Planting Grass Seed in Rhode Island
Plant grass seed in Rhode Island between the dates of August 15 and September 15. Seeding in late summer or early fall provides warm soils, cool temperatures and autumn rains, creating a good environment for seed germination.
Grass can be established in the spring, but you will contend with weed growth. If you don’t mind fighting weeds and are determined to have a green lawn by summer, plant grass in late April or early May. Make sure you are past the risk of frost setting in and damaging your seedlings.
Planting grass in late summer or early fall will produce a thicker, denser lawn. You can always plant perennial ryegrass in the spring for a green summer lawn, then come back in the late summer/early fall and plant one of the preferred varieties below.
Recommended grass varieties to be planted in Rhode Island are…
Sun: Moderate to High Maintenance @ 3-4 lbs Seed per 1,000 Square Feet
- 50% Kentucky Bluegrass
- 25% Perennial Ryegrass
- 25% Fine Fescue
Shade Areas @ 4-5 lbs Seed per 1,000 Square Feet
- 70% Fine Fescue
- 20% Perennial Ryegrass
- 10% Kentucky Bluegrass
Click on one of the grasses for planting details and then visit the Planting Grass Seed page for detailed instructions on how to correctly prepare your soil and plant your grass seed for your lawn.