Zinnias are actually a member of the daisy family and there are literally 100s of cultivars of a variety of colors and shapes. They are almost always brightly colored and their magic is that the more you pick them, the faster they grow!

They will like a very sunny area, will drink lots of water, and like nutrient-rich soil. They are annuals, but many people find that because they grow so easily from seed, that they will actually reseed themselves making them work much like perennials. This is just more of their magic.

I highly suggest you buy some Zinnia seeds (Amazon Affiliate link for your convenience) in the late Winter or even small plants if you are late to the game. Clear a sunny area in your garden, and plant this magic flower. You will be amazed!

I grew up calling these “Cut and come again Zinnias” so I actually thought this was their name. Little did I realize that all the varieties love to be picked and will quickly grow more beautiful flowers. And you can take the cut flowers indoors to enjoy for a week or so there as well. Really an amazing plant.

They are definitely a warm-weather plant, so be careful to plant after the last possible frost. They are late bloomers so you could even plant them in the summer and they will flower after some other flowers are dying away.

Since there are so many cultivars of Zinnia, it is best to check with the seeds you are getting or just head down to your local hardware store to pick up some small plants.

The post Zinnia – The Magic Flower appeared first on Garden Consumers.

Before you go to your local gardening center and start throwing bags in your cart, there’s some important information you need to know about grass seed. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you could be throwing money down the drain while you’re tossing seed on your yard. The only green you’ll see is the money leaving your wallet.

Do yourself and your neighbors a favor and read this article before you buy anything. It will help you pick the best grass seed for your needs.

Things to Consider Before Planting Grass Seed

There’s a lot more to planting grass seed than simply throwing down a handful, turning your sprinkler on, and hoping for the best.

How Much You Use Your Lawn.

Some grasses do not handle foot traffic very well. If you use your yard a lot, you need your grass to do more than just look nice. It must be durable as well.

If You Need Cool or Warm Weather Grass

What is the temperature like where you live? If you have scorching summers and frequent droughts, you should use warm-season grass. If you get some warmer weather, but also see a lot of snow, you’ll want to consider using cool-season grass.

Reseeding the Whole Yard or Just Filling In Bald Spots

Determining this factor will help you decide how much seed to buy. You’ll need to know the square footage of your yard before buying seed.

How Much Sun Your Yard Gets

This can make a big difference when choosing the correct seed. You might inadvertently choose a variety that needs more sunlight than your yard gets, and that would be a giant waste of time and money.

We are a professional reader-supported review site. You get our best product recommendations and we can receive small commissions from our affiliates at no cost to you. Win-Win!!

Current Best Selling Grass Seeds

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Scotts EZ Seed Patch & Repair Sun and Shade Mulch, Grass Seed, Fertilizer Combination for Bare Spots...	$23.99 $12.79	View on Amazon*
2		Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Sun & Shade Mix with Fertilizer and Soil Improver, Thrives in Many...	$23.49 $14.15	View on Amazon*
3		Pennington Smart Seed Sun and Shade Grass Mix 3 lb	$19.99 $13.79	View on Amazon*
4		Scotts Turf Builder Rapid Grass Tall Fescue Mix, Combination Seed and Fertilizer, Grows Green Grass...	$39.99 $27.19	View on Amazon*
5		Pennington Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue Grass Seed 20 lb	$69.99 $46.00	View on Amazon*

*Price from:  2024-04-02 at 17:49 EST

*Price from:  2024-04-03 at 00:55 EST

How Much Grass Seed to Buy

To know how much seed you need to buy, figure out the square footage of your yard. Then you’ll look at the two coverage numbers that most bags of grass seed usually have written on them.

The biggest number on the bag will tell you the square footage that bag would cover if you were using it to reseed, also known as overseeding, your yard. The lower coverage number tells you how many square feet that bag would cover if you have big bald spots or you are starting with nothing but dirt in your yard.

Watch out for Temporary Grass Seed

If you see a bag that says it will create a temporary lawn, it is probably a quick-growing but not long-lasting variety. This is often Rye Grass. I would skip these altogether unless you really need to get some grass growing quickly and plan to replace it later.

You’ll have to replant this seed every single year to have a good amount of grass. It’ll die off after a while, and then you’ll be back at square one. You might as well save the expense of repeated plantings and do it right the first time.

Top 5 Best Grass Seed Reviews

1. Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue 

Kentucky 31 is the best grass seed on our list and receives the highest ratings because it is a quality product for a low price. This seed adapts to different soils and is tolerant of a variety of climates. Tall fescue is known as a cool-season grass. It’s a good durable seed that doesn’t take much work – you don’t need to coddle it to make it grow.

Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue 50lbs

View on Amazon*

*Price from:  2024-04-02 at 18:17 EST

Since it resists weeds and disease, it requires less maintenance on your part. You will have a much better chance of it doing what it is supposed to, create a lush carpet of grass on your yard.

This seed isn’t finicky – it does well in direct sunlight and it does well in shade. It can take about 25 to 50 pounds to seed a one-acre property. Overseeding takes about half as much seed as completely seeding an area. Once the seed is correctly planted, you can see the seeds sprouting in approximately a week. Let's get it NOW! 

2. Jonathan Green Fall Magic Grass 

This grass seed mix is made especially for fall seeding. This is great if you are trying to thicken your grass for the spring following a long, active summer in which your grass has taken a beating. It can be used on new lawns or as a filler to thicken existing lawns.

Jonathan Green 40765 Fall Magic Grass Seed, 3 lb

• 3 pound bag
• 1,500 Square foot coverage
• 100% superior grass seed

$26.91

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*Price from:  2024-04-02 at 18:17 EST

This mix is good in both sun and shady areas, making it a good multi-purpose choice for homeowners. Some of the varieties of grass included in this mix are Dakota tall fescue, Taos tall fescue, ryegrass, bluegrass, and creeping red fescue. Fescue, bluegrass, and ryegrass are good cool season grasses.

Jonathan Green Fall Magic germinates quickly and works well with little effort on the grower’s part. It produces dark green grass that will look nice by the time spring and summer rolls around and you’re hosting backyard barbecues. I'm sold, let's get it! 

3. Scotts Turf Builder Thick'R Lawn 

Scotts has many excellent seeding and fertilizing products. We really liked this particular mix of theirs featuring a 3-in-1 solution to help thicken your existing lawn.

Currently on Sale

Scotts Turf Builder THICK'R LAWN Grass Seed, Fertilizer, and Soil Improver for Sun & Shade, 4,000 sq. ft., 40 lbs.

• Scotts Turf Builder THICK'R LAWN Sun & Shade is a 3-in-1 solution uniquely formulated to help turn your thin lawn into a thicker, greener lawn with stronger roots
• Get up to a 50% thicker lawn with just one application (subject to proper care; results may vary based on current condition of lawn)
• Lawn improvement product contains grass seed to fill gaps in current lawn, fertilizer for thicker, greener turf, and soil improver to enhance root development
• This 3-in-1 is a great addition to your lawn care program with one application in the spring and one application in the late summer or early fall
• One 40 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder THICK'R LAWN Sun & Shade covers 4,000 sq. ft.

$70.49 −36% $44.98

View on Amazon*

*Price from:  2024-04-02 at 18:17 EST

In it, they’ve mixed seed, fertilizer and a soil-improving ingredient that will help breathe new life into your lawn and the soil beneath it.

Use it in both sunny and shady areas of your lawn. However, it is recommended for the Midwest and the Northeast Central regions of the US. So if you live in a different area, you should consider some of the other options on our list. Yes! I want it! 

4. Jonathan Green Shady Nooks 

Grass seed doesn’t always do well in intensely shady areas. If you haven’t had much luck with typical grass seed under the cover of big trees in your yard, you may want to consider a shady seed mix.

Jonathan Green (11959) Black Beauty Shady Nooks Grass Seed - Cool Season Lawn Seed (7 lb)

• DENSE SHADE GRASS SEED - Black Beauty Shady Nooks Grass Seed is our most shade-tolerant grass seed mixture. This grass seed survives and thrives in both wet and dry shady areas where other turfgrass mixtures fail.
• THRIVES IN DEEPLY SHADED LAWNS - Our cool-season grass seed mix contains tall fescues, perennial rye, and fine fescue turfgrass varieties. This unique mix allows our shady seed mixture to grow in deep shade right up to the base of trees.
• REQUIRES LESS FERTILIZER - This full shade lawn seed requires less fertilizer and water than our competitor's grass seed mixtures.
• PROVIDES A DARK GREEN LAWN - This grass seed mix produces healthy, dense, and attractive turf with a dark-green color. The best time to apply is mid-August to mid-October, or mid-March through mid-May.
• COMPLETE COVERAGE - This 7 lb bag will seed up to 2,625 sq. ft. for new lawns. For overseeding, this bag will seed up to 5,250 sq. ft. The germination time for Black Beauty Shady Nooks Grass Seed Mix is 10 - 20 days.

