When to plant grass seed in Arizona
Having lush green grass in our yards is what we all love to have around the year. But as much as we love having the grass around, we start losing it soon. It is because we do not know when we should plant the grass and how. There are several factors that play their part in drying up an otherwise lush green lawn. If you too are looking forward to knowing when and how you should plant the grass seeds in Arizona, you need to pay particular attention to the factors discussed below.
Factors affecting the growth of grass in Arizona
Climate
Every region throughout the U.S. has its own unique method for planting and caring for grass.
Types of Grasses in the US:
Bahiagrass {zone: 7}
Beachgrass* {zone: 1, 4, 6, 7}
Bermudagrass {zone: 5, 7}
Bluegrass {zone: 1, 4, 5}
Blue Gammagrass {zone: 5}
Buffalograss {zone: 3, 5}
Improved Bermudagrass {zone: 5 ,7}
Centipedegrass {zone: 7}
Chewing Fescue {zone: 1, 2}
Creeping Bentgrass {zone: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6}
Dichondra {zone: 5}
Red Fescue, Creeping Red Fescue {zone: 1 ,2, 4}
Tall Fescue {zone: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6}
Common Kentucky Bluegrass {zone: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6}
Improved Kentucky Bluegrass {zone: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6}
Annual Ryegrass {zone: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7}
Turf-Type Perennial Ryegrass {zone: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6}
St. Augustine** {zone: 5, 7}
Wheatgrass {zone: 2, 3, 5}
Zoysiagrass* {zone: 5, 6, 7}
Since Arizona is the land where we experience a substantial climatic variation, it is essential to keep in mind that when and where are we planning to seed the grass. Some parts are just the barren deserts while there are highlands as well. The climatic variations around Arizona require you to plant the grass seeds according to the type of land and its climate. Ideally, there are two types of grass that grows in Arizona, one that produces well in summer while the other that blossoms in winter.
Soil type
As discussed earlier that the land or Arizona has two extremes, accordingly the soil type changes as well. Therefore it has to be taken into consideration that which type of soil we have for the cultivation of grass seeds.
Seed selection
Once you know the ideal climate and soil conditions for grass plantation, the most important feature to pay attention to is the choice of right kind of seeds. Investing today in good seeds will ensure having better grass for the long-term future.
What is the best time to plant grass seeds in Arizona?
As we know well now about the extreme climates of Arizona, we must understand that we will require planting the grass seeds twice a year as one type of grass can stand the intense summer season while the other can survive well in a winter season.
- Bermuda grass is the type of grass that blossoms well in the extreme summer season. The seeds of this herb are planted in the spring season, earlier to summer so that the grass is ready when the summer season approaches. The Bermuda grass does not entirely die out in the winter season. Instead, it gets dormant and stays alive beneath the earth. It starts getting yellow in September while grows back in May. If you wish to have a lush green lawn in winter as well, you can plant the other grass over it in winter.
- Ryegrass is the other type of grass that grows well in the winter season and goes dormant when the temperature starts getting high. Unlike the Bermuda grass, the Ryegrass does not stay alive in summer; you have to re-cultivate it in next winter season. Its life cycle ends every May. You will have to plant the seeds of this grass in fall to get a fully grown one in the winter season.
Care for the growth of grass seeds in Arizona
Once you have planted the seeds of grass in Arizona according to the soil and climatic requirements, the grass will start to shoot up in just no time. Growing the grass is far more accessible compared to the care and maintenance it will need. For this purpose, you will have to follow the tips mentioned below, so you do not have to face problems.
Watering
The grass should get water frequently, so it gets the required amount of moisture for its survival usually the water sprinklers are used to water the lawn so that the water spreads uniformlydistributed. However, you can make use of flood irrigation method as well. Bermuda grass deals well with the excessive flood methods as it grows in summer but the flood method is not suitable for Ryegrass growing in extreme cold season.
Fertilizer
Other than water, the grass needs food as well. You will have to pick a good fertilizer as food for your lawn. There are two types of manure available in Arizona, one that is in its raw form, having some bones and twigs and full of odor. The other one is far better and has an addition of compost to it. You can make use of any depending on your budget.
Pest Control
The cultivation and maintenance of Ryegrass are not as much challenging as of Bermuda. The later grass attracts a significant number of pests and white C shaped beetle larva that needs to take care of from time to time. There are pest control products on the market that you can make use of to get rid of them.
