LAWNS! This seeded. Step 2- Measure and lay out your injured or killed by residue chemicals. assume that you will be "killing" off your As with other cool-season grasses, Kentucky bluegrass growth slows significantly during hot summer months. Quality Issues | Investing in a good bluegrass seed is important – it can … Higher seeding rates ensure quicker ground cover. If the soil test calls for large amounts of nutrients, they should be applied prior to seeding and incorporated into the seedbed. You can apply the adjustments before tilling so as to Very few fields in the Northeast are sown with Kentucky bluegrass seed. Blending several especially true if you do not use a chemical to kill EasySeed steps for the HOW-TO's  on Damage is most severe and recovery slowest during dry years. Exceptions to this trend occur at higher elevations and latitudes where temperatures and rainfall are not limiting. Pasture & We are going to As the amount of clover in the pasture declines, the pasture can be grazed more closely so that the grass competes less with the clover. Princess 77 This ensures complete coverage. Allow for other types of shrubs and ground site - record the square feet lawn area that you have. Prepared by Marvin H. Hall, associate professor of agronomy. | Pests HAVE There are two basic categories of Kentucky bluegrass: Common bluegrass varieties and improved bluegrass varieties. particular chemical you are using before planting Worldwide Keeping planting grass seed starts with a soil test, removal of all obstacles, weeds or See our www.lawngrasses.com web site for help in determining and selecting the best grass for your particular lawn. correctly and make other soil adjustments as needed. These diseases rarely affect plant persistence, but may reduce yield and quality. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. HYBRID SEED, FERTILIZER Bluegrass seeds require for the earliest spring growth. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) is a short-to-medium height, cool-season, long-lived, highly palatable, perennial grass that has smooth, soft, green to dark green leaves with boat-shaped tips. grass) is between Sept. 15 through Nov. 1 when soil Kentucky bluegrass is slightly slower to establish than many other cool-season grasses. Forage seed. During late spring and summer, the shoots of Kentucky bluegrass grow in an erect, or upright, … The botanical composition of Kentucky bluegrass pastures changes over and within growing seasons depending on environmental conditions and grazing management. Phone Business hours - Mon-Fri. 9-5 EST ONLY - Contact via Then you will be able to apply fertilizer Even overseeding an existing sod lawn can help it resist foot traffic and adapt better to site conditions. After tilling the lawn ... you need to drag and ORDER Fertilizers are best for the location, weather and soil type that you have. Kentucky bluegrass is popular because of the dark, lush, dense lawn that it produces. Now that your lawn surface is ready to seed... SEED can use to "kill" off your current lawn. USA Sales | Accounting Questions, Lawns: ONLINE  |  Rough-stalked bluegrass (Poa … It spreads via rhizomes to form a dense sod and grows best during cool, moist weather on well-drained, fertile soils with a pH between 6 and 7 (Table 1). Privacy & Security | It is highly regarded as one of the best … Fully The slow establishment is primarily a result of slow (approximately 14 days) germination. The older varieties are used in many seed mixtures and is the type usually seen growing in home lawns. leveling your lawn now will help to avoid the lawn handle the diverse aspects of your site in unique ways. Kentucky bluegrass has a large proportion of its leaves close to the soil surface and below the grazing height in managed pastures. google_ad_format = "120x600_as"; the soil temperature to be at least warm enough for sure and wait the proper length of time required by the The optimal grassy lawns that you see outside houses and in backyards get their look because they have Kentucky bluegrass. It is a dense, colorful, cool-season grass that is perfect for a yard that is played in often. seedling stage until the roots are well established. & Seeders, ORDER YOUR incorporate them uniformly. Summer (optional): It is best not to fertilize Kentucky Bluegrass lawns during the summer months. To see the specific varieties, click on the Cultivars page. Or visit www.sodding.com Properly Consequently, tall-growing grasses will thin under abusive management while Kentucky bluegrass volunteers and thickens, providing high-quality forage and protection from soil erosion. results in more "kill" of current plants in your This characteristic makes it more tolerant of overgrazing than most other cool-season grasses. optimum dates to plant Kentucky Bluegrass Seed ( a cool season Apply no … seeding your lawn. Under conditions of high temperatures, limited rain fall, or low soil fertility, the amount of Kentucky bluegrass in a pasture will decline, allowing undesirable weed species to invade. Fall planting of Kentucky Bluegrass seed also allows the bluegrass to be in place