Question
We live in Zone 6.  We recently moved into our home and are cleaning up our lot (mostly weeds) and redoing the lawn.  The yard is a combo of sun and tree shade.  What seed or combination would you suggest that would give us good results quickly in this area?  Thank you.

Lauranne Wilson

Answer
I would buy a pre-mixed bag of grass seeds cultivars which are suited for both. The mixture of sun and shade cultivars means that the grass seeds which grow best in shade will prevail in shade and the grass seeds which grow best in full sun will prevail here.

Scott's Pure premium sun and shade grass mix is a good brand. It comes in 5 lbs bags with a dark blue lable. In our area, home depot, walmart, and lowes sell them.

Avoid lawn formulars for full sun.

First rake any bare spots loose and mow (the remaining) grass low (1.5-2"). Then spread grass seeds and a starter fertilizer. Next water daily for 7-10 days to keep the seed bed slightly damp but not saturated/soaked until germination. The goal is to keep the top 1" of soil consistently moist (required or seeds will die). Watering 1-2 times per day for 10-15 minutes will do the trick.

Once seeds germinate (sprout) gradually increase the time between watering and the amount of water you apply. The goal for watering will be to water infrequently but deeply, such as once per week for 2 hours rather than 15 minutes daily. This is the regular watering recommendation. During seed establishment, you should water as described above, but then gradually increase to the deep and infrequently pattern.

In your area, only fertilize in september, and late october. do not fertilize too early in spring or during hot summer months. You can fertilize in late may if you wish the grass to grow actively and stay green through summers.

When you mow your lawn, try to mow frequently and mow high. mow the lawn 2.5-3" tall. keep it at this level consistently through the year.

Note: under the shade of mature shade tree you may find it difficult to grow grass.