Determining when to plant grass seed in South Dakota is essential for transforming sparse yards into lush landscapes. As the harsh summer gives way to fall, homeowners must seize the opportunity to sow — timing is everything in the Mount Rushmore State.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the perfect timing to plant cool-season and warm-season grasses in South Dakota, including tips on the best period for overseeding, and how to plant the seeds.
Best Time to Plant Grass Seed in South Dakota
The best grasses for South Dakota are typically cool-season grasses, with Kentucky bluegrass leading the pack. These grasses are more prevalent due to their resilience in colder temperatures and drier conditions, which are common in the state’s winters.
However, there are regions in western South Dakota where warm-season grasses like buffalograss and blue grama are also used due to their heat and drought tolerance.
What does this mean for planting grass? It means that due to the different growth cycles of these grasses, the optimal planting times can vary significantly. Let’s take a look at these grass types in detail.
When to Plant Cool-Season Grasses
Cool-season grasses hit their peak growth phases in the cooler conditions of spring and fall, slowing their growth significantly during the summer heat and winter cold. The optimal time to plant these grasses in South Dakota is in early fall, particularly in September. This timing is ideal for cool-season sod to establish its roots and seeds to germinate before winter’s chill.
However, if you miss the fall planting window, spring offers a second chance. Aim to sow cool-season grass seeds when the soil temperature consistently hits 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, typically by late April in South Dakota.
Here are our helpful guides on the most common cool-season grasses in South Dakota:
- Guide to Growing Kentucky Bluegrass
- Guide to Growing Fine Fescues
- Tall Fescue Lawn Maintenance Guide
- Guide to Growing Perennial Ryegrass
When to Plant Warm-Season Grasses
Warm-season grasses thrive in the heat of summer and enter dormancy during the cold winter months. For successful cultivation in South Dakota, these grasses should be planted in late spring or early summer, when the soil temperatures range between 65 and 75 F. Typically, this happens between mid to late May in the state.
During this time, warm-season grasses can establish themselves effectively, using the long, warm days to develop strong roots and grow before the onset of cooler temperatures.
The most common warm-season grass seeds in South Dakota are:
- Buffalograss (check out our Guide to Growing Buffalograss)
- Blue grama
Best Time to Overseed in South Dakota
Overseeding is the process of spreading new grass seed over your lawn, a technique especially useful for thickening grass that is thinning. It enhances the overall appearance of the lawn, making it denser, which in turn increases its resistance to weeds.
The best time for overseeding in South Dakota is in late summer or early fall for cool-season grasses, depending on the time of the first frost. Overseeding should ideally occur 45 days before the expected first frost date in your area, but at a minimum, it should be done two weeks prior so the grass seeds have enough time to germinate and grow strong.
Pro tip: The map from Mesonet can help you see what the first frost date in your area typically is. Set “MAPS” to “median (50%)” and “Time” to “Fall-32” and click on “Show.”
For example, in Sioux Falls, the first frost usually occurs between October 2nd and 4th. Therefore, homeowners should aim to overseed until September 19th or 21st, giving the new grass ample time to establish before the frost.
On the other hand, warm-season grasses like buffalograss should be overseeded in late spring or early summer, when soil temperatures are between 70 and 90 F. In South Dakota, that happens around June.
Tips for Planting Grass Seed in South Dakota
Knowing when to plant grass seed in South Dakota is crucial, but it’s only part of the equation for achieving a lush lawn. Several other factors play a role in ensuring your grass seeds can establish successfully. Here are key tips to consider:
- Choose a high-quality seed mix, preferably with a weed seed percentage of less than 0.5%.
- Refrain from applying any herbicides for a month before planting new grass seeds to avoid chemical residues that could inhibit seed germination.
- Apply a starter fertilizer before spreading the grass seeds to provide essential nutrients and give the seeds a growth boost.
- Aerate and dethatch before overseeding to ensure that the seeds make contact with the soil rather than getting caught in thatch or lying in compacted soil.
- Water the seeds two to three times a day until they sprout.
- Only mow the lawn when the new grass reaches 3 to 4 inches tall.
- Avoid stepping on the new grass to prevent damage to tender young shoots.
FAQ: South Dakota Grass
When Should You Plant Grass in Fall in South Dakota?
The best time to plant grass in fall in South Dakota is September, when soil temperatures are typically between 50 and 60 F. Planting during this time allows the grass to establish a robust root system before the onset of winter.
When Should You Plant Grass in Spring in South Dakota?
The best time to plant grass in spring in South Dakota varies depending on the type of grass. For cool-season grasses, late April is ideal, as soil temperatures typically reach 50 to 60 F. On the other hand, warm-season grasses should be planted a bit later, when soil temperatures are consistently between 65 and 75 F. This usually happens from mid to late May.
How Much Does it Cost to Seed a Lawn?
On average, the cost to seed a lawn ranges between $592 and $1,768, or $0.09 to $0.19 per square foot. The prices will vary depending mostly on the size of your lawn, the type of grass you choose, and the seeding method used.
When to Call the Pros
Caring for a newly seeded lawn in South Dakota’s dry winters and hot summers can be challenging, even for the most seasoned gardeners. Luckily, you don’t have to do it alone. By calling a lawn care pro near you, you can rest assured that your newly seeded grass will be established and grow lush and healthy all year long.
Main Image Credit: Ammodramus / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0
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