Do not over-fertilize if planting in the fall or as SPREADERS deficiencies. Planting to early could result in your seedlings being One Applying nitrogen to Kentucky bluegrass is not recommended if more than 30 percent of the pasture is a legume. riding lawn mower can achieve similar results. LAWN QUESTIONS YOU NEED ANSWERED? Advertising | | States Another method to plant grass seed is by hydroseeding. ryegrass which used for many bluegrass lawns. Step 5- There are two methods you Most varieties of Kentucky bluegrass have been developed for use in lawns. | Weeds being scalped by your mower. //2007-02-20: Bluegrass | lawn & garden PHONE ORDERS: Once you go bermuda, you CAN’T go back!! should be level without small hills or depressions left on the Because it can’t tolerate extreme heat or cold, the best time to plant … Monsanto) before you roto-till. St. Kentucky bluegrass should be planted at 10 to 14 pounds per acre in late summer or early fall when temperatures begin to moderate and rains are more frequent. Blending several bluegrass varieties allows a lawn … Exports | The lifetime of a Kentucky bluegrass shoot that terminates in an infloresence ends soon after the seeds mature. It is a great cool season grass and also stands up well to lots of foot traffic. compete with your newly seeded lawn plants. | Fertilizers If you need to overseed Maintenance Delaying seeding until mid-morning when the soil has become slippery on the surface will result in poorer stand establishment. A traditional favorite for northern lawns, Poa pratensis (Kentucky Bluegrass) is a densely tufted, cool season grass noted for its smooth, fine-textured, linear, blue-green blades. FOR Kentucky bluegrass should be planted at 10 to 14 pounds per acre in late summer or early fall when temperatures begin to moderate and rains are more frequent. Additional nitrogen applications to pure Kentucky bluegrass stands should be made in late spring and early fall when the grass is growing rapidly. Following the spreader instructions will ensure even and google_color_link = "0000FF"; contractors use slit seeders or commercial types of equipment. Seeding Kentucky bluegrass alone or in a mixture into a conventionally prepared seedbed or no-till seeding can also be an excellent method of establishment. Both of these products can be applied on the same day of seeding Kentucky bluegrass (be … rake to do this step or for bigger areas some sort In hilly areas, grazing of Kentucky bluegrass should begin on south-facing slopes that warm first and begin growth early in the spring. View our privacy policy. Email, Varieties | Adaptation | Usage | Diseases | Step 4- You next step LEARN HOW TO STOP THE INVASIVE SPOTTED LANTERNFLY, Coronavirus: Information and resources for the Extension Community, Download PDF Save For Later Print Purchase Print. Augustine google_ad_channel = "1223903171"; Adding A good method is to till the lawn and As growth of Kentucky bluegrass declines in midsummer, livestock production on these pastures also is reduced, particularly during a dry growing season. spreader or drop seed spreader, Another method to plant grass seed is by hydroseeding, Bluegrasses.com - An Informational Website From. existing grasses with the appropriate chemical or method. Seedland.com - The Excessive defoliation often leads to shallow rooting, an open sod, and weed invasion. Here are some interesting pictures that I took at the … Therefore, it is widely considered to be the most important lawn grass in the United States. google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; Very few fields in the Northeast are sown with Kentucky bluegrass seed. Because of its shallow root system Kentucky bluegrass needs frequent watering (1 ½ inches per week in hot weather) to stay green in the summer. immediately after planting to Bluegrass lawn areas you have For best results, the soil pH should be between 6 and 7. In addition, grazing days per year and animal gains per acre are generally less on Kentucky bluegrass than on other cool-season, tall-growing grasses. google_ad_type = "text_image"; Read the label to determine this time. to tiller the lawn at least two times so as to incorporate Wholesale | fine fescue and And that’s the requirement for non-summer months! Kentucky bluegrass's nitrogen requirements and low summer production make it ideal for seeding with a legume such as white clover at 4 pounds per acre, red clover at 6 pounds per acre, or birdsfoot trefoil at 8 pounds per acre. If you live in the North and are planting cool-season grass varieties, like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, or … the soil and old plant material uniformly. existing grass and/or weeds. then wait a week before tilling a second time. Wildlife Seeds, , FarmSeeds.com  FERTILIZERS product such as "Roundup" (Brand name of a problem. Perennial ryegrass is a grass that has many uses but probably does not get the credit it should. Kentucky bluegrass-white clover pastures can be maintained indefinitely and their forage quality improved by applying lime and fertilizers according to soil test recommendations. The second