There’s nothing quite like walking barefoot on a lush green lawn! How do you get a beautiful lawn? By using the best grass seed, of course! Having a thriving lawn starts with the right seed selection. It is important to first know your climate and the specific needs of your grass. Research grass varieties that thrive in your area’s climate and suit your lifestyle (e.g. shade tolerance, traffic tolerance). Target bare spots by focusing your seeding efforts in areas where you want new grass to grow. With proper care, your chosen seeds will germinate and establish a healthy lawn for you to enjoy and one that boosts your curb appeal.
For those pining for a lush green lawn, you’re about to be one step closer to achieving it. Our StudyFinds researchers have compiled a list from ten expert websites to present the seven best grass seed mixes. Have other product recommendations? Let us know in the comments below!
The List: Best Grass Seeds, According to Lawn Experts
1. Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Sun and Shade Mix
Scotts is a popular choice for grass seed, known for its consistent quality and variety, Traditional Gardening says. This brand offers a range of seed options to meet the needs of the size of your lawn and growing conditions (sun or shade). Scotts’ seeds feature a water-absorbing coating that helps with germination and protects seedlings. This coating can also contribute to consistent color retention across your lawn. The versatility of these seeds makes them suitable for planting new lawns or repairing patchy areas.
Every yard is made up of varying degrees of shade and moisture. Therefore when seeding a whole yard, it is important to have a grass seed designed as a mix to meet the needs of the overall yard. No wonder Better Homes and Gardens votes Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Sun and Shade Mix as the best overall grass seed! This mix combines several cool-season grasses like perennial ryegrass, fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass – all ideal for creating a lush, green lawn in northern climates. The blend boasts fine blades for a beautiful, dense carpet of green. It performs well in full sun (ideally four to eight hours daily) but stays green even in partial or dense shade. The special coating also includes fertilizer for faster growth and protects against disease. The seeds are tough too! This mix is resistant to drought, insects, and foot traffic. Expect sprouts in five to 10 days, with ryegrass emerging first. For optimal results, plant when temperatures range from 60°F to 80°F.
Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Sun and Shade Mix is designed for resilience, offering a variety of benefits for your lawn. It can continue growing during dry conditions, including droughts, reports Sumo Gardener. Bare patches in your lawn can be easily filled in to repair damaged areas. This mix also blends seamlessly with existing turf, creating a uniform look. The mulch coating is infused with nutrients, providing essential nourishment for strong root development in seedlings.
2. Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed
Looking to have a lush lawn in the northern United States? This cool-season grass seed mix from Jonathan Green is formulated for your climate! It thrives in full sun to partial shade. For best results, avoid use in areas of dense shade. According to The Spruce, it is perfect for gardeners in most northern regions. Once established, your lawn will be tolerant of high traffic. Remember that cool-season grasses, like in this mix, may go dormant during extreme summer and winter temperatures. Germination is quick, with sprouts appearing in one to two weeks. Hold off on mowing until the grass reaches at least three inches tall. For optimal results, plant this mix in mid-August to October, with spring planting as needed.
Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed was the Best Home Gear’s editor’s choice and voted the best overall seed mix. It offers a winning combination of Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and black beauty tall fescue. This blend is specifically formulated to cultivate a deep, luxurious green lawn, adding richness and color to your landscape. Known for its versatility, the blend thrives in various growing zones, including clay soil. This durable seed mix boasts drought and disease resistance providing for a healthy lawn.
The ideal season for planting a cool-season grass blend like Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra is when the soil temperature reaches 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The seeds are coated in wax to protect against drought and disease, making them suitable for reseeding or new planting. A seven-pound bag can cover over 2,800 square feet, making it perfect for larger lawn spaces or multiple uses, notes Bob Vila.
3. Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Sun and Shade
For a hassle-free way to achieve a lush green lawn, Cappuccino Oracle recommends using Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Sun and Shade. This innovative seeding mix guarantees success in growing grass anywhere, as long as it is properly cared for. The combination of high-performance seed, continuous-release lawn food, and super-absorbent growing material allows for grass to thrive in various conditions, including full sun, dense shade, high-traffic areas, and slopes. This product is also a great option for repairing bare spots in your lawn.
According to Best Reviews, the combination of mulch, fertilizer, and seed creates a dynamic blend that, given proper care, guarantees the successful sprouting of lush grass in diverse environments. The mulch component can absorb six times its weight in water, providing essential moisture for the seeds to germinate and develop. Additionally, the controlled-release fertilizer included in the mix supports the seedlings by supplying the necessary nutrients to encourage healthy growth and robust grass coverage.
Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Sun and Shade is a reliable grass seed that can thrive in various conditions, reports By Retreat. The tackifier included in the mix helps prevent seed runoff on sloped areas of your lawn. The innovative controlled-release fertilizer technology boosts the growth of seedlings, giving them a head start in flourishing. Keep in mind that the ratio of seed to other materials like mulch and fertilizer is on the lower side, meaning you may need to overseed the designated area to achieve optimal results.
4. Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade
This blend of fescue varieties can grow well in shady areas with as little as two hours of sunlight per day. For best results, optimal daily sunlight would be six hours. The Spruce also noted these grass seeds require less water to thrive compared to other seeds of the same type. It can be grown successfully throughout the United States. However, it may turn brown in hot-summer regions but will revive once temperatures cool. The seeds are coated with Pennington’s calcium-nitrate fertilizer for quick sprouting, with green sprouts appearing in one to two weeks. It is best to sow this grass seed in early spring or fall.
Growing grass in shaded areas can be difficult, but this product is perfect for such conditions, says Better Homes and Gardens. It is made up of a mixture of tall fescue and fine fescue, which are more suitable for shade than other grass types. It is resistant to drought, making it a water-efficient option. Once it is established, researchers have carefully designed the Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade to conserve water by requiring up to 30% less water than traditional grass seeds. The seeds are coated with calcium nitrate for moisture retention and essential nutrients, leading to faster germination and greener growth. Despite being cool-season grasses, Pennington claims that this grass can thrive throughout the United States. It can be used to fill in bare spots in your lawn or to seed a new one. Plus, it is designed to be durable despite foot traffic and diseases.
Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade Mix has been meticulously designed to surpass other shade blends, according to Sumo Gardener. After years of research, Pennington has utilized innovative technology to develop eco-friendly, drought-tolerant, and high-quality seeds. This seed incorporates Penkote technology in every package, boosting seedling success for vibrant, healthy plants throughout the year. This blend creates a low-maintenance, fine-textured lawn that is resistant to diseases. Additionally, the upgraded seed varieties in Pennington Smart Seed ensure exceptional growth in shady areas. Custom seed mixes tailored to each region in the country are available, allowing you to confidently plant the perfect seed for your specific location.
5. Pennington Smart Seed Sun and Shade Grass Mix
This durable blend consists of tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and fine fescue seeds. These are designed to thrive in both sunny and partially shaded areas. The ideal sunlight requirement for this seed is four to six hours, advises Best Reviews. Formulated with disease resistance and drought tolerance, this mix is enhanced with fertilizers for better growth. Each bag of Pennington mix comes with a guarantee for successful growth with proper care.
Pennington Smart Seed Sun and Shade Grass Mix is noted for being insect and fungus-resistant. Whether you need to patch up bare spots or establish a whole new lawn, this blend thrives in varying amounts of sun and shade. Best Home Gear reports that this seed sprouts rapidly in one to two weeks and thrives in a range of climates.
Cappuccino Oracle recommends this mix for those seeking to cultivate a vibrant and thriving lawn. It is designed with a perfect balance of fertilizer for healthy growth. The blend of different grass types promotes uniform growth that results in a lusher lawn. This product also requires 30% less water compared to other seed mixes.
6. Scotts Turf Builder Thick’R Lawn Grass Seed
Looking for a product that is specially formulated to promote the growth of strong, resilient grass? Try Scotts’ Thick’R Lawn Grass Seed. Bob Vila shares how it simplifies the reseeding process with a three-in-one solution by combining fertilizer, seed, and soil improver in one convenient package. This premium blend increases the likelihood of successful germination and growth, making it easier to establish a lush lawn. With a mix of drought- and shade-tolerant grass seed, this product offers a hassle-free way to revive and maintain your lawn. Just rake, spread the seed, water every day, and let nature take care of the rest.
This product is ideal for those desiring a lusher, more vibrant lawn with stronger roots. By Retreats reports that you can achieve up to a 50% thicker lawn with just one application, but results may vary depending on the condition of your lawn. This product includes grass seed to fill in bare spots, fertilizer for healthier grass, and soil improvement to promote root growth. Keep in mind that you may need to water more frequently for the first couple of weeks after application to ensure the soil stays moist. It is important to follow the instructions closely to get the best results.
Best Home Gear acclaims that this blend “is a secret lawncare weapon any novice homeowner should keep handy.” Scott’s Thick’R Lawn grass seed is a top choice for overseeding and preventing weed growth. It excels in both sunny and shaded areas, making it ideal for any application. It is suitable for all growing zones and typically sprouts in just one to two weeks.
7. Jonathan Green Fast Grow Grass Seed
Appropriately named for their speedy growth, these seeds are ideal for quick fixes to repair damaged areas or bare spots. They thrive in a variety of conditions, including shade and sun. Once fully grown, this grass boasts good insect resistance and durability. While there may be concerns about longevity, the grass’s rapid germination is certainly a notable feature, reports Traditional Gardening.
Jonathan Green Fast Grow Grass Seed Mix includes insect-resistant grass varieties, eliminating concerns about bugs damaging your lawn. Another benefit is that it can promote the growth of lush green grass while revitalizing a lawn that has been overrun by weeds. Sumo Gardener notes that regular watering is crucial, especially during hot weather, as this mix does not guarantee heat or drought tolerance. The seeds can germinate in as little as seven to ten days so you’ll quickly be on your way to a great-looking lawn.
Need grass seed for a lawn in a Northern or Transitional climate? This blend is for you. If your lawn has been affected by lack of water during the winter or you need to fill in bare spots in your yard, it is crucial to choose a grass seed with fast germination times to help your lawn recover quickly. This seed mix is suitable for both sunny and shady areas, making it a great choice for overseeding or starting new lawns in different conditions. Best Home Gear found this seed to be ideal for those who struggle to grow grass in their yards.
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