How to Plant Grass Seed in the Fall

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Dropping some new grass seed in the fall is one of the best ways to guarantee that you'll have a thick, green lawn next year. And you might not believe me now, but come spring, you'll be glad you did it.

Why now? Simply because autumn's cooler temperatures and increased rainfall are working in your favor. Also, the grass seeds have less competition from spring and summer weeds. This creates the best possible conditions for grass seed root systems to thrive.

Why Fall is the Best Time to Seed Your Lawn

Easier planting. Fall offers a smoother start for new seeds since the soil still holds warmth from summer while the air feels cooler.
Perfect conditions for growth. This balance helps faster, stronger seeds germination.
More consistent rainfall. Many areas see steadier rain in the fall, cutting down on the need for hoses or irrigation systems. (That said, be wary. Heavy rain can cause seed runoff, so overseeding is important.)
Fewer weeds. With less competition in the soil, your new grass gets a better chance to take root and fill in.

Does the pH of your soil matter?

"Soil pH affects everything from nutrient availability to root development, which can have an impact on how well grass will establish and grow," shares Matthew Koch, Ph.D., Director of Biotechnology, Genetics, and Seed at Scotts. "The absorption of key nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for healthy grass seed growth, can be impacted by soil pH. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 is typically ideal for most grasses. If the pH is too acidic (below 6.0) or too alkaline (above 7.5), nutrient uptake is limited, causing grass to struggle in its early stages of growth."

He adds, "In addition to nutrient availability, proper pH levels support the activity of soil microorganisms that break down organic matter, releasing even more nutrients that new grass seedlings rely on. If the pH is imbalanced, microbial activity slows down, reducing the overall nutrient supply. Moreover, balanced pH encourages strong root development, allowing grass to grow deeper roots and better withstand environmental stress."

Kids run in a lawn during the summer. — Is your lawn still healthy at the end of the summer? Credit: Natalia Bodrova

Using a sprinkler to distribute fertilizer in the grass. — Is it too late in the season to fertilize your grass? Credit: groveb

How to Prepare Your Lawn for a Fall Seeding

A little prep work goes a long way in setting the stage for a lush lawn. Here’s how to get your lawn ready:

Test Your Soil: A quick soil test (you can find simple kits at most garden stores) can tell you if your soil pH needs adjusting. "When the pH is in the optimal range of 6.0 to 7.0, grass seedlings build a resilient structure, making them more resistant to diseases and better equipped to handle harsh conditions like drought or pests," notes Koch. "Testing and adjusting soil pH before planting ensures that your lawn gets the nutrients it needs, leading to healthier, stronger grass in the long term." If your pH is off, adding lime or sulfur can help balance it out.
Clear the Area: This is the perfect time to mow the lawn short and remove any debris like sticks, leaves, or rocks. You want as much seed-to-soil contact as possible for the best results.
Aerate: This step helps if you have compacted or clay soil, or you haven’t aerated in a while. Aerating pokes holes in your lawn, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots.
Tackle Weeds: If weeds are an issue, clear them out. Use a non-selective herbicide if necessary, but make sure to wait the recommended time before seeding.

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Choosing the Right Grass Types

Not all grass seeds are created equal, and picking the right type is important for success.

Fall is best for cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass seed, fescue mix, and ryegrass, as all thrive in cooler temperatures. For those in transitional zones, a blend that includes both cool and warm-season grass varieties can offer the best of both worlds.

Remember to check the product label:

Look for seed mixes with a high germination rate and little to no filler.
Avoid seed products with a lot of weed seed or “coated” seed if you’re on a budget; you’re paying for less seed and more coating.

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How to Plant Grass Seed the Right Way

Now that your lawn is prepped and you’ve got the right seed, it’s time to get planting.

Spread Evenly: The best time of day to plant is early morning or late afternoon when the sun isn’t too harsh. This prevents the seeds from drying out too quickly. Use a broadcast spreader for larger areas, or a handheld rotary spreader for smaller spots. Spread the seed evenly, aiming for full coverage without overdoing it... too much seed can lead to overcrowding and weaker grass.
Rake and Roll: Lightly rake the area to mix the seed with the top layer of soil. Then, use a lawn roller or simply walk over the area to press the seed into the soil. This step helps ensure good seed-to-soil contact, which is key for germination.