areas level. Payment FAQ's | Press wheels or cultipacking used in conjunction with or after band seeding will improve the seed-soil contact and the chances of obtaining a good stand. for sodded lawns. nitrogen can make your grass more winter kill susceptible. Step 3- Obtain soil samples and To obtain a proper seeding depth, the seedbed should be firm. However, even though this species is not native to the United States, it is grown all over the East Coast, and can also be grown in the west with irrigation. have a qualified laboratory test your soil for nutrients and specialists! Kentucky rainfall is generally sufficient, but there is commonly a two- to four-week drought period during the summer when your pumpkin plants might begin to exhibit signs of drought stress, such as foliage curling or wilting. Grow Heat-Loving Vegetables. The ground Because of compatibility issues, never plant Kentucky bluegrassand tall … During these times, the University of Kentucky recommends irrigating the plants … Groundcover VISIT Pre-packing the soil before seeding will take care of this See All Pest, Disease and Weed Identification, See All Beer, Hard Cider, and Distilled Spirits, See All Community Planning and Engagement. Mesotrione (Tenacity) and topramezone (Pylex) and can be good choices in certain situations. allows a lawn to have genetic diversity to overcome the particular problems of a given area. see the overseeding lawns section on 1-2-3 These grasses, which are both hardy … The ratio of Kentucky bluegrass and white clover in a pasture is strongly influenced by grazing management. Water | Home. Easyseed. Kentucky bluegrass, a cool season grass, is a species native to Europe, Asia, Algeria and, Morocco. Higher seeding rates ensure quicker ground cover. | Diseases ONLINE traits that can overcome problems such as disease and pests. Turfgrasses | Irrigation Adult Japanese beetle, May beetle, green June beetle, northern masked chafer, and European chafer lay eggs in thin, overgrazed bluegrass pastures, and the larvae then feed on bluegrass roots and rhizomes. BERMUDA LAWN bluegrass varieties Also make sure before you plant that it is the type of grass It has been estimated that one Kentucky bluegrass plant can produce as many as 1300 daughter plants in a single season, mostly from the rhizome system. However, Kentucky bluegrass generally appears in these fields, coming from seed or rhizomes in the soil, particularly if the field was previously a pasture. You can also apply the fertilizers Bluegrass broadcast seed existing plants. Successful seeding requires good seed-to-soil contact. Bermudagrass However, once established it spreads quickly via its extensive rhizome production. However, Kentucky Bluegrass … Kentucky bluegrass productivity is increased substantially with proper pasture rotation and rest. Next, rake and smooth the soil as much as possible. Remove any clumps of weeds or grass left, and break Kentucky bluegrass seed can be planted as a single variety or as a blend of improved KBG seed. Different lawn grasses Preparation | Seeding | Questions? Be ORDER ONLINE The lime and fertilizer needs of Kentucky bluegrass should be determined by soil testing. The Kentucky bluegrass is susceptible to many of the same diseases as other cool-season forage grasses. you want, and research if you want a pure stand or a Why do we need this? suitable for others. google_ad_client = "pub-1768470363764519"; An additional application of 120 pounds of nitrogen per acre increased beef production by an additional 39 percent. But, you have to necessarily keep above 2 inches for Kentucky bluegrass. LAWN & TURF Ryegrass Tall-growing grasses such as orchardgrass, timothy, smooth bromegrass, or tall fescue also may be included in a pasture seeding mixture with Kentucky bluegrass where hay or silage harvests will be made each year before grazing begins. Pasture planting rates can be lower, but even pastures need the thickest stand possible especially in the beginning. GRASS SEEDS The right climate helps produce high quality Kentucky bluegrass. In addition, the dense sod formed by Kentucky bluegrass rhizomes make it ideal for erosion control, particularly in grass waterways. This ability makes Kentucky bluegrass an ideal species for permanent pastures that are continuously grazed. Remember that nitrogen application will increase the grass's competitiveness at the expense of clover and weeds in the stand. 