with a rake or aerate the area before putting down the seed. Remove sticks or stones that you find in the overturned soil.

After loosening the soil, use a rake to level out the area you will be seeding. This will ensure the new grass seedlings will receive even water distribution.  Then use a mechanical spreader for even distribution.

If you will be reseeding a smaller area, use a shovel or hoe to loosen the top layer of soil and spread the grass seed by hand.

Use a 15-15-15 starter fertilizer, as it will provide key nutrients for the new grass seedlings.

Remember to check the soil before planting. Some homeowners struggle to establish a healthy lawn all because of unhealthy soil. You can pick up an at-home soil testing kit on Amazon or check with your local garden supply store. Sometimes, you must adjust the soil to create a healthy, beautiful lawn.

Keep in mind that new lawns require a lot of water. Therefore, the Truckee Meadows Water Authority requires customers to obtain a 6-week water variance when establishing a new lawn. The variance allows customers to water their lawns outside their assigned watering times. For more information on designated watering days and how to obtain a variance, visit Truckee Meadows Water Authority: TMWA Home. The key is not to miss a day of watering the new seeds. 

Lawn Maintenance

Caring for your lawn takes a lot of time and work. Weekends are meant for enjoying the yard, not maintaining it. So let Cory’s Lawn Service care for your lawn, so you can get back to spending your time the way you want while we do what we do best. 

Our team guarantees an expertly trimmed lawn with edging and blowing included. Contact us today for a free estimate.