Knowing when to plant grass in Georgia is the single most important step for a successful lawn. Getting the timing right means your seeds will germinate quickly and establish strong roots before facing extreme heat or cold.
This guide will walk you through the optimal windows for both cool-season and warm-season grasses, which are quite different. We’ll cover preparation, planting steps, and aftercare to ensure your new lawn gets the best possible start.
When to Plant Grass in Georgia
Georgia’s climate is split between the cooler northern mountains and the warmer southern coastal plains. This means your planting schedule depends heavily on your location and, more crucially, the type of grass you choose. Picking the right grass type for your needs is the first critical decision.
For Warm-Season Grasses (Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, St. Augustine)
These are the most common grasses in Georgia, thriving in the summer heat. They go dormant and turn brown after the first hard frost.
* Optimal Planting Time: Late spring through early summer.
* Best Months: May to July
* Why: Soil temperatures need to be consistently above 65°F (70°F+ is ideal) for germination. This gives the grass all summer to grow strong before winter dormancy.
For Cool-Season Grasses (Tall Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass)
These grasses stay green in the cooler months but struggle in Georgia’s intense summer heat. They are typically used in north Georgia or as a temporary winter lawn (overseeding).
* Optimal Planting Time: Early fall.
* Best Months: Late September to November
* Why: The warm soil and cool, moist air of fall are perfect for seed germination. The grass establishes roots through fall and spring before the summer stress hits.
Choosing Your Grass Type for Georgia
Selecting a grass that matches your lawn’s conditions is key. Here’s a quick breakdown of the top contenders.
Bermuda Grass
* Pros: Very drought-tolerant, handles heavy foot traffic, repairs itself quickly.
* Cons: Needs full sun, can be invasive, turns brown in winter.
* Best For: Sunny, high-traffic lawns in central and south Georgia.
Zoysia Grass
* Pros: Tolerates some shade, dense and weed-resistant, good drought tolerance.
* Cons: Slow to establish, can thatch heavily.
* Best For: Homeowners wanting a tough, attractive lawn with a bit of shade.
Centipede Grass
* Pros: Low maintenance, slow-growing (less mowing), prefers acidic soil.
* Cons: Not tolerant of heavy foot traffic, sensitive to over-fertilization.
* Best For: Low-traffic lawns where a simple, low-input grass is desired.
Tall Fescue (Cool-Season)
* Pros: Stays green year-round in north GA, tolerates shade, grows in clumps.
* Cons: Requires more water in summer, can thin out in extreme heat.
* Best For: Lawns in north Georgia or shaded areas where a cool-season option is needed.
Step-by-Step Lawn Planting Guide
Once you’ve picked your grass and timing, follow these steps for the best results.
1. Prepare the Soil
Good soil contact is non-negotiable for seed success. Start by clearing the area of weeds, rocks, and old grass. You can use a non-selective herbicide, but allow time for it to work before seeding.
* Test Your Soil: A soil test from your local UGA Extension office is invaluable. It tells you exactly what nutrients and pH adjustments your soil needs.
* Till the Soil: Loosen the top 4-6 inches of soil to allow for easy root growth.
* Amend and Level: Based on your soil test, add lime (to raise pH) or sulfur (to lower pH). Incorporate compost to improve texture. Rake the area smooth, removing any debris.
2. Plant the Seed or Sod
For seeding, use a broadcast or drop spreader for even coverage. Check the seed bag for the recommended pounds per square foot—don’t guess! Too much seed creates competition; too little leaves bare spots.
* For Seeds: Lightly rake the seed into the top 1/4 inch of soil. Follow with a light rolling with a lawn roller to ensure good soil contact.
* For Sod: Lay strips in a staggered brick-like pattern. Keep seams tight and avoid stretching pieces. Roll the sodded area to remove air pockets.
3. Water Thoroughly and Consistently
This is where many new lawns fail. Your goal is to keep the top inch of soil consistently moist, not soggy.
* First Two Weeks: Water lightly 2-3 times daily to prevent the tiny seeds from drying out.
* After Germination: Reduce frequency but increase depth to encourage deeper roots. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall.
Caring for Your New Lawn
Patience and proper care after planting are crucial. You’ll see sprouts at different times depending on grass type; Bermuda may pop up in 7 days, while Zoysia can take 21.
First Mowing: Wait until the grass reaches about one-third taller than its recommended mowing height. For example, if you mow Bermuda at 2 inches, wait until it’s nearly 3 inches tall. Ensure your mower blade is sharp to avoid tearing tender seedlings.
First Fertilization: Do not fertilize new seedlings at planting. Wait until you have mowed the new grass at least 3-4 times. Then, use a starter fertilizer or one recommended by your soil test to provide a gentle nutrient boost.
Weed Control: Resist using any weed killers until the new grass is well-established and has been mowed several times. This usually takes a full season. Hand-pull weeds initially to avoid damaging your young grass.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
* Planting at the Wrong Time: This is the biggest error. Planting warm-season grass in fall or cool-season grass in late spring sets you up for failure.
* Skipping Soil Prep: Planting on hard, compacted soil yields poor results. Don’t skip the tilling and amending step.
* Inconsistent Watering: Letting seeds dry out even once can ruin germination. Set a schedule and stick too it.
* Using Low-Quality Seed: Always buy fresh, high-quality seed from a reputable source. Check the label for weed seed and other crop percentages.
FAQ Section
Can I plant grass seed in Georgia in the fall?
Yes, but only cool-season grasses like Tall Fescue. Fall is the absolute best time for them. For warm-season grasses, fall planting is too late; the seedlings will not survive winter.
What is the best grass to plant in Georgia?
There is no single “best” grass. Bermuda and Zoysia are excellent for full-sun, warm-season lawns in most of the state. Centipede is great for low-maintenance areas. Tall Fescue works well in north Georgia.
Can I lay sod in Georgia in the spring?
Yes, spring is a good time to lay sod for warm-season grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, and Centipede. Aim for early to mid-spring so the roots establish before the peak summer heat. The key is ensuring the soil isn’t to wet from winter rains.
How late can you plant grass seed in Georgia?
For warm-season grasses, don’t plant later than early August. The grass needs 90 days of good growing weather before the first frost. For cool-season grasses, you can plant up until about mid-November in central GA, depending on that year’s weather patterns.
Is it better to seed or sod in Georgia?
Seeding is much more cost-effective for large areas and offers more variety. Sod provides an “instant lawn” and better erosion control, but it is more expensive. Both can be successful with the correct timing and care.
Following this Georgia-specific advice will give you a clear path to a thicker, healthier lawn. Remember, the effort you put into correct timing and preparation pays off for many seasons to come. Your neighbors will be asking for your secret in no time.