Creating a lush, vibrant lawn from seed can be rewarding, especially when spring brings favourable growing conditions. In this guide, we’ll explore the best strategies for planting grass seed in spring, including preparation, planting techniques, overseeding tips, and essential aftercare. Whether growing grass from scratch or improving a lawn, these expert strategies will set you up for success.

Why Spring Is a Great Time to Plant Grass Seed

Understanding Grass Seed Germination in Spring

Spring offers the ideal combination of warmer temperatures and frequent rainfall that grass seed needs to germinate successfully. For most grass types, soil temperatures above 10°C (50°F) trigger germination, making early to mid-spring an optimal time.

Benefits of Planting Grass in Spring Weather

• Moisture Availability: Spring showers naturally keep the soil damp, essential for seed germination.
• Mild Temperatures: Cooler temperatures prevent stress on new seedlings.
• Growth Opportunity: Grass planted in spring has an entire growing season to establish itself.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

• Weed Competition: Spring weeds grow alongside grass seed. Use pre-emergent weed control before planting or manually remove weeds.
• Summer Stress: New grass can suffer during the summer heat without proper care. Focus on hydration and fertilization to strengthen seedlings.

Pros and Cons of Planting Grass Seed in the Spring

Preparing Your Lawn for Spring Grass Seed

Assessing Your Yard

A thorough evaluation of your yard will help you prepare the best possible environment for grass seed growth:

1. Identify Problem Areas:
   • Look for bare patches, thinning grass, or areas prone to compaction. These spots will require extra attention during preparation and planting.
2. Check for Sun and Shade Patterns:
   • Monitor sunlight exposure throughout the day to determine whether certain areas need shade-tolerant or sun-loving seeds.
3. Remove Debris and Weeds
   • Clear away any leaves, sticks, or other debris. Spot-treat weeds or use a lawn-friendly herbicide before planting.
4. Examine Soil Quality:
   • Perform a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels. Grass typically thrives in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, amend it with the appropriate materials before planting.
   • Aerate the area to loosen the soil and improve oxygen flow.
5. Prepare your soil:
   • Preparing bare spot: Ensure all dead grass is removed from the area.
   • Compacted soil will hinder growth. Using a rake- or a hand cultivator in smaller areas- to loosen the top 2-3 inches of soil.
   • If you determined that the soil quality is poor, or full of clay, spread a thin layer of VB LawnPro Soil.
   • Water the area well before you stark seeding to provide immediate moisture and to help promote immediate germination.

How to Plant Grass Seed in the Spring

Tips for Success in the Spring

Choose the right time
Wait until soil temperatures consistently exceed 10°C (50°F) for optimal germination. Mid to late April is usually the best window for those in Southern Ontario.

Be Patient with Germination:
Spring weather can be unpredictable, and cooler-than-expected temperatures may slow germination. Focus on consistent care to overcome delays.

Consider pre-germinating your seeds before planting for optimal success. For steps to pre-germinate grass seed and other tips and strategies see our full article on grass seed germination.

Protect Against Weeds:
Manually apply a starter fertilizer without herbicides or spot-treat weeds. Avoid using weed preventers, as they can inhibit seed germination.

Don’t Skimp on Watering:
The frequent spring rains can help, but you’ll still need to water consistently to keep the soil moist until seedlings are established.

Choosing the Right Grass Seed

Selecting the right seed mix for your lawn ensures successful growth and a healthy appearance. Consider the following factors:

• Sunlight Exposure:
  
  For lawns or areas on the lawn that don't recieve a lot of sun, choose a seed mixture that uses shade resistent varierties of grass seed such as Fine Fescue.
  
  Try the Speare Seeds Shade Mixture offered by Van Beek's, which includes the most shade tolerant species know to turf.
• Lawn Use:
  
  High-traffic areas require resilient, fast-growing varieties such as Perennial Ryegrass found in the Supergrow Mixture, which is also well suited to withstand heavy use.
• Climate Compatibility:
  
  Choose seeds that are well-suited to your region’s growing conditions. Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue typically perform best in spring.
  
  All Van Beek's Grass Seed Mixtures contain cool season species, perfect for the Ontario Landscaper.

Tip: 5lbs of Van Beek's grass seed covers 1000 sq. ft.

By focusing on these preparation steps and choosing the right grass seed, you’ll set a strong foundation for your spring planting efforts.

Overseeding an Existing Lawn in Spring

What Is Overseeding and Why Is It Beneficial?

Overseeding is planting grass seed over an existing lawn to improve its density, colour, and health. It’s particularly useful for repairing damage from winter, filling in bare spots, and reducing weed invasion. Overseeding also rejuvenates aging lawns by introducing newer, more resilient grass varieties.

Steps for Overseeding Your Lawn Successfully

1. Mow and Bag Clippings:
   Start by mowing your lawn to about 1.5 inches. This ensures the seeds reach the soil and minimizes thatch. Bag the clippings to remove debris that could block the seeds.
2. Aerate the Lawn:
   Aeration creates small holes in the soil, improving seed-to-soil contact and water penetration. Use a manual or mechanical aerator for the best results.
3. Sow the Seed: Using a hand spreader for smaller areas or a broadcast speader for large lawns, distribute evenly using a spreader, and ensure overlapping passes for complete coverag
4. Add Topsoil and/or Fertilizer:
   Spread a thin layer of Topdress Soil over the seeds to improve germination. You can also use a starter fertilizer to provide essential nutrients.
5. Water Regularly
   Keep the soil consistently moist for the first few weeks, but avoid overwatering, which can wash away seeds or encourage fungal growth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Overseeding

• Overseeding without preparing the soil. Proper preparation is critical for success.
• Using old or expired seeds. Check the packaging for expiration dates to ensure good germination rates.
• Ignoring consistent watering. Seeds must remain moist until they germinate.

Caring for Your Lawn After Planting Grass Seed

How Much and How Often to Water Grass Seed

New grass seeds need frequent, light watering to stay moist during germination. Follow this schedule for the best results:

• First Week: Water twice daily, morning and evening, to maintain consistent moisture.
• Weeks 2–3: Reduce to once daily as the seeds germinate. Adjust based on rainfall.
• After Germination: Once the grass reaches 2 inches tall, water deeply 2–3 times weekly to encourage root growth.

Avoid overwatering, which can lead to fungal issues or poor root establishment.

How Long Does Grass Seed Take to Grow? A Timeline

• 7–21 Days: Most grass seeds germinate within this period. Quick-growing varieties like the Supergrow Mixture may sprout in as little as 5–7 days.
• 3–4 Weeks: Grass blades will become visible, creating a light green haze across your lawn.
• 2–3 Months: Grass will fill in to form a dense, mature lawn. Avoid heavy traffic until the lawn is fully established.

Fertilizing and Mowing Tips for New Grass

• Fertilizing:
  • Apply a starter fertilizer 4–6 weeks after seeding to support continued growth. Choose a formula with a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
• Mowing:
  • Wait until the grass reaches 3–4 inches in height before the first mow. This ensures the roots are strong enough to withstand stress.
  • Set your mower blade to the highest setting to avoid scalping young grass.

FAQs About Planting Grass Seed in Spring