The Best Time to Plant Grass Seed in the Piedmont Region of North Carolina
North Carolina's Piedmont region boasts the fertile soil and temperate climate that are a lawn grower's dream. Planting the right type of grass at the right time of year gives your lawn the best chance of success, advises North Carolina State University. Does this Spark an idea?
Cool Season Grass
Cool season grasses have two growth cycles, in spring and fall. In the Piedmont region, that means planting between Aug. 1 and Sept. 15 so the seeds have a chance to become established before winter sets in, and will be mature enough to reap the full benefit of the spring growth spurt. Kentucky bluegrass/fescue blends are popular for providing a continuous turf under varied sun and soil conditions. Plant Kentucky bluegrass/tall fescue blends in September, and blends containing fine fescue in August.
Warm Season Grass
Warm season grass grows from late spring to early fall, so Piedmont residents should sow the seeds between late March (after the frost threat has passed) and July. This gives the grass a chance to flourish during the warm, moist weather before going dormant when temperatures drop. Bermuda, Plant St. Augustine and Zoysia grasses between April and July, and Bahiagrass and Cenntipedegrass between March and June.
Fertilizing
Apply a high-phosphorus (at least ten percent) fertilizer before sowing your seed, and till into the soil. About six weeks after seedlings emerge, fertilize again, this time using a balanced blend.
Tags: North Carolina, Best Time, Best Time Plant, fall Piedmont, fescue blends, Grass Seed, Grass Seed Piedmont
