Growing Grass

49erinnc

Platinum Member
Feb 10, 2004
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I live in southern NC and the projections for the next week or so are highs in the low/mid 70's and lows in the low/mid 50's. Is it too early to put down just some basic Tall Fescue (Kentucky 31) (with some Bermuda overseeding) now? This isn't the Turf Builder stuff that needs the extreme heat to germinate, yet I don't want to spend a day of seeding, only to have it remain dormant for several more weeks.

I just have a few areas out back that the dogs tore up so I'm trying to reestablish that ASAP. Is is likely warm enough here to get Fescue to germinate or should I wait until the ground temps are higher?
 

farmercal

Golden Member
Mar 23, 2000
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It has to be a certain temperature for an extended time before germination can take place (not sure of exact temp but it's on the package). I put some seed in the ground and forgot about last year and three weeks later the grass started coming up. Just plant it and wait.
 

rudder

Lifer
Nov 9, 2000
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You missed the best time for seeding by 5 months. But do it now before it gets too hot and the ground gets real dry.

EDIT: Oh and a lot of people make the mistake of putting down weed and feed at the same time as the seed. If you do it anywhere close, the seed will not germinate.
 

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
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Originally posted by: rudder
You missed the best time for seeding by 5 months. But do it now before it gets too hot and the ground gets real dry.

EDIT: Oh and a lot of people make the mistake of putting down weed and feed at the same time as the seed. If you do it anywhere close, the seed will not germinate.

agreed.

best to seed in the fall.

But you should be OK. Keep weed and feed or anything with a pre-emergent out of there. Once it germinates you can use some liquid fertilizer if you like to give it a boost.

definately not to early, do it this weekend.

put some seed down and cover with a very light coat of topsoil

water heavily.
 

49erinnc

Platinum Member
Feb 10, 2004
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Thanks for the tips. We've had some late freezes here lately so I was just worried about seeding too soon and having to keep dogs off it longer than necessary. Calling for light rain tonight/tomorrow morning so I think I'll put it out tomorrow when the ground should be soft. I have a bunch of topsoil to help coat, as well as a bunch of straw. Haven't put out any weed/feed or fertilizer in this area yet. Just out front where the grass is fine but with some crabgrass and clover scattered about. Seems to be working because I've noticed the clover starting to turn yellow.

 

aircooled

Lifer
Oct 10, 2000
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you want to wait untill summer to plant bermuda or other warm seasons grasses (zoysia, etc). early spring or fall for fescue.

 

49erinnc

Platinum Member
Feb 10, 2004
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Originally posted by: mercanucaribe
Do your country a favor and plant native grass.


Bought a 50 lb. bag of Kentucky 31 :)

But I did buy a 1 lb. bag of Bermuda just to overseed with a little bit in hopes of adding some density.
 

classy

Lifer
Oct 12, 1999
15,219
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Yea put the seeds in a mason jar top, with a little dirt and cover with clear plastic, set it in the sun. Once they sprout, plant them and in about 5 months you'll have some really nice bushes..............I just read your post again, oh my fault, you meant real grass, the kind you walk on, oops :eek: