Every green industry professional and most homeowners look forward to the six weeks between September 1 and October 15 each year so they can plant grass seed during this ideal time. It’s ideal because we have warm soil temperatures, shorter days with cooler nights, no weed seed germination and most importantly, steady light fall rains. Unfortunately, the last measurable rainfall we had in the greater Miami Valley area was over Labor Day weekend.
Clients with sprinkler systems have enjoyed great success this fall with their seed installations while those of us without consistent irrigation have struggled with seed germination. While soil temperatures remain fairly warm this fall, our typical safe germination window will soon close and we will once again be at the mercy of Mother Nature.
Our advice has always been to be patient with any seed job attempted by you or by a green industry professional. If your seed is in contact with soil, if the soil temperatures are above 65 degrees, and if you have adequate soil moisture, the seed WILL germinate. It may be tomorrow, it may be next month when we have our Indian summer, or it could even happen next spring. Be patient with your seed, enjoy the beautiful fall temperatures and the colorful turning of the leaves in southern Ohio.
