Types of Grass Seed

A front yard without a lawn can look very bare. But growing and maintaining a lawn seems like a very tiring prospect, especially if you are short on time and help.

To address this particular need, plenty of grass hybrids and cultivars have been developed, allowing you to pick one as per your requirements. Grass seeds come with their own individual characteristics, which makes them perfect for different needs.

Grass is a herbaceous plant with narrow leaves, and each blade grows directly from the ground or base. The different species of grass belongs to different families such as Poaceae, Cyperaceae, and Juncaceae.

Grasses used for a lawn, turf, pitch, or field all add either to an ornamental or utility value. Thus many kinds of seeds are available to suit different requirements; from coarse types to much finer, softer grasses.

The different types are classified as per their climatic suitability. Thus, it is very important to understand the climatic conditions of your location. The amount of rainfall, drought, heat, snowfall, and frost all play a role in deciding the type of grass to grow. Grass is basically classified as follows:

• Warm Season: This type of grass does well with lots of heat and sunlight, but tends to brown when temperature drops.
• Cool Season: They do well in cool winters with regular intervals of rain, but do not thrive in very hot weather.
• Transitional Zone: This type is usually a combination or a mixture of the two above.

Warm Season : Buffalograss, Carpetgrass, Zoysiagrass, Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass.

Cool Season :  Perennial Ryegrass, Annual Ryegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Red Fescue, Bentgrass, Rough Bluegrass.

Transitional Zone : Thermal Blue, Tall Fescue, Perennial Ryegras, Zoysiagrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Bahiagrass.

Once you have chosen the type, it is time to prepare the lawn to sow the seeds. Using seeds is the most inexpensive way to grow grass compared to other methods. Ask the seed vendor to determine the quantity of seeds. For smaller areas, you can sow the seeds by yourself, but larger spaces either need equipment or personnel help.

The time of sowing is determined by the type of seeds. Till the soil and amend the pH balance or fertility by adding the required fertilizers or organic compost. Level the soil by removing all lumps or gravel. Scatter seeds, you can do this with your hands or use a mechanical seed dispenser.

Scatter evenly, crowding or thinning will result in an uneven growth. Once the seeds are scattered, rake lightly to cover, and finally compact the seeds. It is advisable to mulch with straw and water, to speed the germination process. Grass sprigs will sprout within a week or so.

Growing grass well needs regular watering and timely fertilizing, weeding, and mowing. While choosing seeds, pay attention to its intended use, climate, and environmental adaptability (temperature, rainfall, and exposure to sunlight).