Grass Seed Buying Guide

Start with Your Climate

The first step when choosing grass seed for your lawn is to know your climate, which will determine the type to buy. Cool- and warm-season grass regions tend to be the most straightforward, but homeowners in the transition zone may need to opt for a blend of both seasons’ grasses that can adapt to trickier temperature shifts.

Cool-Season Grasses

These grasses are best for northern climates, which make up the biggest swath of the US. Cool-season grasses stretch from the Pacific Northwest, including most of California, all the way across the country to Maine, reaching to the northern parts of the Carolinas. They typically germinate faster than warm-season grasses. Plant new lawns in the fall for best results.

• Ideal soil temps: 50–65 °F
• Planting season: August–October
• Examples: Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fine/tall fescue
• Key traits: Stay green longer in spring and fall, dormant in winter, struggle in extreme heat

Transition-Zone Grasses

Some grasses, like Kentucky bluegrass for a cooler part of the transition zone and Bermuda, for the warmer areas, can be planted in this region. Or choose a blend of warm-season and cool-season grasses that will adapt to unpredictable climate conditions and thrive from spring to fall. Plant according to the grass type.

• Ideal soil temps: 60–75 ºF
• Planting season: Determined by grass type. For blends, be sure to follow package instructions for your particular mix
• Examples: Kentucky bluegrass, Bermuda, fine/tall fescue, Zoysia
• Key traits: Grow well and can adapt to both warm and cold climates. Sometimes feature blends of cool- and warm-season seeds

Warm-Season Grasses

Warm-season grasses grow from the southeastern tip of California to the southeastern US coast, including Louisiana and Florida. These drought-tolerant grasses generally require less water, so are ideal for hotter climates. Plant in late spring or early summer so seeds can take advantage of high soil temperatures to germinate.

• Ideal soil temps: 75–90 °F
• Planting season: April–June
• Examples: Bermuda, centipede, Bahia
• Key traits: Drought-tolerant, thrive in extreme heat, go dormant in cooler months

Understanding the Different Grass Seed Options

With multiple grass seed options available when planting a new lawn, it’s helpful to know which ones will best suit your lawn conditions and maintenance style.

• Single Seed Varieties: Single-seed grasses have just one grass species, providing a uniform look for your lawn. They generally require consistent moisture and proper soil temperature, as they are less adaptable to changing conditions than blends. In a transition zone, be sure to choose a grass seed that fits your specific climate.
• Seed Blends: Blends offer better adaptability because they contain a mix of multiple grass types that can thrive in transitional areas. For high-traffic lawns with active children and pets or specific sun requirements, look for a blend that fits your lawn conditions and lifestyle.
• Seed Mixes (with additives): Seed mixes with soil amendments like fertilizer and conditioners or mulch ensure easier application, but they are best for patching or repairing a lawn rather than seeding an entire new lawn.

Evaluate Your Lawn Conditions

Knowing your regional climate determines which general type of grass to choose, but there are additional factors to consider. Your lawn’s conditions, such as sun exposure, soil, and traffic requirements, will all help you narrow down which species or blends will thrive where you live.

Sun vs. Shade

Full sun, partial shade, or shady conditions on your lawn will affect grass growth, so choose a species or blend to match the predominant sun exposure around your home.

• Full sun: Bermuda or ryegrass
• Partial shade: Fescue blends
• Heavy shade: Fine fescue or shade mixes

Soil Quality and Drainage

The quality of your soil and its drainage capabilities are important factors to consider when shopping for grass seed. If you’re not sure about your soil composition and pH, contact your local university extension for soil testing recommendations to ensure success when choosing the right grass and amendments for a healthy lawn.

• Sandy: Drought-tolerant grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia
• Fertile: Most grasses, including Kentucky bluegrass
• Clay: Deep-root grasses like fescue
• Poor: Seed mixes with fertilizer or soil improvers

Usage

Whether you spend most of the warm months enjoying your yard, have kids or pets who play outside, or prefer a healthy-looking lawn for its aesthetic appeal, consider the level of traffic the grass can withstand.

• High traffic: Bluegrass or perennial ryegrass
• Low traffic: Fescue/fescue blends

Slopes and Erosion Areas

Landscapes and topographies vary, so be sure to note whether your yard has sloping areas that might cause pooling or erosion with heavy rains or wind before and after your lawn is established. Look for seed mixes containing mulch or stabilizers to improve germination after sowing and to prevent washout.

How Much Grass Seed Do You Need?

While it may be tempting to use more seed to ensure a thick, lush lawn, proper seed density ensures grass shoots don’t overcompete for soil nutrients, sun, and water resources. Instead, plan ahead and follow these tips for a successful lawn:

• Measure your lawn in square feet to determine how much seed you need.
• Check the coverage rate listed on the product label. New lawns generally require more seed.
• Avoid applying too little, which leads to patchy growth, and using too much, which causes overcrowding and weak grass.

Find Quality Grass Seed at Do it Best

Every lawn has unique needs, and no single “best” seed exists. Instead, let your climate and lawn conditions guide you to the right grass seed for achieving a full and healthy lawn.

Browse grass seed and repair mixes online at Do it Best and take advantage of home delivery or same-day pickup at a local Do it Best store.