Seeding your lawn in the summer is often discouraged due to the high temperatures and potential drought, which can prevent successful germination.
However, our climates are now changing, and with the right approach, summer can actually be a great time of year to sow grass seed.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about seeding a lawn in the summer, from common questions to benefits and practical tips on achieving a full and healthy lawn, even in the warmer months.
Can I grow grass seed in summer?
Yes, it is possible to grow grass seeds in the summer, but it does require careful planning and preparation.
It is no surprise that summer is considered to be a challenging season for grass growth, particularly if the UK is experiencing a dry summer, as these conditions can cause evaporation of moisture, hardened soil, and additional stress on your lawn.
If you want to seed your lawn in the summer, you need to opt for a warm-season variety like Bermuda grass, St. Augustine grass, or Buffalo grass.
Warm-season grasses achieve optimal growth in warmer climates and have a growth period between April and October.
However, if you are trying to grow a lush lawn using a cool-season grass seed in summer, then you will definitely struggle.
Cool-season grasses like Perennial ryegrass, Fine fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass are better suited to cooler climates and may go dormant during periods with higher temperatures.
| To seed a lawn successfully in the summer, you need to consider the following: Grass type. If you are sowing grass seed that is not suited to your climate or conditions, you will find that your lawn will struggle to thrive. Soil conditions. Ensuring your soil is healthy will help improve seed germination and root development. Climate. Grass seeds planted in warmer areas may require additional watering and shade covering during the hottest parts of the day. Timing. You ideally want to start laying your grass seeds before the peak of summer arrives. |
When to plant grass seed in summer?
Timing is everything when laying grass seed in the summer, as grass seed can tolerate warm temperatures but not extreme heat.
The best time to sow grass seeds at this time of year is typically either early or late summer, before the heat of midseason hits.
Seeding a lawn in early summer gives the seeds time to establish and build up their strength ahead of being exposed to hotter temperatures.
Don’t worry if you missed this window of opportunity, as late summer is also a great time to sow grass seed due to its cooler temperatures and increased moisture, both of which contribute to successful germination.
Preparing for seeding a lawn in summer
When it comes to creating a healthy and vibrant lawn during the summer months, preparation is key.
Summer brings heat and dry conditions, so you need to ensure your seeds have the best possible conditions for them to thrive.
| Use the following steps to prepare your lawn for seeding in the summer: Test your soil. Check your soil’s pH and nutrient levels; ideally, for optimal growth, your soil will need a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Mow your lawn. Mow your lawn to a height of approximately 3 cm; this will improve your seed’s contact with the soil and allow nutrients, air, and water to reach them more easily. Carry out aeration. Aerate your lawn to relieve soil compaction and create holes that allow your seeds to receive all they need to thrive. Remove thatch. Too much thatch can prevent seeds from reaching the soil. We do not recommend fully scarifying your lawn in the summer months, as the conditions are too harsh, but instead just lightly remove any build-up with a spring-tine rake. Water before seeding. Regularly add water to your soil to keep it moist. You should do this during the cooler times of the day to ensure that the water is fully absorbed. Choose the right grass seed. Those seeding a lawn in summer will want to opt for a warm-season grass, like Bermuda, Bahia, or Centipede grass, as they prefer warmer conditions and have a higher drought tolerance. |
Can it be too hot for grass seed to grow?
Yes, if the temperatures regularly exceed 25°C in your area, we recommend postponing any application of grass seeds, as excessive heat can cause unnecessary stress to your lawn and hinder their establishment in the soil.
The ideal temperature for successful germination is between 10°C and 20°C; any higher and this can put your seeds at risk of heat stress and result in them drying out.
Hence, we recommend avoiding the months of June, July, and August for seeding a lawn, as the temperatures are usually higher.
Can you water grass seed in the heat?
You certainly can; in fact, maintaining a regular watering schedule in the summer is crucial for keeping the soil moist and creating the ideal conditions your seeds need to flourish.
Many areas do not experience much rainfall during the summer, so this generally means that daily watering is required for any newly seeded sections.
However, you need to be mindful that any watering you do will need to be light and frequent to prevent seeds from drying out or getting waterlogged.
The best time to water your grass seeds in summer is ideally early morning or late afternoon, as temperatures will be cooler at these times.
Avoid heavy watering in the evenings, as overly moist soil and any remaining heat can create the perfect conditions for fungal growth.
What is the best grass seed for hot summers?
It will come as no surprise that warm-season grasses are the best choice for those wanting to lay grass seed during the summer months.
These varieties of grass are well-suited to hotter climates, as they thrive in high temperatures and can tolerate periods of drought.
One of the most heat-tolerant grasses is Buffalo grass, which can develop an extensive root system while withstanding heat and surviving on minimal water.
It is also a popular choice due to its low maintenance needs, which include minimal mowing and fertilisation.
Bermuda grass is another great grass type that has excellent heat and drought tolerance, as it thrives when exposed to full sunlight.
In addition, Bermuda grass is also low maintenance and provides owners with a natural-looking lawn that does not require frequent mowing.
Other types of warm-season grasses that can successfully withstand heat and drought are Zoysia grass and Bahia grass.
Treat your grass seeds to all the nutrients they need to flourish with our expertly blended summer fertiliser, tailored to promote deep root growth and establishment, even during the higher temperatures.
What are the benefits of laying grass seed in summer?
You may have read about the challenges of seeding a lawn in the summer due to high temperatures and the risk of drought, but it can be an ideal season for creating your dream lawn, especially if you are using warm-season grasses.
The key to successful grass growth in summer is regular monitoring and staying aware of the weather conditions, ensuring your seeds are receiving all they need to thrive.
| Here are some of the benefits of laying grass seed in the summer: Perfect conditions for warm-season grasses. The heat during summer is ideal for encouraging these grass types to germinate quickly and establish strong roots. Quick establishment. Rapid germination means grass seeds can make optimal seed-to-soil contact and sprout quickly, leading to a thicker and fuller lawn in a shorter time period. Preparing for winter. Sowing seeds in the summer allows them to grow and develop resilient roots before the harsh temperatures and frost of winter arrives. Reduced weed competition. Heat tends to slow down the growth of many common weed types, so your seeds can grow and soak up all the nutrients, air, and water for themselves. |
Ready to bring your lawn to life this summer?
Although summer can be a more challenging season for lawn growth due to higher temperatures and lack of rainfall, it can still be an ideal time to start seeding your lawn.
With the right approach, timing, and careful planning, laying grass seed in the summer can help your lawn get off to a great start, growing strong and resilient ahead of the winter months.
Build a strong and healthy lawn this summer and take our quiz to be matched with your perfect product bundle.
