Is it too late to plant grass seed in November?

It’s a common question many homeowners have this time of year – is November too late for planting grass seed and still get good results? The short answer is no, November is not necessarily too late to plant grass seed, but the timing does require some planning and preparation to increase your chances of success.

Quick Overview

Cooler soil temperatures and less sunlight in November mean grass seeds will germinate and establish more slowly than during the ideal planting times of spring and fall. However, as long as you select an appropriate grass seed variety, prepare the soil properly, and provide extra care while the new grass establishes, planting in November can still work well.

The keys to success are choosing a grass variety suited for planting at this time of year, taking steps to warm up the soil before seeding, providing ample moisture until the new grass takes root, using straw or another protective mulch layer, and being diligent about proper mowing and weed control once the grass comes up.

Why is November Late for Planting Grass?

November is past the ideal planting window for cool season grass varieties like fescue and bluegrass. Most experts recommend seeding these types of grass in the fall from August through September, or in the spring. By November, cooler soil temperatures and fewer daylight hours are less than ideal for starting new grass from seed.

However, there are a few factors that make November planting possible:

• Some grass varieties, like ryegrass, are more tolerant of cooler temperatures and low light than other types
• Preparing the soil properly with added organic material can help hold heat
• Additional seeding rates compensate for lower germination rates
• Extra care while grass is establishing helps new seedlings survive

As long as you understand the challenges and adjust your practices, planting in November can still work.

Best Grass Varieties for November Planting

For the best success, choose a grass seed variety that can handle cooler temperatures and less sunlight:

Perennial Ryegrass

Perennial ryegrass establishes quickly and can tolerate cold better than other grasses. There are two types available:

• Turf-type perennial ryegrass – Fine ryegrass blends suitable for lawns. Requires more maintenance.
• Annual ryegrass – Fast establishing and very cold hardy. Best for temporary winter cover. Dies out in summer.

Tall Fescue

Tall fescue is another cold-tolerant grass suitable for November planting. Look for endophyte-enhanced varieties, which resist insects and disease. Establishes more slowly than ryegrass.

Fine Fescue

Fine fescues like creeping red fescue and chewings fescue withstand cold well and require less maintenance. Use in shade or combine in mixes with ryegrass or bluegrass.

Bluegrass

Kentucky bluegrass grows slowly and prefers full sun and warmer soil. Include with ryegrass or fescue varieties when planting in November.

Step-by-Step Guide for November Grass Seeding

For the best chance of success, follow these steps when planting grass seed in November:

1. Test soil pH and nutrients – Grass requires soil pH between 6.0-7.0 and adequate phosphorus and potassium levels to establish well. Test soil and amend as needed 1-2 weeks before planting.
2. Remove debris and loosen soil – Clear away leaves, sticks and stones from the area. Loosen top 2 inches of soil with a rake or rototiller to allow seeds better contact.
3. Add starter fertilizer and organic matter – Mix in 1-2 inches of compost to improve moisture retention and nutrients. Apply starter fertilizer high in phosphorus.
4. Warm soil for better germination – Cover area with clear plastic sheeting for 1-2 weeks before planting to increase soil temperature.
5. Seed at heavier rates – Apply seed at double the normal rate to account for lower germination. Divide total in two applications in opposite directions.
6. Cover lightly with straw – Spread 1/2 inch layer of straw over seeded areas to retain moisture and insulate seeds. Anchor with netting.
7. Water frequently – Keep top 1 inch of soil moist. Avoid saturating seeds. Temporarily cover with burlap if heavy rain is expected.
8. Wait to mow – Hold off mowing until new grass is 3-4 inches tall. Set blades high. Avoid mowing when frost covered.
9. Control weeds – Hand pull weeds around new grass seedlings. Herbicides can’t be used until grass is established.