$42.99

View on Amazon*

*Price from:  2024-04-02 at 18:17 EST

This mix has been formulated to thrive even in the shadiest areas, whether they are damp or dry. In this mix, you’ll find sun-up poa trivialis and Harpoon hard fescue. The poa trivialis grass survives in damp, shady areas, while the fescue can handle dry shade.

This seed mix takes longer than some of the others on the list to start growing, but it won’t have sunlight to help it along. You should see some growth after two or three weeks. After a few months, you should have a blanket of lush, dark green grass covering your shady areas. Let's get it NOW! 

5. Pearl's Premium Ultra Low Maintenance 

This grass seed works well in areas that get filtered sunlight. You don’t want more than six hours of sun or shade. It won’t do well in full sun, and it also won’t do well in full shade, but if your yard offers a happy medium of sun and shade, you’ll want to consider this grass. It’s a soft grass that keeps a nice green color year-round.

Pearl's Premium Ultra Low Maintenance Lawn Seed, 5-Pound, Sun/Shade Blend

• 800sf Coverage per 5-pound
• Product Best for Filtered Sunlight (Not more than 6 hours of Sun or Shade)
• Fast Return on Investment with Maintenance Reduction and Reduced Water Costs
• Follow complete installation instructions on bag

View on Amazon*

*Price from:  2024-04-02 at 18:17 EST

As its name promises, you won’t need to provide much maintenance to keep this grass healthy. People who love grass but hate to mow their lawns should be happy to know they’ll only need to cut their grass about once a month with this mix. It also doesn’t require much watering once established. This makes it a good choice for people who are trying to conserve water or living where there is less rain fall. I'm sold, let's get it! 

The post 5 Best Grass Seeds 2021 appeared first on Garden Consumers.

If trees are the main source of shade for your lawn, you’ve probably noticed some bare patches or sparse growth in certain areas of the lawn. The trees are hogging all of the nutrients in the soil for themselves!

But do not blame the trees. It is humans that have decided that they want grass growing up very close to the tree trunks. But really, the trees want the whole area under their dripline for themselves. This can make growing grass near a tree trunk difficult even if it does get some sunshine.

Finding the best grass seed for shade isn’t hard, but you do need to understand the difference between the types of grass. Some varieties can survive with less sun exposure and, potentially, fewer nutrients from the soil.

In our guide, we’ll show you the top grass seeds that you can use in areas of dense shade to partial shade. We will also help you understand what to look for as you shop.

Let’s get started!

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Consider This

Here are a few basic things to keep in mind before you choose a seed.

• Foot Traffic. Some grass species can withstand heavy foot traffic while others, not so much.

Fescue grass is great for medium foot traffic, as is Kentucky Blue Grass, Perennial Ryegrass and Creeping Bent Grass, which can withstand heavy foot traffic just fine.

Not all of these are ideal for the shade but they can withstand full sun with partial shade throughout the day.

• Your Climate. Keep in mind that some grass species are more tolerant to drought and require less maintenance than others. Make sure you double-check the label to find out the climates/zones for which it is recommended.
• Banned Grass. Some grasses are banned in certain states due to the aggressive nature in which they grow. The climate is too ideal for them (they overpower the native flora and fauna too easily).

If you’re interested in a seed type, make sure that you can plant it in your state or geographic region.

Extra Shopping Tips

Here are a few other tips you should keep in mind as you search for the best grass for shade.

• Amount of Shade. Grass, like most plants, really need some sunlight to thrive. It is important to consider that some areas with very little light will naturally be a very difficult place to grow nice lush grass.

Based on your yard as-is (especially if you’ve just built a new home and you haven’t yet planted anything else), keep track of the sun and shade patterns in order to help you determine the amount of shade your grass will be exposed to throughout the day.

The Main Grass Types. Of course, the right seed depends on your climate. In order to narrow down the choices, these are the top grasses for shady areas:

Fescue (hard, creeping, fine) – There are lots of varieties of Fescue and you will be able to find a blended product that was specifically made for your region.

Kentucky Bluegrass – This is a beautiful grass that will create thick lush lawns, but it needs sunshine and does not do very well in the shade.

Perennial Ryegrass – Ryegrasses are hardy and germinate and grow quickly. Be warned though that they need sunshine to continue to thrive. They are not recommended for shade.

Seed Blends – The best grass seed for shade is usually a mixture of species rather than just one.

These are great if you have quite a wide range of temperatures and seasons throughout the year. The different seed types can all make up for what the other one is lacking in order to provide you with a steady “green” all season long.

Top 3 Best Grass Seed for Shade Reviews

1. Jonathan Green Black Beauty Dense Shade Grass 

If you have a densely shaded lawn area (we talking that 75% of the day or more it is covered by shade), then this is a great mixture of seed.

Jonathan Green JOG10600 40600 Dense Shade Grass Seed, 3 lb, 3-Pound

• 3 pound bag
• 1,800 Square foot coverage
• 100% superior grass seed

$26.32

View on Amazon*

*Price from:  2024-04-01 at 20:49 EST

Overview

• Surface Area It Covers: 1,800 square feet
• Grass Type: Mix
• Climate: Dry

Jonathan Green recommends this for lawns that tend to dry out quite a bit even if they are covered by tree shade most of the day (in this case, it is because the tree roots are taking all of the moisture before the grass has a chance to take a drink).

This grass is also naturally insect resistant thanks to the helpful fungus: Endophytes. These Endophytes produce Alkaloids (defensive compounds) that aren’t good for aboveground feeding insects – such as mosquitos – which means you won’t need to treat the lawn with harmful chemicals in order to get rid of these pests. Let's get it NOW! 

2. Discount Lawn Care The Dirty Gardener 

If you’re looking for a single-seed mixture, this one is perfect.

Currently on Sale

Creeping Red Fescue Lawn Grass - 5 Pounds

• Red fescue is a beautiful, very fine blade grass
• Does well in shady areas so perfect for seeding under trees
• Medium to dark green in color
• Grows up to 14 inches tall and easy to establish

$43.95 −9% $40.00

View on Amazon*

*Price from:  2024-04-02 at 21:20 EST

Overview

• Surface Area It Covers: 1,000 square feet (or slightly more)
• Grass Type: Creeping Red Fescue
• Climate: Cool (northern regions)

This grass is great for planting under trees. It has a very fine blade and grows quite long if you don’t cut it (potentially up to 14 inches!), and being in the shade, it’s probably going to grow quickly.

It also establishes well once you plant it, so it shouldn’t take long to yield a thick, lush carpet of green.

This is definitely recommended for dense shade, so if you have too much sun exposure during certain times of day, it might burn. I'm sold! 

3. Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade Mix 

If you live in a dry region, a good drought-resistance grass like this will come in handy.

Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade Grass Seed, 7 lb

• This bag covers up to 1,750 sq. ft.
• Uses up to 30% less water versus ordinary grass seed
• Grass establishes quickly
• Contains grass seed varieties that thrive in shade
• Formulated to outperform other shade grass seed mixes

$52.10

View on Amazon*

*Price from:  2024-04-02 at 21:20 EST

Overview

• Surface Area It Covers: 8 lbs./1,000 square feet (new lawns) or 4 lbs./1,000 square feet for overseeding
• Grass Type: Mix
• Climate: Dry

Pennington claims that it will grow in all zones across the U.S., but it definitely handles the drought well in areas that don’t get much rain throughout the year.

This is another seed for dense shade, so if you have more sun exposure and you’re in need of a different type, be sure to check out the other great options in our table. They’re labeled in order to help make it easier for you to find the right one! Yes! I want it! 

The post Best Grass Seeds for Shade 2021 appeared first on Garden Consumers.

With so many brands on the market, it may prove difficult to decide on the best Bermuda grass seed. You will find what you need to know here. This guide will provide you with comparisons of top brands along with a detailed buying guide and reviews. All you’ll need to do is buy and plant!

We are a professional reader-supported review site. You get our best product recommendations and we can receive small commissions from our affiliates at no cost to you. Win-Win!!

Top Selling Bermuda Grass Seeds

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Bermudagrass with Fertilizer and Soil Improver, Drought-Tolerant, 1...	$13.49 $11.44	View on Amazon*
2		Scotts Turf Builder Rapid Grass Bermudagrass, Combination Seed and Fertilizer, Grows Green Grass...	$53.49 $29.99	View on Amazon*
3		Pennington Bermudagrass Grass Seed 15 lb	$79.00	View on Amazon*
4		Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Bermudagrass, 10 lb. - Combination Mulch, Seed, and Fertilizer -...	$47.49 $32.79	View on Amazon*
5		Pennington Sahara II Bermuda Grass Seed - 50 Lbs.	$324.10	View on Amazon*

*Price from:  2024-04-02 at 23:05 EST

Shopping Tips & Things to Consider

While Bermuda grass is the easiest to establish, there are facts you should know before planting:

Characteristics:

• It has a medium/dense or fine texture, depending on the variety.
• When temperatures fall, Bermuda grass becomes dormant and turn brown.
• Bermuda grass has a fast growth rate.
• A durable grass that can withstand traffic/wear and tear.
• It is drought tolerant.

