Get matched with top lawn irrigation specialists in Frazer, MT

While it’s possible to grow grass seeds by throwing them down, this isn’t the best way to plant them. By amending and prepping the soil beforehand, you’re providing optimal contact between seed and soil for a better chance at germination. If you throw them down without preparing the soil beforehand, seeds are more likely to blow away, get eaten by hungry birds, or never grow.

Depending on the lawn treatments, the best times of the year to redo your lawn are between mid-August and mid-September for overseeding and renovation treatments. For areas such as the southern United States, lawn aeration works best during the fall, when the temperatures begin to drop. Otherwise, early spring is your next best bet because the grass is fresh and ready to absorb nutrients, and the temperature isn’t hot enough to fry the grass and the renovation materials.

Unfortunately, garages are one of the worst places to store grass seeds, despite their proximity to yards. Garages are hot and humid, two environmental traits that are detrimental to grass seeds. Grass seed has the best chance of survival in a dry space with temperatures ranging from 30 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. 

With that in mind, the best place to store seeds is in a sealed container in the refrigerator or in the coolest part of your home. Also, limit your seeds’ access to sunlight for the best germination results down the line. 

When stored under ideal conditions, grass seed lasts anywhere from 10 to 18 months from the testing date without any real decrease in the germination rate. You can still use the seeds after this timeframe, but the germination rates drop 10% to 20% each year. 

If you’re just embarking on an overseeding project, using seeds that have been in storage for a few years isn’t too big of a deal. However, if you’re planning on redoing your entire landscape, your best bet for a healthy, luscious lawn is to use new seeds.