A person uses a manual lawn roller in their grass.

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Plan a Watering Schedule: Water lightly but consistently. Deep watering isn't as important as keeping the top inch of soil moist (not soaked). Water once or twice a day until the seeds sprout, then gradually reduce watering time as the germination process takes hold.
Cover with a Thin Layer: For better protection and moisture retention, cover the seed with straw or a thin layer of compost. This step helps keep birds away and prevents the seed from washing away in heavy rain.
Feed the new grass: "Two fall feedings are recommended," notes Koch. "An early fall application of fertilizer helps repair grassroots damaged by summer heat. If weeds are an issue, use Scotts® Turf Builder® WinterGuard® Fall Weed & Feed3 to tackle both fertilization and weed control. Then, after 6-8 weeks, apply Scotts® Turf Builder® WinterGuard® Fall Lawn Food to nourish your lawn and help it store energy for spring growth."

Does the feeding schedule vary based on where I’m located?

Yes, in fact it does.

“In cool-season climates where cool-season grasses are best suited, like the Northern U.S., Midwest and Northeast, early fall feeding typically starts in September or early October when temperatures cool down but before the first frost,” shares Koch.

“The second feeding is recommended 6-8 weeks later, which often falls in late October or November. This helps the lawn recover from summer stress and store energy for winter and early spring growth.”

Dry grass in sandy soil. — When temperatures begin to drop, we begin focusing on reseeding areas that need help. Credit: Emily Fazio

He adds, “For warm-season grasses in the Southern U.S. or Southeast, the feeding schedule may begin earlier in late August or early September, as these regions experience milder winters and longer growing seasons. Timing the first application before the lawn enters dormancy is crucial, and the second feeding would occur 6-8 weeks later, likely in October.”

“Additionally, in areas with high altitudes, colder temperatures can set in earlier, so fall feeding may need to happen sooner—late August to early September for the first feeding and mid-October for the second. Fertilizing too late may be ineffective if the ground freezes early. In desert areas with extreme summer heat like the Southwest, the first fall feeding may start in early September, but watering practices are also critical to avoid lawn stress. The second feeding should happen before temperatures drop significantly, usually by early November.”

Handful of grass seed. — Learn when to plant warm-season grasses. Credit: georgeclerk / Getty Images

FAQ

Should I aerate my soil before planting grass seed?

Yes, if possible. Aeration helps break down thick thatch layers that can block air and nutrients from reaching your roots. “Thatch is a layer of dead grass, roots, and other organic material that can suffocate your lawn if it becomes too thick,” explains Koch. Aerating the seed bed also boosts soil moisture and seed germination, especially in sandy soils or compacted areas.

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Why is my grass seed not growing?

Unfortunately, there could be several reasons.

The most common problems with newly seeded lawns include poor seed-to-soil contact, uneven watering, planting too deep, or fungal disease.

Using a starter fertilizer can help kickstart seed germination, particularly for cool-season lawns like tall fescue, Kentucky Blue, or perennial ryegrass.

Keep the soil evenly moist with your sprinkler system or oscillating sprinkler, and avoid letting it dry out during hot and sunny days.

Person spreads a handful of cool-season grass seed.

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Can I just throw grass seed down and let Mother Nature do the work?

While it’s tempting, scattering seed without preparation leads to patchy results and wasted seed.

Loosening the topsoil with a soil probe or rake before planting helps seeds settle into the soil and promotes stronger root growth.

It’s also smart to apply a seed starter fertilizer and use a weed-free Sphagnum Peat Moss or straw mats to keep moisture in and protect the seeds from washing away.

How long does it take for grass seed to grow?

Most grass varieties sprout within 7 to 21 days, depending on soil temperature, watering habits, and seed type. Keep your soil moist but not soggy — use a rain gauge or time your irrigation schedule with a lawn sprinkler to maintain steady field capacity without reaching the permanent wilting point.