Growing a lawn in Canada is one of the most difficult gardening tasks you can undertake. Our climate, particularly in the Toronto area is not usually conducive to the growth of many types of grass seed as they struggle to cope with the cold winters of Ontario. There are many different types of grass seed to choose from, but only a few have the characteristics needed to survive and thrive in the extreme conditions of Toronto. If you are choosing to grow grass from seed instead of sod, the best choice is usually a blend of seeds combining their characteristics.

Let’s start with the basis for your lawn, which the majority of gardeners agree should be the formidable Kentucky Bluegrass. Most blends of seed include between 60 and 75 percent of Kentucky Bluegrass seed as it is hardy but not drought resistant to allow it to withstand the tough Toronto winters. Kentucky Bluegrass is a fine textured grass but manages to stand up to the high traffic usually passing over your lawn in the summer months. Like most of us, your lawn will be used by family and friends when the warmer months of the year roll around.

In most blends, Kentucky Bluegrass is mixed with Fine Fescues which offer many of the same characteristics as the dominant seed in the blend. As we all know, the climate of Toronto is not always the best for growing plants and grasses, but the choice of Fine Fescues is a good one for keeping often used areas covered. As we know all too well, the problem of a lack of sunshine is a common one for much of the year, which is why Fine Fescues are often chosen as they grow well in shaded areas.

The Toronto Star recommends sowing grass seed in the Fall when the conditions reach their peak for fast germination and growth. Adding a grass seed capable of grabbing hold of the soil in just a few days is vital as the climate here is very changeable. Perennial Ryegrass and Tall Fescues are often chosen as they have long roots extending up to six feet into the ground to compliment Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescues.