Late summer over-seeding is just around the corner and that means it’s time to order your grass seed! In the Northeast, the ideal window for over-seeding is mid-August to late September. Late summer conditions are ideal for seedling growth. The days are warm, the nights are cool and soil temperatures are consistently above 50°F. Accordingly, ordering seed NOW will ensure supply for when you need it.
In all-natural organic turf care, thick grass, diverse species, and a tall canopy are the best defense against weeds and heavy sports use.
Seed Blends
Unpredictable environmental conditions have called for changes in traditional turf grass maintenance practices. The newer trend to over-seed with more Turf Type Tall Fescue than Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass is due to its drought and heat tolerance. We believe it is important to realize that TTTF competes best in high percentage seed blends (70% or greater). For already established lawns and fields, we recommend overseeding with 70/20/10 or 80/10/10 (TTTF/KB/RYE) to create a more diverse turf surface that can withstand unpredictable environmental conditions.
Diverse turf stands will give you the most resilient lawn or field – for example PJC’s “High Performance” field standard calls for a minimum of three overseeds per year, each using a different blend to maximize turf performance at different times in the year. Spring (100% Perennial Rye) Late Summer (70/20/10 or 80/10/10 TTTF/KB/RYE) followed by Early Fall (50/50 KB/RYE) Aim to have all seed on the ground before October 1.
Choosing Grass Seed
When choosing grass seed, – germination time, soil temperatures, cultural practices, soil conditions and field use are critical to your results. Want the best chance of germination and establishment before the winter freeze? PJC Organic premium blends have been evaluated and developed using the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP).
Take a look at PJC’s breakdown of cool-season grass characteristics and identify which types suit your needs best.
Common Cool-Season Grasses
Cool-season grasses do best in the Northeast. Shoots begin developing in the temperature range of 60°to 75°F. Roots develop at temperatures of 50°to 65°F. There is no one best cool – season grass variety. A blend of turf grass varieties will do best based on site conditions.
Kentucky Bluegrass – KB
Shade Tolerance: Poor
Drought Tolerance: Poor
Heat Tolerance: Fair
Wear Tolerance: Good
Compaction Tolerance: Medium – High
Germination Rate: Slow (21 – 28 days spring, 10 – 14 days late summer)
Feeding Need: Highest
Common blends: 50/50(KB/RYE). 80/20 (KB/RYE)
Perennial Ryegrass – PR
Shade Tolerance: Poor
Drought Tolerance: Poor
Heat Tolerance: Fair
Wear Tolerance: Good
Compaction Tolerance: High
Germination Rate: Fast (5 – 7 days)
Feeding Need: Average
Common blends: 80/20 (RYE/KB) 100%(TRI RYE)
Turf Type Tall Fescue – TTTF
Shade Tolerance: Good
Drought Tolerance: Very Good
Heat Tolerance: Good
Wear Tolerance: Good
Compaction Tolerance: Medium
Germination Rate: Medium (10 – 14 days)
Feeding Need: Average
Common blends: 70/20/10, 80/10/10 (TTTF/KB/RYE), or 80/20 (TTTF/KB)
Fine Fescue – FF (in short supply 2022)
Shade Tolerance: Excellent
Drought Tolerance: Very Good
Heat Tolerance: Fair
Wear Tolerance: Low
Compaction Tolerance: Low
Germination Rate: Medium (10 – 14 days)
Feeding Need: Low
Reach out for more info on how our grass seed can take your turf to the next level.
