The ideal time to plant grass seed in Maryland is from mid-August to mid-October. The next best time to seed is the beginning of March through April.
Maryland’s climate can be too dry, hot, or cold to grow grass seed at other times of the year. Weeds can also compete with young grass sown in the summer or winter. We’ll explain what conditions are favorable for planting grass in Maryland and what times of year those conditions exist.
The best time to plant: Mid-August to mid-October
The best time to start a new lawn is between the end of summer and early fall. Cool-season grasses, like turf-type tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and fine fescue grow best when the soil temperatures are from 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit and air temperatures are between 60 and 75 degrees during the day. This is why it is best to sow these grasses between mid-August and mid-October.
Summers are generally too hot for young grass, and winters are too cold, averaging in the mid-30s.
Conditions are ideal, however, as the summer heat starts to wane and before the cold sets in. In addition, there is usually more precipitation in the fall, giving seeds the consistent moisture they need so they don’t dry out.
Seeds planted after mid-October may not survive the winter and must compete with winter weeds for nutrients.
The next best time to plant grass: March through April
The next best time to plant grass seed in Maryland is early March through April. The soil is warming up after the long winter, and there is consistent moisture.
This period isn’t as optimal as late summer to early fall, however. While melting snow and early rainfall in the spring can provide moisture, these elements can also make the soil cold and saturated with water, increasing the chances of weed encroachment.
In addition, grass grown in early spring may not have time to establish strong roots before the hot summer temperatures arrive. As the young grass matures, it has to contend with summer drought and heat that can stunt its growth or even threaten its survival.
The best time to overseed
Overseeding is also best done in te late summer to early fall. As we mentioned above, air and ground temperatures are conducive to the best-growing conditions at this time.
Just be sure to overseed roughly 45 days before the first frost, which is typically between mid-October and mid-November.
The University of Maryland Extension reports that the first frost varies “between landscapes in the same town or even neighborhood,” and depends on “changes in wind, elevation, and proximity to buildings and water.”
Purdue University’s Freeze Date Tool or The National Gardening Association’s Frost Dates by Zip Code will help you determine your freeze date.
FAQ about planting grass seed in Maryland
Is there a grass type that remains green year-round in Maryland?
There is no such thing as a year-round green lawn. Maryland is located in the transition zone, so both cool-season and warm-season grasses can be grown, although both varieties go dormant at times during the year.
Our guides on cool-season and warm-season grasses will tell you everything you need to know about these two grass types.
When is the best time to water the lawn in Maryland?
The best time to water the lawn is between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. Water loss via evaporation is minimal during this time because the temperature is cooler and there is less wind. Get more tips to create the most attractive lawn in our guide, Month-to-Month Maryland Lawn Care Schedule.
Get help from a pro
Fluctuating weather patterns can make even the recommended times for planting grass seed difficult. Preparing the soil, knowing if fertilizer and amendments should be applied and what type, watering correctly, and mowing at the right height can be overwhelming.
Let Lawn Love make things easier by connecting you to local lawn care professionals who can do it for you. Experts can recommend the best grass seed for your yard and lifestyle, complete the sowing process, and return to maintain your lawn so it is always lush and green.
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