If you were to Google “when is the best time for planting lawn seed?” you will get a mirage of results describing why fall is ultimately the best time to spruce up your lawn with some extra seeds. While they’re not wrong, you may not be getting the whole story. We’ll cover the top reasons fall really is the best time to plant your lawn seed below, and as an added bonus, we’ll also divulge the top-secret truly best time for planting lawn seed.

Why fall is the optimal time for planting lawn seed?

Scourchingly hot summer temperatures are over

The hot, hot temperatures of summer are grass seeds’ kryptonite. The seeds simply will not thrive as well. Summertime also brings on a natural onslaught of abuse to your newly spread grass seed such as heavier traffic as the kids (and adults) play, mowing, insects, weeds, and diseases. So, summer is out as the optimal season.

Isn’t spring when your garden grows best?
While this may be the case for those gorgeous flowers and scrumptious vegetables, spring isn’t the optimal time for planting lawn seed. With springtime comes cooler soil temperatures which can prevent lawn seed from properly germinating. Springtime soil is also likely to be too wet, due to melted snow and heavier rain, and yeild a higher amount of weeds which can deter your attempts at a strong and healthy lawn.

What about winter?
This one’s pretty self explanatory, but to thoroughly present fall as the most optimal season, we must sucessfully explain the faults within all of the other seasons. Frankly, winter is cold. The ground is frozen. Other than planting ourselves in front of a warm fire place with a cup of hot cocoa, no other planting is a wise idea.

Fall is the optimal season, but why?
Fall time is the easiest time of year to keep your soil moist during the germination period. The majority of weeds, insects, and diseases are gone due to those brisk fall nights. (Chemicals used to kill weeds and plant diseases cannot be sprayed on new grass without killing the grass itself.) The newly planted grass will have all of fall and spring to mature to its full potential before battling the stresses of summertime.

Okay, fall time is best, so what’s this big secret you were talking about?
While fall truly is the optimal time for planting lawn seed, the success of your lawn lies heavily on the amount of care you put into it. If you’re reading this right now, it’s likely that you are highly motivated to improve the look of your lawn. The more motivated you are, the more likely you will diligently care for your new seedlings. Why put off for tomorrow what can be accomplished today.

For more tips, tricks, and hidden gems for perfectly planting your lawn seed, check out The Garden Counselor!