Ah, April. The month of change. As warmer days tease the arrival of summer, chilly nights remind us that the potential for freezing temperatures still poses a threat for gardening and landscaping. That said, we know you're eager. So are we (NY)! If you’re looking at your patchy lawn and wondering if now is the time to plant grass seed, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on where you live, what type of grass you’re planting, and what the weather is doing.

In some parts of the U.S., it's go-time. In others, it's still too soon for spring seeding. Let’s break it down so you know if you should spend your time (and money) on new grass seed this month.

Location Matters

Not all regions of the U.S. experience spring the same way, so the best time to seed varies.

  • Northern states (Midwest, Northeast, Pacific Northwest): April can be great for cool-season grasses like tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. The soil surface is warming up, but the air isn’t too hot yet. That said, if you’re in the upper Midwest or northern New England, chilly nights and the occasional frost might mean you need to wait a few more weeks.
  • Southern states (Southeast, Deep South, Southwest): April is usually too early for warm-season grasses like Bermuda, zoysia, and centipede grass. Most types of grass seed need sustained soil temperatures above 65°F to germinate well. Even when the days are warm, this doesn't always happen until late spring or early summer. The most important thing is to try to beat the summer heat and keep the seeds moist. Even drought tolerant seeds have poor germination rates if you're planting during the hot summer.
  • Transition zones (Central U.S., Mid-Atlantic, parts of the West): If you live in a state where both cool- and warm-season grasses can grow, the timing depends on which type you're planting. Cool-season grass can be planted in early to mid-April, while warm-season grass should usually wait until May.
An aerial view of a house and front yard during the winter.
In the Northern states, frost may still affect grass seedlings. Credit: Gerville / Getty Images

Soil Temperature Matters More Than the Calendar

Even if it’s April, the exact timing depends on soil temperature. Grass seed won’t germinate if the soil is too cold, even if the air temperature during the day is mild.

  • Cool-season grass seeds: Need soil temperatures between 50-65°F.
  • Warm-season grass seeds: Need soil temperatures above 65°F.

You can check soil temperature with a soil thermometer (we're linking to a cheap one on Amazon, but you can also find one at your local garden store). Some swear by looking up local soil temperature maps online. If the soil is still too cold, the seed may sit there without sprouting. Now, we are fans of dormant seeding, but there's always a risk that the new seed will be vulnerable to birds or will be washed away by rain.

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Rain Can Help—Or Hurt

April showers can be great for new grass seed, but too much rain can wash seeds away before they take root.

A few things to consider:

  • Light, steady rain is good for grass seed germination. Obviously, the soil conditions need to be moist!
  • If your yard suffers from soil compaction, either from heavy foot traffic or the environment, consider that there's limited root space. It's also harder for the soil to accept deep watering, and your chosen grass seed type might not thrive. Aerating by removing plugs of soil helps.
  • Heavy storms can wash seeds into low spots. Higher ground spots may have poor germination, while the low areas will have a higher overseeding rate.
  • If the forecast calls for several inches of natural rainfall in a short period, just wait for the weather to clear.
  • If you do plant and are surprised by a change in the weather conditions, cover the seed lightly with straw. That can help keep it in place.

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FAQs

What’s the best way to prepare my lawn before planting grass seed?

To give your lawn the best seeding rates, loosen the soil with a rake, remove debris like leaves and thatch, and add a thin layer (1/4") of compost or topsoil. This helps the seeds make good soil contact, while the application of fertilizer encourages healthy roots. (No compost? An application of nitrogen fertilizer works well, too.)

Can I plant grass seed in April if there’s still a chance of frost?

Yes, but be cautious. Light frost won’t kill grass seed, but a hard freeze can damage young grass seedlings. If late-season frosts are common in your area, consider waiting for warmer temperatures. It'll improve the chance you can grow a strong root that can endure cooler nights and beat out broadleaf weed seeds.