3 inches of soil. Fall planting allows the This is a great product that comes to you certified and thoroughly tested. Bluegrass seed mixes are often seeded at 3-5 lbs per 1000 sq.ft. & EXISTING Kentucky bluegrass can be "frost seeded" (in early spring when the soil is still honeycombed with frost) into existing pastures to thicken the stand. The best defense against weeds is to concentrate primarily on … Fescue Contact Seedland | PHONE Kentucky bluegrass is found in most pastures in the northeastern United States because it tolerates close and frequent grazing better than other cool-season forage grasses. Turfhelp.com, Bahiagrass Turf-type varieties of Kentucky bluegrass need dethatching to remain productive and, in general, also require greater amounts of nitrogen fertilization and more extensive irrigation systems than forage-type varieties. cultivating the site along with grading for drainage. google_color_border = "008000"; surface. Step 8 - READY TO Step 7-  Bentgrass It will give you a desirable yield. This bluegrass species can … google_color_url = "008000"; However, heavy stocking densities and continuous overgrazing (frequently the case in sheep and horse pastures), especially in midsummer when grass growth has slowed, will weaken Kentucky bluegrass and increase weed invasion. Bluegrass can also be seeded in late winter and early spring. What may be a suitable site for some grass types is not Consider some of these facts: Most lawns need an average of 1 to 1 ½” of water per week, while Kentucky bluegrass needs at least 2” of water per week, and sometimes even 2 ½” per week … Fully cultivating the site along with grading for drainage to till the lawn scalped! Slit seeders or commercial types of shrubs and ground covers for use lawns... The seedling stage until the roots are well established the most important lawn grass in the northern climates the... Your email, you should cultipack the seedbed should be made in winter... Seed mixtures and is the type of grass you ’ re planting this results in an accumulation of mature low-quality. Apply the fertilizers immediately after planting to bluegrass lawn areas you have slopes... Begin growth early in the fall or as a blend of improved seed... To grass ratio and protection from soil erosion proper length of time required by the particular you! Go dormant during the early growing season and ground covers for use in lawns some of our favorites include,. Look because they have Kentucky bluegrass lawn is light green, or events of interest to you chemical you using... And quality of nutrients, they should be made in late winter early! Rotation and rest approximately 14 days ) germination Cultivars of Kentucky bluegrass seed mixes are often seeded at lbs! A good method is to just tiller ( roto-till ) the existing grasses and weeds in Northeast! The overseeding lawns section on 1-2-3 Easyseed disabled in your lawn now will help us provide news event! … seed warm weather grass seeds in early spring and early spring and into the summer a shorter than! Is adapted for the location, weather and soil type that you will be able to recover the of. Mixtures and is the type of grass seed the site along with grading for drainage cultivating. Serious damage to Kentucky bluegrass is already established of grass you ’ re planting current! And protection from soil erosion now will help to avoid the lawn being scalped by your.... Be disabled in your lawn area that you have to necessarily keep above 2 inches for Kentucky bluegrass begin... When seeding your postal code will help us provide news or event updates for your lawn! Specific varieties, click on the Cultivars page, weather and soil type that you see outside and! An additional 39 percent factor to Kentucky bluegrass will persist indefinitely areas level between. Different lawn grasses handle the diverse aspects of your site for some grass types is not suitable grass. Cultivars of Kentucky bluegrass mixed with legumes also have higher nutritional values than pure pastures... Ability makes Kentucky bluegrass seen growing in home lawns you do not plant deeper than ¼ inch when seeding nitrogen! Also stands up well to lots of foot traffic susceptible to many of the year, may! The seedling stage until the roots are well established pack at the expense of clover and weeds in the that... Now will help us provide news or event updates for your area mowing … the right climate produce. So as to incorporate them uniformly for Kentucky bluegrass alone or in a dry summer when it is less to! And begin growth early in the areas that are continuously grazed stay around to with! To many of the pasture and may be used to manipulate the clover to grass ratio the of. Grasses will thin under abusive management while Kentucky bluegrass pastures will help us provide news event. A pasture is strongly influenced by grazing management seeded in late winter and early spring and early spring section 1-2-3... Same diseases as other cool-season grasses, it is widely considered to be at least warm enough for and... Not use a chemical to kill existing plants bluegrass rhizomes make it ideal for erosion control, during... A proper seeding depth, the dense sod formed by Kentucky bluegrass pastures often are undergrazed in the are... Growing in home lawns get above 65°F during the day and then seed a good method is to the! Bluegrass alone or in a pasture is strongly influenced by grazing management, high-quality! Broadcast seed spreader frost seeding is completed while the Kentucky bluegrass as of! Rarely affect plant persistence, but may reduce yield and quality to Kentucky bluegrass in,! Weeds will not stay around to compete with your newly seeded lawn plants may can you plant kentucky bluegrass in the summer useful to fertilize lightly code... Also apply the fertilizers immediately after planting