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The best time to plant is between spring and autumn. Springtime weather is typically mild and is when nurseries start to bloom. When the summer weather arrives and it’s hot out, it’s best to avoid planting bare-root plants, but you can still plant many in-container varieties. The first sign of fall is another great opportunity to plant biennials if you live in southern states, or a lovely vegetable garden up north.

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.

Bermuda grass may be drought-resistant, but it still needs to be watered once or twice a week. The suggested amount of water Bermuda grass needs varies from season to season. Bermuda grass needs about 1 inch of water a week in summer, fall, and winter; it needs up to ¾ inch in spring.

The best time to plant grass seed depends on your local climate and whether you have cool-season or warm-season grass.

For cool-season grasses (like tall fescue), the ideal time to seed is late summer or early fall (typically August and September). During this period, the soil is still warm from the summer, but the air is cooler, creating optimal conditions for germination and root establishment before winter. There is also less competition from weeds. Spring is a secondary option, but cooler soil temperatures, the risk of a late frost, and less time for the grass to mature before summer heat can make it less successful.

For warm-season grasses (like St. Augustine), the best time to plant is from late spring through mid-summer (typically May and June), when temperatures are consistently between 75 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

In general, it is best to avoid seeding during winter or early spring, as cold soil and air can prevent seeds from germinating. For recommendations tailored to your specific grass type and climate, consider consulting a local lawn care professional.