Yes, Virginia, you can grow grass.
History of Virginia
The area now known as the state of Virginia was populated by native tribes such as the Algonquin, Iroquois, and Sioux when the first Spanish adventurers arrived in the 16th century. In 1607 the first settlement was established by the English at Jamestown. After many years of travail, the Virginia colony became the most populous and prosperous of all the English colonies in North America. This prosperity was due to a thriving tobacco industry. The plantation owners were among the most influential citizens behind the independence movement in the latter half of the 18th century. Indeed, four of the first five men elected as President of the United States were from Virginia. Tobacco is still a mainstay crop, but it only represents 4% of the market. Corn comes in second, and hay, cotton-wheat, peanuts, and barley are also essential cash crops.
Weather or not you can grow anything in Virginia.
When it comes to weather, Virginia sees all four seasons. Average highs can range from the mid-forties in January to the low nineties in July. Virginia has more temperate areas such as Virginia Beach, and mountainous regions such as the Blue Ridge Mountain area near Roanoke.
When is the grass always greener in Virginia?
If you are a homeowner who aspires to have a yard that is the envy of your Virginia neighborhood, it’s beneficial to understand what grass seed variety gives you the best chance for success. We will break down the recommendations, courtesy of the Virginia Cooperative Extension, into two categories: Cool and Warm season turfgrasses. Cool season grasses grow best when it is 60-75 degrees, so late summer to early winter and early spring to early summer are the best times for establishment. Warm season turfgrasses prefer the temperature range to be from 80-95 degrees, meaning mid-May to early June is when they should be established. Warm season grasses go dormant for 3-5 months in winter depending on the region. Here’s a quick look at some available varieties:
Cool Season Turfgrasses:
- Tall Fescue – Most adaptable across the state, coarse, low to moderate maintenance, full sun to moderate shade
- Kentucky Bluegrass – Great aesthetics, high maintenance, full sun, slow to establish
- Fine Fescue – Well adapted in Valley, Ridge and northern Piedmont regions, low maintenance, good shade tolerance, not for high traffic areas
- Perennial Ryegrass – Full sun to moderate shade at over 1500 feet of elevation, good wear tolerance but not drought or heat resistant
Warm Season Turfgrasses:
- Bermuda grass – Full sun, fastest growing, drought resistant, invasive to gardens, needs periodic thatch control
- Zoysia grass – Most cold tolerant of the group, slow growing, low maintenance, pest resistant
- Centipede grass – For use in Tidewater region, slow growing, medium sun, and shade, pest resistant
- St. Augustine grass – Tidewater region only, best shade tolerance, dense, not as pest resistant
Once you have your Virginia lawn established, you will want to enjoy it. Save time by using Lawn Love’s lawn care services.
