Don't Wait til Spring to Seed Your Lawn--Do It Now

Fall is the best time for renovating and seeding cool-season lawns.  The cooler weather and more rainfall makes it a good time.  If you wait until spring to seed, the newly established tall fescue lawn will not survive the heat and drought period in summer.  You didn't give the grass enough time to establish.  So don't delay seed in the fall.


The optimum air temperatures for tall fescue germination are 68 to 77 F and the soil temperature greater than 60 F.  It is important to do it as early in the fall as possible in order to get these optimum conditions.


To get accurate liming and fertilization requirements, performing a soil test is recommended.  A general suggestion for a yearly nitrogen application is approximately 1 lb of nitrogen fertilizer per 1,000 square feet of lawn.  A soil test is highly recommended if you haven't done so.   


Also, mow at a proper height (3.5") to allow the fescue to mature before winter.  


The McDowell County Center has a publication, "Carolina Lawns" with information about cultivars appropriate for this area and other good management practices for your lawn.  

Fall Extension Gardener

The Fall edition of the Extension Gardener is now available to view online! If you would like to sign up to receive this newsletter by e-mail or mail, please contact Jane McDaniel at 828-652-8104 or jane_mcdaniel@ncsu.edu

2011 Fall Extension Gardener

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