How Much Grass Seed Do I Need?
The amount of grass seed you need depends on your lawn size, the type of grass, and whether you're planting a new lawn or overseeding an existing one. Different grass types have different seeding rates.
Seeding Rates by Grass Type
| Grass Type | New Lawn (lbs/1000 sq ft) | Overseeding |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Bluegrass | 2-3 | 1-2 |
| Tall Fescue | 6-8 | 3-4 |
| Perennial Ryegrass | 8-10 | 4-5 |
| Bermuda Grass | 1-2 | 0.5-1 |
| Zoysia Grass | 1-2 | 0.5-1 |
| Buffalo Grass | 3-6 | 2-3 |
| Fine Fescue | 4-5 | 2-3 |
| Centipede Grass | 1-2 | 0.5-1 |
New Lawn vs. Overseeding
- New lawn: Starting from bare soil requires more seed for full coverage
- Overseeding: Adding seed to thin existing lawn needs about half the amount
- Bare spot repair: Small areas need same rate as new lawn application
Best Time to Plant Grass Seed
- Cool-season grasses: Early fall (best) or early spring
- Warm-season grasses: Late spring to early summer
- Avoid: Hot summer months and winter
Tips for Successful Seeding
- Test and amend soil before seeding
- Rake soil surface to create seed bed
- Use a spreader for even distribution
- Lightly rake seed into top 1/8" of soil
- Keep soil consistently moist until germination
- Apply starter fertilizer at planting
- Avoid heavy foot traffic for 4-6 weeks
Choosing the Right Grass
- Cool climates: Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, Fine Fescue
- Warm climates: Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, Buffalo
- Shade tolerance: Fine Fescue, Tall Fescue
- Heavy traffic: Perennial Ryegrass, Tall Fescue, Bermuda
- Drought tolerance: Buffalo Grass, Bermuda, Zoysia