Can You Plant Grass Seeds in October? Our Guide + Gardener Tips on How to Do That

If you weren’t able to do it during the summer or in September, you are certainly wondering: Can you plant grass seeds in October? And if this is still possible, then how to do it? What is the minimum temperature for planting grass and how to prepare the soil before planting? How to maintain freshly sown grass? Our specialist gardeners will answer all your questions!

Can You Plant Grass Seeds in October?

The ideal time to plant grass seeds is between spring and fall. Still, if you weren’t able to do it earlier, October is a great time to catch up! Once the heat of summer is behind us, but the ground is still quite warm, it is entirely possible to plant grass seeds in October and even recommended since conditions are favorable for germination. What’s more, this means the lawn is ready for spring and summer, when you use your garden the most.

What is the minimum temperature for sowing grass seeds? The ideal time to plant grass is when the air temperature is around 50F/10C degrees and the soil temperature is 46F/8C degrees in a 24 hour period. It is therefore recommended not to sow if the soil temperature drops below 46F/8C degrees. The most important thing to remember is to try to do your planting approximately 45 days before the first expected frost of the season, so that the grass has time to develop well before winter.

Also read: Complete Guide: How to Choose the Best Grass Seed for Your Lawn?

How to Prepare the Soil Before Sowing Grass Seeds?

Preparing the soil is a very important step if you want to plant grass seeds in October. Start by raking the soil and making it loose. In the meantime, try to remove any remaining weeds and rocks. It is also recommended to level the soil very well by walking on it and then repeat raking. Work on the soil texture too: it needs to be fine and crumbly enough for seeding. Specialists in the field recommend enriching the soil with organic matter or using fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients for seedlings.

What you can also do is test the pH of the soil using a soil test, which is generally the easiest way. The ideal pH for good grass germination is between 6.2 and 7. Depending on the results obtained, you can take the necessary steps to lower or raise the pH to the recommended levels.

Also read: What to Plant after Tomatoes in Fall?

How to Plant Grass Seeds in 3 Simple Steps?

Once you’ve prepared the soil, it’s time to start your seedlings. Here’s how to do it easily and quickly, step by step:

The first step for simple planting is to spread the seeds evenly: Do this by hand if it’s a small plot, or use a hand-held spreader. Be careful not to put too many seeds too close together as this can lead to weakened lawn. The recommended amount is approximately 16 grass seeds per approximately 2-3 inches/ 6-7 cm of soil.

The seeds should not be covered with a thick layer of soil, because this will prevent them from geminating: 0.1 inch/0.5 cm is the ideal recommended thickness. You can also use mulch enriched with fertilizer to keep the soil moist longer and provide the seedlings with the necessary nutrients.

Water your seedlings frequently to keep the seed beds moist, but lightly until the grass reaches a height of approximately 2 inches/5 cm. Then water regularly.

How to Care for Grass Seedlings?

Knowing how to properly care for the seedlings you have just planted in the ground is essential for the good germination of your lawn. As explained a little earlier in the article, keeping the soil moist is an essential condition for your lawn to grow healthy and beautiful. Germination will generally take between two and four weeks during which you should water the seedlings at least once a day. Continue in this way until the lawn reaches a height of 1 inch/2 cm. Once the grass has grown and established itself, it is essential to feed it using a lawn fertilizer and remove all weeds regularly.