A lush green lawn can greatly enhance the beauty and value of a home. But sometimes, no matter how carefully you prepare the soil and sow the seeds, your grass just won’t grow. Don’t give up hope! There are several common reasons grass seed fails to grow, and most issues can be corrected with a few simple fixes.
11 Common Reasons Grass Seed Won’t Grow
1. Improper Seeding Time
Grass seed requires certain soil temperatures for proper germination, Cool-season grasses like fescue and bluegrass need soil temps between 50-65°F Warm-season varieties like Bermuda and zoysia need 65-70°F soil to sprout, Seeding at the wrong time of year for your climate virtually guarantees failure
2. Extreme Temperatures
Even if seeded at the right time, extreme heat or cold snaps can prevent germination Consider using shade cloth or cold frames to maintain ideal temps if your area sees big swings. Dormant seeds will sprout when conditions improve
3. Too Much or Too Little Water
Proper soil moisture is crucial for seed germination. Overwatering can cause rot or wash seeds away. Underwatering leads to dormancy. Aim to keep seedbeds moist but not soaked for 2 weeks after planting. Adjust watering frequency and duration as needed.
4. Improper Seeding Depth
Seeds must make good contact with soil to sprout. Planting too deep (over 1/2″) or too shallow (under 1/4″) will prevent emergence. Rake seeds in lightly and roll seeded areas to ensure proper 1/4″ to 1/2″ depth.
5. Poor Soil Quality
Seeds need loose, nutrient-rich soil to thrive. Compacted, acidic, or infertile soils can prevent germination. Till thoroughly and add compost or fertilizer at seeding time to create an ideal seedbed. Test and amend pH if needed.
6. Heavy Foot Traffic
Resist the urge to walk on newly seeded areas for 4-6 weeks. Foot traffic, even light, can disturb shallowly planted seeds. Consider alternate routes until grass matures. If you must traverse seeded ground, use boards to disperse weight.
7. Insufficient Sunlight
Most grass varieties require at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Large trees or buildings can block sunlight and inhibit growth, especially with fall seedings. If shade is unavoidable, choose a shade-tolerant seed blend. Or consider tree trimming or relocation.
8. Residual Weed Killers
Pre-emergent herbicides prevent weed seeds from sprouting but don’t discriminate against grass seed. Don’t apply within 6 weeks prior to seeding. If you suspect residual herbicide presence, wait out its activity period (typically 2 months) before re-seeding.
9. Undesirable Grass Variety
Some grass types fare better than others depending on climate, soil, sun exposure, and maintenance practices. Make sure to select a variety suited for your specific growing conditions. If current grass struggles, renovate problem areas with a better-adapted species.
10. Inferior Quality Seed
Cheap seed blends or improperly stored seeds can result in low germination rates. Always purchase fresh, high-quality seed blended for your area. Store in a cool, dry place and use within the year for best results. Expect ~90% germination with fresh seed under good conditions.
11. Disease or Pest Problems
Young grass is susceptible to fungus and insects like grubs or nematodes. Evidence includes patchy growth or wilting/yellowing. Rule out other factors first, then apply appropriate fungicide or pesticide if needed. For grubs, try beneficial nematodes. Re-seed affected patches.
5 Tips to Make Grass Seed Grow
Once you’ve diagnosed any potential issues, here are a few tips to spur better germination and growth when re-seeding:
-
Loosen soil and mix in 1-2 inches of compost to improve fertility, drainage and moisture retention. Level and rake smooth before seeding.
-
Cover seeded areas with straw to maintain moisture and temperature. Remove once grass reaches 3-4 inches tall.
-
Consider a starter fertilizer when seeding to provide key nutrients for establishment. Choose a balanced 10-10-10 or similar formula.
-
Water lightly 3-5 times per day to keep seedbed constantly moist. Adjust frequency and duration based on weather.
-
Consider overseeding thin areas at half the normal rate. Existing grass offers protection and reduces moisture loss.
Proper seed variety, ideal soil conditions, and attentive care during the first few weeks are key to getting grass seed to grow successfully. With a little patience and TLC, you’ll have a lush, green lawn this season!
Garden equipment and maintenance
You have chosen the grass seed that best suits your requirements. Then you prepared the soil properly and distributed the grass seed crosswise over your garden. But after all this preparation, you unfortunately notice that the grass seed is not coming up properly…. Now what! We list the 5 most common mistakes for you, so you can avoid them.
Grass not watered enough
Is it not raining? Then give your newly sown lawn a small amount of water daily with a spray nozzle or swivel sprinkler. Do so for a fortnight. Especially during warmer periods, daily watering is absolutely essential! Even one day without adequate watering during a warm period can be disastrous for the health of your seedlings. Also avoid a hard jet, so that the grass seed wont get washed away.
My Grass Isnt Growing!? Answers and Solutions
FAQ
What to do if grass seed doesn’t germinate?
Consistent moisture. Keeping your new grass seed consistently damp until it germinates is the most important success factor of all. The seed won’t sprout without moisture, and if you water enough to break the seed coating but then let the seeds and seedling grass plants dry out, the young plants will die.
Why is my grass not growing after seeding?
It’s fairly common for new grass to suddenly stop getting taller 2-3 weeks after germination. This is generally explained as the grass shifting it’s resources to root growth, tillering and thickening. Unfortunately high summer temps can also shut down growth, and cause a lot of stress on seedlings.
Why is it taking so long for my grass seed to grow?
Two of the most common factors that slow down grass growth are cooler than normal temperatures and overwatering from heavy spring rains. You can’t necessarily avoid cooler than normal temperatures or heavy rain, but it’s a good idea to look at the long-range forecast before planting.
How long does grass seed take to sprout?
Whether you’re repairing bare spots, overseeding an existing lawn or starting from scratch, you can generally expect grass seedlings to emerge within seven to 21 days when grown under proper conditions. It may take another three to four weeks of growth before grass is long enough to mow.