Central VA - Too early to sow grass seed?

thatguy · Feb 3, 2008

Here in Central Virginia (roanoke area) it is going to be in the upper 50/lower 60's for the next week, with rain being predicted for most of the week..

I need to get some Kentucky 31 grass down on the yard (i realize fall is the best time, but that didnt happen).. Is it too early to aerate, sow grass seed, and put down some starter fertilizer?

It appears I wont be able to put any crab grass preventer down, but hopefully I can still get some weed preventer down for the summer (assuming the grass i want to plant takes off)..

I was just going to put down some fertilizer today, but by March the temps will be starting to climb up nicely so I my mind turned to grass instead..

Thoughts?

Brian

Podunkadunk · Feb 3, 2008

You won't hurt the grass seed if you put them out now. They are "naturally" protected to withstand the cold until the next spring.

However, I don't re-seed until it warms up because traditionally here in the south we get lots of rain in the winter. These "torrential" storms would wash a lot of the seeds off, especially if you have a sloping yard/pasture, etc.

Also, same for the fertilizer...too much early rain would wash the dissolving fertilizer down a culvert/ditch/drain.

My .02, but if your yard is level and there is no issue of wash-off, you could possibly do it now.

randy41 · Feb 4, 2008

i think i would wait until i saw some growth being put on by the already established grass. but if you saw my lawn you would know better than to rely on what i have to say.

shaley · Feb 4, 2008

Here are some Fescue links from NCSU truff grass school.
They have some clickable links to other Fescue articles as well.
I'm just guessing here but if you have a shady area not in direct sun I'd mix 50% perinial rye in with the K31 (or buy it mixed). The Rye will germ in the cold but it won't like direct sun this summer.