The Best Grass Seeds for the Midwest
Ask any farmer worth his salt about grass, and he’ll tell you that no two types are the same. Tons of factors affect how well each individual species grows—from animal traffic to human maintenance to soil quality. Even variations in seasonal weather or shade can spell the death of your newly planted lawn or pasture.
In the Midwest, where the weather can change at the drop of a hat, picking hardy, resistant species of grass is essential. Spring comes slowly here, and you won't be able to get your pasture seed into the ground until it thaws. With all the snow the region has gotten this year, too, farmers and homeowners alike must take into account flooding and moist soil conditions.
The Best Grass Seeds, Farm Seeds, and Pasture Seeds for The Midwest
Below is a list of the best grass seeds, farm seeds, and pasture seeds for our capricious Midwestern climate.
1)Fine Fescue: This grass is hardy and low maintenance, with great tolerance for variations in shade. It also can handle poor soil quality and low PH levels. It’s an ideal grass for the homeowner with active children, or the farmer with a thriving barnyard, as it can handle heavy traffic.
2)Perennial Ryegrass : This seed germinates (sprouts) quickly. With the growing period already cut short this year by flooding, Perennial Ryegrass is bound to be a popular choice. It also boasts somewhat of a tolerance to foot traffic and can stand up to below-zero Midwestern winters. However, it struggles with drought and overly wet soils.
3)Tall Fescue: Out of all the lawn and pasture seeds mentioned here, Tall Fescue is perhaps the hardest and most low maintenance. It copes wonderfully with pests, low soil quality (it can even improve this somewhat), foot traffic, and drought. Though it sprouts quickly, Perennial Ryegrass still beats it out in this department.
4)Kentucky Bluegrass: Despite the fact that it is obviously not a native grass seed, Kentucky Bluegrass is often the first choice of Midwestern homeowners. Its lush green coloration and unique ability to expand into damaged areas on its own make it a good, all-purpose grass for the aesthetically-concerned homeowner. That said, it is extremely high maintenance and generally requires mowing, watering, and fertilization. If you take care of Kentucky Bluegrass, however, your lawn will be the envy of the neighborhood.
Online Seed Store
If your lawn or pasture needs a little help this year, consider ordering your seed from Elk Mound Seed. We stock absolutely everything you need to both get started on and maintain your lawns and pastures. Call us at (715) 879-5556 or contact us through our website.
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