sowing grass seed (tall fescue) in the spring in northern VA -- anybody try this?

[Anonymous]

I read that it is best to sow tall fescue grass seed in the fall rather than the spring.

Nevertheless, I'm curious if anybody has tried planting fescue seed in the spring.

I have a 10 by 15 foot area that I've complete de-thatched. All else equal, I'd rather sow the seed now, but I'm curious to get some feedback.

[Anonymous]

There's no harm trying on a small area like that. Just keep in mind that your seedlings will be subjected to scorching heat pretty soon and will be competing with weeds (the fall has the benefits of cooler temperatures, rain, and weeds on the way out). In your case, you're probably far better off just getting some sod and having instant results (just keep it watered). For $100-150, you could have a perfect plot tomorrow.

[Anonymous]

seed will work, as above mentions, but

you will have to care for it diligently.

150 sqft is 16.6 sqyds call it and even 17. each roll of sod is usually between 9-10 sqft or one sqyd

head out to a sod farm and grab 17 rolls of sod. usually 2-3 bucks a roll. install and keep wet..

[Anonymous]

I wouldn’t do seeds here, do plugs. Then you have a guaranteed little plant and if a few don’t make it, you still have a nice little starter patch. Seeds this time of year are going to get outcompeted by weeds.

[Anonymous]

I seed in the spring without too much issues. I prefer spring to fall seeding because there is a lot of spring rain to keep seeds damp without much additional watering. I like to aerate to break up soil, (rent tool for an hour or do by hand for small space), add a 1/4 inch of compost, seed over compost, and spread some straw over the area right before a period of rain. I have grass in a week, and water regularly for about a month when dry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn’t do seeds here, do plugs. Then you have a guaranteed little plant and if a few don’t make it, you still have a nice little starter patch. Seeds this time of year are going to get outcompeted by weeds.

Where do you get plugs from?