How the grass seed calculator works
Seeding rates by grass type
Seeds differ enormously in size. A pound of Kentucky bluegrass holds well over a million seeds, while a pound of tall fescue holds roughly a quarter of a million — so tall fescue is sown at a much heavier rate.
| Grass | New lawn (lb per 1,000 sq ft) | Overseeding |
|---|---|---|
| Tall fescue | 6–9 (we use 8) | 3–5 |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2–3 | 1–1.5 |
| Perennial ryegrass | 6–9 (we use 7) | 3–4 |
| Fine fescue | 4–5 | 2–2.5 |
| Bermudagrass (hulled) | 1–2 | about 1 |
| Bahiagrass | 6–8 | 3–4 |
| Centipedegrass | 0.25–0.5 | — |
When to seed
Cool-season grasses (fescues, bluegrass, ryegrass) establish best from late summer to early fall, with spring as a second choice. Warm-season grasses (Bermuda, bahia, centipede) are seeded in late spring and early summer when soil is warm.
Tips
- Spread half the seed in one direction and half crosswise for even coverage.
- Rake lightly so seed contacts soil, then keep the top inch moist until it germinates.
- More seed is not better: overcrowded seedlings compete and thin out.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
How much grass seed per 1,000 square feet?
For a new lawn, about 6–9 lb of tall fescue, 2–3 lb of Kentucky bluegrass or 1–2 lb of hulled Bermudagrass. Overseeding takes roughly half.
How much grass seed for an acre?
An acre is 43,560 sq ft. Tall fescue at 8 lb per 1,000 sq ft needs about 350 lb; Kentucky bluegrass at 2.5 lb needs about 109 lb.
Can I just use more seed for a thicker lawn?
No. Seeding far above the recommended rate makes seedlings compete for light and water, which can thin the lawn and invite disease.