Maryland is a state that has two very different climates. The Eastern Shore of Maryland is located along the Atlantic Ocean and it experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The Western Shore of Maryland is located in the Appalachian Mountains and it experiences a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. I will tell you about the best grass seed for each climate so that you can decide which type of grass seed to plant in your yard.
Best Grass Seed for Maryland
Here are the 5 best grass seeds for Maryland:
1. Kentucky Bluegrass Seed
Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-season grass that does best in areas with mild winters. It is very hardy and will survive in temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. It also tolerates hot weather well. The good news is that it does not need a lot of water, so you can use a drip irrigation system to water your lawn instead of using sprinklers. This will save you time and money on your water bill.
2. Perennial Ryegrass Seed
Perennial ryegrass is also a cool-season grass that does well in areas with mild winters. The only difference between perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass is that perennial ryegrass grows better in sandy soils than Kentucky bluegrass does.
3. Tall Fescue Seed
Tall fescue has a fine texture and grows best in sunny areas where the soil drains well. It also has excellent disease resistance, which makes it a great choice for high-traffic areas because it can handle the wear and tear from people walking on it all day long without getting damaged or dying out like other types of grasses would do over time if they were used for high traffic areas like these.
4. Rye Grass Seed
Rye grass is another cool-season grass that grows best in sunny areas where the soil drains well, but unlike tall fescue, rye grass needs to be watered regularly during dry spells because it cannot tolerate drought conditions very well at all.
5 . Zoysia Grass Seed
Zoysia grass is an excellent choice for Arizona’s climate because it is very drought tolerant, but despite its reputation for being durable, zoysia grass does not do well in Arizona’s hot summers and freezes to the ground during cold winters . To help protect it from the heat, mow it every two weeks during the summer or if it gets more than 1 inch tall and fertilize it twice a month with a slow-release lawn fertilizer .
Maryland’s Climate & Soil Conditions for Growing Grass
Here are 3 tips (explained in detail) you should know about Maryland’s climate and soil conditions if you’re interested in growing a lawn:
1. Maryland’s climate is humid and hot.
This means that the soil is usually not moist enough to grow a lawn without watering it. In addition, you should also know that the soil in Maryland has a high clay content and is very hard to dig up. This makes it difficult to plant grass seeds because they will have difficulty growing through the hard ground.
2. The best time of year to plant grass seeds in Maryland is from September to November.
This is when the weather conditions are ideal for grass seed growth and when there are not too many weeds already growing in your yard. You can also plant grass seeds during the winter months but they will have difficulty growing because of the cold temperatures and lack of water in the soil.
3. Grass Seed Characteristics That Are Suited for Maryland
The best grass seed for Maryland will handle a wide range of growing conditions, including shade, partial shade, full sun and drought. It should be able to handle the heat and humidity of Maryland summers as well as cold winters with snowfall on occasion (about 10 inches per year). This makes it a good all-around grass seed for Maryland lawns. The best grass seed for Maryland will also have resistance to pests such as chinch bugs, mole crickets, grubs and nematodes
Tips for Growing Grass in Maryland
Here are tips explained in detail for growing grass in Maryland:
1. Fertilizing
A good rule of thumb is to fertilize your lawn in the late spring and early summer, when temperatures are between 60°F and 80°F. This will help your grass grow faster and stronger. You should also fertilize your lawn in the fall so it has time to grow before winter sets in.
You should use a slow-release fertilizer that breaks down over time instead of a quick-release one that you have to apply more frequently. This will help prevent burning or other damage caused by too much fertilizer being applied at once.
It’s best not to fertilize your lawn in the heat of summer, as this can cause fungus growth on your grass blades.
When to Plant Grass Seed in Maryland
April – May: The soil is just starting to warm up and the temperatures are still mild. This is a great time to plant grass seed in Maryland.
June – July: The summer months tend to be hot, humid and rainy. You may find it difficult to get your new grass seed established during this time.
August – September: Temperatures are still warm but the humidity levels drop which makes it easier for your grass seed to germinate.
October – November: Cooler weather means that your new lawn will have a better chance of establishing itself before winter hits.
FAQs
What is the best grass seed to use in Maryland?
There are many choices of grass seed that can be used in Maryland. The best grass seed for your lawn depends on the amount of shade, the soil type and pH, and your watering habits. For a full list of grass seed varieties to use in Maryland, see our Maryland Grass Seed Guide.
How much lawn seed do I need to plant my lawn?
The amount of grass seed needed varies by the size of the area being seeded. To give you an idea, a typical homeowner who is planting 1/4 acre of new lawn will need about 10 pounds (about 3 cups) of grass seed. This would cover approximately 800 sq ft at a depth of 1/4 inch deep. Remember that this is just an estimate and it will vary depending on the type of grass you choose, as some seeds are more dense than others. For more information on how much lawn seed you need to buy for your project see our How Much Lawn Seed Do I Need page.
What can I do if I don’t have enough time or money to start my new lawn from scratch?
If you don’t have time or money to start your new lawn from scratch then consider renovating instead. Renovation is less expensive than seeding and it only takes one to two hours to complete! Learn how easy it is to renovate your existing lawn with our How To Renovate Your Lawn guide.
Is Maryland bluegrass good for Kentucky?
Bluegrass is a type of grass native to North America. It is a common lawn grass in the United States and Canada. The word “bluegrass” is often used informally to refer to any grass with bluish-green blades and stems, especially Poa pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass). Bluegrass may also refer to other blue-green grasses such as Poa compressa (Canada bluegrass) and Poa annua (annual meadow-grass).
Is it too late to plant grass seed in Maryland?
Seeding is still possible in Maryland, but the window of opportunity for successful seeding has closed in most regions. We recommend consulting your local extension office for updates on your specific area.
How much seed do I need to plant?
A good rule of thumb is 1 lb per 1000 square feet. This will vary depending on the type of grass you’re trying to grow and how fast it grows. The more vigorous the grass, the less seed you will need per square foot. For example, if you’re planting a cool season turfgrass like Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass, then you should use about 1 lb of seed per 1000 square feet. If you’re planting warm season turfgrass like bermudagrass or zoysiagrass, then use about 0.5 lbs of seed per 1000 square feet.