Growth Conditions:

• Bermuda grass requires full sun and does not respond well in shaded areas.
• It is best suited for warm climates and mild winters.
• With proper fertilization, Bermuda grass will grow in any soil.
• It is best to grow this type of grass in well-drained soil, but it is tolerant of wet soils.

Once you have planted the seeds, there is maintenance to consider. Keep in mind the following:

• Mowing. Due to its fast growth, Bermuda grass should frequently be mowed at heights of between ¾ to 1½ inches.
• Watering. The grass will need between 1 to 1 ¼ inches of water per week.
• Fertilizer. Remember to fertilize your soil every 4 – 6 weeks for best results.
• Aerate. This is one of the best ways to keep your lawn healthy; aerator machines are inexpensive to rent and simple to use (check local equipment rental stores); can also be done with aerator shoes; should be done at least once a year.

Top 3 Best Bermuda Grass Seed Reviews

1. Outsidepride Arden 15 Hybrid Bermuda Grass Seed 

This is a premium variety of Bermuda grass that might be found on golf courses near you. You will need 2 to 3 pounds of this seed for every 1000 square feet of lawn. An ideal location will have full sun and well-drained soil.

Outsidepride 1 lb. Full House Bermuda Grass Seed Blend of Monaco & Hollywood

• Establishment Time: Under ideal conditions, full coverage may be attained between 4 to 6 weeks. If planting the putting green seed occurs early or late in the season, more time may be needed for establishment.
• Days to Germinate: After planting bermuda seed, with ideal conditions, germination may begin within 7 days. Allow 10 to 14 days for completion for bermudagrass seed.
• Where to Plant: In full sun on well drained soil. Proper drainage is essential for successful establishment and the development of a mature, healthy putting green.
• Time to Plant: Plant Bermuda Grass seed when soil temperatures are consistently above 65° F
• Bermuda Grass Seeding Rate: 2 - 3 pounds of coated seed per 1000 square feet of certified seed, hulled, coated form

$34.99

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*Price from:  2024-04-02 at 23:05 EST

It is an aggressive variety that will spread quickly and crowd out most weeds while filling in bare spots. Although listed to germinate in 10-14 days, I think that you will only get this under ideal conditions. Be prepared to wait even longer. It should be noted that depending on the area in which you live and your lawn size/conditions, it could take up to a year to see full coverage of grass.

These seeds grow to a beautiful green shade. Frequent mowing will be necessary once established. It is recommended you follow the planting directions for the best results. Given the amount of coverage you get with this one bag, it’s reasonably priced, worth the money, and one of the best Bermuda grass seed options available. Let's get it NOW! 

2. Pennington Seed Bermudagrass Seed 

Pennington was founded in 1945 and has become one of the leading manufacturers of grass seeds and lawn products. If you’re looking for a quality Bermuda grass seed, this is an excellent option. This 5-pound bag will cover up to 5,000 square feet.

Pennington Seed 5 lb Bermuda Grass Seed

• Excellent for a warm season sunny lawn
• Wear tolerant
• Very fine turf type texture
• Drought resistant
• Durable turf

$72.87

View on Amazon*

*Price from:  2024-04-02 at 23:05 EST

Advantages to this planting this seed include its ease of planting on any ground and soil, great first year results and no tilling or special prep required. This variety of Bermuda grass is best suited for warm/hot climates and will not do well in cool/cold climates.

This product has what Pennington calls Penkoted® seeds which enhance the growth rate and provides a stronger root system. It is affordable, and you can expect quick results although complete coverage could take several months depending on the size and condition of your lawn. I'm sold! 

3. Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed – Sun and Shade Mix

No products found.

With this product, you have options (the price will, of course, vary depending on the size):

• 3 lbs. = up to 1,200 square feet
• 7 lbs. = up to 2,800 square feet
• 20 lbs. = up to 8,000 square feet
• 40 lbs. = up to 16,000 square feet

These seeds have a feature that Scotts calls WaterSmart PLUS. It is a special coating that enhances water absorption, aids in the feeding of nutrients and provides protection from diseases. These seeds have a rapid growth rate and work well filling in bare spots. The only real drawback from this grass seed is you may find it’s not as dense and thick as other varieties.

The price of each size bag is comparable to other brands, but it should be noted this grass is generally for Northern climates and is not sold in Louisiana. You can expect growth within 5 – 10 days but the grass will take a few months to establish fully. No products found.

The post 5 Best Bermuda Grass Seeds 2021 appeared first on Garden Consumers.