Why September is the Perfect Time for Seeding

Early to mid-September is prime time to consider overseeding or interseeding your lawn. The benefits of seeding now are much more significant than when they are done in the spring, but why? Let’s take a closer look at what makes this time of year the best for seeding your lawn, as well as what to do in the case of needing new grass.

Overseeding vs. Interseeding

In order to understand the success of seeding this time of year, we should first clarify the two different types of seeding we’re talking about.

Overseeding is the task of planting grass seed directly into existing soil without tearing the soil or turf. This gives your lawn thicker growth, better color, and greater resistance to the elements.

We’ll use the technique of overseeding when the grass begins to thin and allows room for weeds to grow as the grass reproduction slows down over time. This process helps your lawn compensate for slower reproduction and creates much thicker grass. It is also an ideal investment because it can reduce the amount of fertilizer, pesticides, and water the lawn will need over time. Not to mention the fact that renovated lawns can stay greener and can retain their look and health longer.

Interseeding, on the other hand, is performed by seeding the same grass species into itself to create a more dense look and recover any grass that’s been lost. Determining when to use either technique is largely dependent upon the state of the lawn. If the bare areas are the size of soccer balls or larger, or if the area only has sporadic green patches of turf, then interseeding is necessary to restore the area.

Why September for Seeding?

There are a few primary reasons why September, or early Fall in general, is an optimal time for seed growth.

Ideal temperature

Early fall is ideal for grass growth due to the fact that the soil is still warm from the summer heat. The seeds will germinate best when the soil reaches between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which coincides with the daytime air temperatures reaching between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.