The best time to plant warm-season grasses in New Mexico is from about the middle of May to early August. For cool-season grasses, it’s the end of August to early October.
Planting grass at the right time is crucial for proper growth. This article will go deeper into when to plant grass seed based on where you live and the type of grass you choose.
Planting in northern and central New Mexico
Northern New Mexico gets warm summers and mild winters, with annual precipitation of about 20 inches. The climate becomes slightly warmer, and precipitation decreases as you move towards the center of the state.
Both warm- and cool-season grasses perform well here.
- For more, check out our guide on the best grasses for New Mexico lawns.
Warm-season grasses
Warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, buffalograss, and blue grama thrive in warm climates and go dormant in winter. The best time to plant them is between the middle of May and the beginning of August, when the soil temperature is more than 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can also plant warm-season grasses in late April or early May, when the soil temperature ranges from 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Prepare the soil properly and water continuously during germination to achieve a lush and healthy lawn that makes your property stand out in your neighborhood.
If you’re overseeding your lawn with warm-season grasses, seed the grass at the same time you would when planting them new. Check out our guide on overseeding lawns.
Cool-season grasses
The best time to plant cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and fine fescue is from late August to early October, when the soil temperature ranges from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can also plant cool-season grasses a bit earlier in summer when the soil temperature is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want to overseed your lawn with cool-season grass, do so the same way you would if you were planting new grass.
With proper soil preparation and continuous watering during germination, cool-season grasses grow lush in northern and central New Mexico.
Planting in southern New Mexico
Southern New Mexico is mostly surrounded by deserts and gets hot summers and mild winters, so warm-season grasses are the way to go here.
The best time to plant warm-season grasses in southern New Mexico is from April 15 to September 1, when the soil temperature is more than 65 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also plant these grasses when the soil temperature is about 60 degrees, which is in early April.
If your warm-season lawn needs overseeding, do so at the same time you would plant new grass.
When to hire a professional
Choosing the right grass and seeding it at the right time can make all the difference in successfully planting grass seeds. If you need help with it, get in touch with Lawn Love. Our seasoned pros can help you with everything related to lawn care.
Source:
Main Image Credit: agneskantaruk | Adobe Stock | License