The Advantages of Fall Grass Seeding

While November planting can work, you’ll get faster, fuller results by seeding earlier in fall. Here are some of the benefits of fall seeding:

• Cooler temperatures are better suited to cool season grasses
• Less weed pressure in fall allows new grass to establish
• Longer daylight hours in fall aid growth before winter dormancy
• More time for roots to develop before summer heat
• Less risk of drying out with fall rains

For the most trouble-free planting, seed bluegrass and fescue varieties in the fall from mid-August to late September. But with proper preparation and care, November planting can still be successful.

Overseeding vs Seeding a New Lawn

There are two approaches to establishing grass in November:

Overseeding

Overseeding works well for repairing thin or damaged areas of an existing lawn. It involves scattering grass seed over the lawn so it mixes with the current grass. The steps are the same as seeding a new lawn, just without removing the old grass first.

Seeding a New Lawn

For a brand new lawn, the site should be prepared by removing all old grass and weeds first. Follow the steps above for best results establishing grass from scratch in November.

Tips for Caring for Newly Seeded Grass

Once your grass begins to sprout follow these tips for the best results:

• Mow when new grass is 3-4 inches tall. Keep mower blades set to high setting.
• Only mow when grass is dry to the touch to prevent damage.
• Avoid applying herbicides until grass is well established.
• Reapply starter fertilizer when grass is 2-3 inches tall.
• Continue to water 1-2 times per week until roots are 3-4 inches deep.
• Overseed bare spots again in early spring if needed.

Preparing for Winter After Seeding

Take steps to protect newly seeded grass before winter sets in:

• Mow to 2-3 inch height before winter for insulation
• Apply fall fertilizer high in potassium and phosphorus
• Continue watering until ground freezes to promote deeper roots
• Cover tender grass with breathable burlap if frost predicted

The most important factor is encouraging deep root growth before winter dormancy. This will help new grass survive cold better and have a head start come spring.

Conclusion

While November is past the ideal time, planting grass seed can still be successful with some preparation and extra care. The keys are selecting cold tolerant varieties like ryegrass and fescue, taking steps to warm the soil before planting, using heavier seeding rates, and providing frequent moisture until the new grass takes hold.

Pay close attention to proper mowing, fertilizing, and weed control in spring and fall to help new grass fills in fully. With the right steps, you can overseed thin lawns or establish a brand new lawn in November.

FAQ

What type of grass seed grows best in November?

Choose fast-growing, cold-tolerant varieties like perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and fine fescue for November planting. Avoid slow starters like Kentucky bluegrass.

How long does grass seed take to grow in November?

Depending on conditions, grass from a November seeding may begin sprouting in 2-4 weeks but can take 6-8 weeks or longer for full germination and establishment. Overseeded lawns fill in faster than new seedings.

Should I water grass seed twice a day in November?

Watering twice daily is only recommended during the hottest, driest periods and is usually overkill in November. Ideally, keep the top 1 inch of soil moist but not saturated. Adjust watering rates based on rainfall and temperature.

When should I fertilize new grass seed in November?

Apply starter fertilizer high in phosphorus at seeding. Once new grass reaches 2-3 inches tall, follow up with another application of starter fertilizer to promote root growth before winter dormancy.

What temperature is too cold for grass seed to germinate?

The minimum soil temperature for grass seed germination is around 45°F. Growth will be very slow below 50°F. Use black plastic sheeting for 1-2 weeks before seeding to increase soil warmth in cold conditions.

Grass Type	Planting Season	Cold Tolerance
Perennial Ryegrass	Fall or Late Fall	Excellent
Tall Fescue	Fall	Very Good
Fine Fescue	Fall or Spring	Excellent
Kentucky Bluegrass	Fall or Spring	Moderate

This table provides a comparison of cold tolerance for common cool season grass varieties.

Conclusion

Planting grass seed in November can be successful if you choose cold tolerant varieties, prepare soil properly, use heavier seeding rates, and provide attentive care while grass establishes. With extra preparation and diligent follow up, a November seeding or overseeding can still yield a beautiful, lush lawn that thrives through winter and into spring.