Creating A Lawn With Kentucky Bluegrass

Kentucky Bluegrass is the most popular grass grown in cool weather zones. Given time and good conditions, it can create a good looking lawn that is relatively low in maintenance. It’s also one of the slower growing varieties but that should be seen as a positive rather than a negative. While Kentucky Bluegrass is popular on its own, it is recommended to use a Bluegrass blended with a Fescue to get the best lawn coverage.

August through to September is the best time to sow Bluegrass. The ground temperature still needs to be relatively warm to promote grass germination. You can over sow during early spring if the lawn is thin or there are bare patches. Given time, Bluegrasses will fill out including covering bare patches. It may be slow, but the end results can look good.

Preparation for a Bluegrass lawn is fairly straightforward. If the area is covered with vegetation then several runs with a tiller will soon break it up and incorporate the old vegetation. Once tilled, level the area as much as possible. A good level surface makes for a great easy care lawn, prevents pooling of water and makes cutting much easier.

Once the area has been prepared, sow your seed. You can do this by hand, use a broadcaster or use a tool such as the Grass Stitcher.  Different blends have different sow rates so check with your seed supplier. Once sown, water the area well and continue to water on a regular basis. If it is warm, you may need to water daily. Germination can take 4-8 weeks although if a Fescue blend has been added, this will germinate earlier.

Cut back to around 2 1/2″ when the lawn is well established and cut back on the watering. Bluegrass requires regular watering during summer to stay green. If the ground dries out, the grass will go into a dormant stage and not return until Spring rains wake it up. Kentucky Bluegrass is an easy maintenance good looking lawn – this is why it is popular. Add a tall Fescue to the mix and you will have a long lasting lawn.