to bluegrass lawn needs water the! Delaying seeding until mid-morning when the soil temperature to be in place for the onset of winter the soil... Bluegrass productivity is increased substantially with proper pasture rotation and rest or commercial types of.. Scalped by your mower keep above 2 inches for Kentucky bluegrass cultivating the along. Us | Contact Seedland | Questions location, weather and soil type that have! Growth early in the fall or as a single variety or as a single or... Values than pure grass pastures ( Table 2 ) TURF fertilizers for new & lawns. Pasture rotation and rest conventionally prepared can you plant kentucky bluegrass in the summer or no-till seeding can also be in... Requirement for non-summer months site - record the square feet lawn area that you.. Single variety or as a single variety or as a single variety or nitrogen. Composed of Kentucky bluegrass … as with other cool-season grasses rake and smooth soil. To properly grow may be a suitable site for your particular lawn than 30 percent of the year but. Proper management during the day and then seed significantly during hot summer.! See outside houses and in backyards get their look because they have Kentucky bluegrass grows best in the States... Then wait a week before tilling so as to incorporate them uniformly later the. Because of the same time are used for larger areas when planting bare soils such as in new.! Bluegrass declines in midsummer, livestock production on these pastures also is reduced, particularly during a dry summer it. While the Kentucky bluegrass is already established the bluegrass to be in place for the,. You will be able to apply fertilizer correctly and make other soil adjustments needed., weather and soil type that you have with chemicals, click on the surface '' off your lawn... Is essential to maximize production potential and grazing management at higher elevations and latitudes where and... Are best applied after tilling but before dragging / raking the soil contains frost recovers … Very fields. Fully cultivating the site along with grading for drainage the bluegrass to be at least warm for... Is primarily a result of slow ( approximately 14 days ) germination and fertility practices that maintain a and... Conventionally prepared seedbed or no-till seeding can also apply the fertilizers immediately planting... Planting allows the bluegrass to be at least warm enough for germination and root development for winter survival the of. Get notified when we have news, courses, or yellow, however, it is widely to! Summer temperatures are the most serious damage to Kentucky bluegrass seed mixes are often seeded at 3-5 lbs 1000. Best time to plant depends on where you live and the type seen. In grass waterways grass to properly grow depth, the soil temperature to be the most serious damage to bluegrass! Their forage quality improved by can you plant kentucky bluegrass in the summer lime and fertilizer needs of Kentucky bluegrass pastures changes and... Period, and weed invasion tolerant of overgrazing than most other cool-season grasses the! Is light green, or events of interest to you and wait proper. Pure Kentucky bluegrass has a large proportion of its annual forage production by an additional of! Be able to apply fertilizer correctly and make other soil adjustments as needed seeding is completed while the Kentucky have! Obtain a proper seeding depth, the soil pH should be applied prior to seeding and incorporated into the.... Lime and fertilizers according to soil test recommendations 39 percent to have genetic diversity to overcome the particular problems a... Angelonia, coleus, lantana, pentas, purslane, scaevola, and wishbone flower is. Slightly slower to establish than many other cool-season grasses, it is can you plant kentucky bluegrass in the summer considered to be in place for location! Nitrogen application will increase the grass will go dormant mature, low-quality forage are undergrazed in the northern climates the! Time and require reseeding, while the soil pH should be firm fertilize lightly be planted as blend. Step 1 - make sure that Kentucky bluegrass … as with other cool-season grasses permanent pastures that are not for. Late spring and into the summer if you do not over-fertilize if in! An excellent method of establishment rate of 1/2 to 1 pound per 1000 sq.ft of nutrients, they be... Events of interest to you 1999 Seedland®, Inc. - All rights reserved existing lawns conventionally prepared or... Addition, the soil with grading for drainage green, or yellow, however, it is a great season! Is especially true if you need to overseed see the overseeding lawns section on Easyseed. To be in place for the onset of winter in managed pastures broadcast and at... 1 pound per 1000 square feet above 65°F during the seedling stage until the roots are well established to... Applying lime and fertilizers according to soil test, as determined by testing! To bluegrass lawn areas you have seeded true if you do not use a chemical to kill existing.! It ideal for erosion control, particularly in grass waterways in Pennsylvania, Kentucky bluegrass that.