- Kentucky bluegrass: Best for high-quality lawns<\/a><\/li>
- Perennial ryegrass: Best for seed mixtures<\/a><\/li>
- Tall fescue: Best for low-maintenance lawns<\/a><\/li>
- Fine fescues: Best for shaded lawns<\/a><\/li>
- Seed mixes for Central Ohio<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Kentucky bluegrass: Best grass for high-quality lawns<\/span><\/h2>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/kentucky-grass-1.jpg\")
Shutterstock<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Kentucky bluegrass is the most common grass in Central Ohio and one of the best grasses for Columbus<\/a> \u2014 probably because it produces a high-quality turf with its beautiful blue-green color and dense look. With proper lawn care, this grass can enhance the aesthetic appeal of any yard.<\/p>
It\u2019s important to note, though, that Kentucky bluegrass can be slow to establish, requiring patience and consistent maintenance. It also needs to be planted in full sun to thrive. In general, this grass is considered a high-maintenance grass, but you can read more about it in our Kentucky bluegrass guide<\/a>.<\/p>
Pro Tip: <\/strong>The Ohio State University recommends using improved cultivars of Kentucky bluegrass to achieve the best results. When seeding, aim for a rate of 2 pounds per 1,000 square feet.<\/p>
Grass Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 Jonathan Green (11970) Blue Panther Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed<\/a> (3 lbs.)
\u2013 SeedRanch Midnight Kentucky Bluegrass Seed<\/a> (5 lbs.)<\/p>Perennial ryegrass: Best grass for seed mixtures<\/span><\/h2>
![\"perennial](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/pyrennial-ryegrass-1-1.jpeg\")
Aaron Patton | Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Perennial ryegrass is one of the best grasses for overseeding, thanks to its rapid germination, often sprouting in just a few days. This quick growth means your thinning lawn can turn lush again in no time with proper care. You can learn more about this turfgrass in our guide: \u201cPerennial Ryegrass: How to Grow and Care for It<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>
However, perennial ryegrass isn\u2019t as cold or disease-resistant as Kentucky bluegrass. For this reason, it is not recommended to seed a lawn from scratch with 100% perennial ryegrass. Instead, it\u2019s best to use perennial ryegrass as part of a mix. <\/p>
Aim for 5 to 10% perennial ryegrass in mixes that include only Kentucky bluegrass or a combination of Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues.<\/p>
Grass Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 Outsidepride Perennial Ryegrass Seed<\/a> (5 lbs.)
\u2013 Eretz ProTurf Perennial Ryegrass Fine Lawn Seed<\/a> (choose your size)<\/p>Tall fescue: Best grass for low-maintenance lawns<\/span><\/h2>
![\"tall](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Tall-fescue-1.jpg\")
Aaron Patton | Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Tall fescue stands out for being a relatively low-maintenance grass. It requires minimal fertilizing and watering, though it can also withstand moderate drought conditions. This grass is resilient, able to endure some foot traffic, and recovers well from wear if overseeded.<\/p>
In Central Ohio, you can opt for a 100% tall fescue blend for your lawn or use a seed mix containing 5 to 10% Kentucky bluegrass.<\/p>
Moreover, The Ohio State University recommends using only turf-type tall fescue varieties, avoiding Kentucky 31. You can read more guidelines on how to care and establish this grass in our tall fescue guide<\/a>.<\/p>
Grass Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 Triple-Play Tall Fescue Grass Seed Blend<\/a> (5000 sq ft)
\u2013 Pennington The Rebels Tall Fescue Grass Seed Mix<\/a> (7 lb.)<\/p>Fine fescues: Best grass for shaded lawns<\/span><\/h2>
![\"fine](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Fine-fescue-1.jpg\")
Aaron Patton | Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Thanks to their higher shade tolerance, fine fescues are the best grasses to use if you have a partially shaded lawn where other grasses would struggle. This category of grasses includes creeping red fescue, Chewings fescue, hard fescue, and sheep fescue.<\/p>
These grasses are also low-maintenance, requiring less frequent mowing and fertilizing. (For further details, check out our guide: \u201cFine Fescue: How to Grow and Care for It<\/a>.\u201d) However, they do not tolerate heat, and they are not ideal for high-traffic areas.<\/p>
In Central Ohio, fine fescues can be used in a 100% blend for shaded lawns. Alternatively, they can be included in seed mixtures with 30 to 50% Kentucky bluegrass or a mix of 45-60% Kentucky bluegrass, 5-10% perennial ryegrass, and 50-30% fine fescues. <\/p>
Grass Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 Outsidepride Legacy Fine Fescue Grass Seed<\/a> (5 lbs.)
\u2013 Eretz Creeping Red Fine Fescue Seed<\/a> (choose your size)
\u2013 Outsidepride Creeping Red Fine Fescue Grass Seed<\/a> (25 lbs.)<\/p>Seed mixes for Central Ohio<\/span><\/h2>
Here is a summary of the recommended seed mixes for Central Ohio:<\/p>
- Perennial ryegrass: Best for seed mixtures<\/a><\/li>