The grass is always greener on the other side, but when it comes to some lawns, it's more like the grass is nonexistent. Thankfully, getting your grass to grow and thrive doesn't have to be a chore when you have the right grass seeds. That's why, in this review guide, we're taking a look at some of the best grass seeds of 2024 that will offer versatility, great coverage, and visual appeal. For us, Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed stands out among the rest, thanks to its widespread, ample amount, and excellent growth even under sun and shade. Let's take a look!
Our Top Picks For Grass Seeds
The Best Grass Seeds
Best Overall
If you’ve got a humble little space of around 3000 square feet (or around 250 – 300 square meters), this pack of grass seed should be enough for your needs. It’s got enough seeds to completely cover the area in beautiful grass. What’s more is that the grass grows in even the most extreme conditions, whether it be sun or shade. If you want to save on some money, you can buy the grass seeds by themselves, but you can also spend some extra money on their grass seed and fertilizer bundle to really make sure that the grass grows in prime conditions.
Pros
- Available in multiple sizes
- Grows in sun or shade
- Helps improve empty or thin spots
- Resists disease and keeps seeds moist longer
Cons
- May require more seeds for good results
Best for Shaded Grass
If you’ve done your research on grass, you’ll find that some grass grows better in shaded areas, whereas others prefer sunnier conditions. If you’re planting grass in an area that’s constantly in the shade, then you’ll want seeds that can adjust to that sort of light level. This mix of grass seeds provides the perfect solution – combining fine and tall fescue grass, the mix grows ideally in shaded environments, so you don’t have to worry about exposing it to the sun to grow. And since it’s a mix, it also comes with fertilizer so you can be sure that the grass will grow in good conditions.
Pros
- Comes in 3 and 7-pound bags
- Needs less water than other seeds
- Results in up to 16 days
- Ideal for growing grass in shaded areas
Cons
- Germination rate was too low for some
Best Variety
Not a fan of just one type of grass? If you want variety in your lawn, and want to make sure that the grass boasts a good mix of different types, then this mix is the product for you. It’s got Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and black beauty tall fescues contained in the mix for a good combination. The grass itself is naturally resistant to insects, so you don’t have to worry about it being eaten by critters that live on your lawn.
Pros
- Five different size options
- Tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass blend
- Germinates in seven to 14 days
Cons
- Some users didn’t experience enough growth
Purest Option
You know something’s authentic and legitimate when the state itself recognizes the product. This pack of tall fescue grass seeds is perfect for people who love the grass type. It’s got at least 98% pure seed in every pack and guarantees no weeds or other crops, so you don’t have to be worried about any other plants growing alongside your grass. You can get the seeds at many different sizes depending on your budget, so whether you’re planting your whole yard or just want to fill up a patch of dirt, they’ve got a size for you.
Pros
- State-certified tall fescue grass seed
- Contains 98% pure seed
- Very hardy and strong
Cons
- Growth rate could be better
Most Effective
Turf-type tall fescue grass is not to be underestimated, and this formula of grass seeds is a good example of this. The seeds can grow in both sun and shade and will germinate in less than two weeks, so you can almost immediately see progress in less than a month. If you’re seeding an existing lawn, you can cover up to 5,000 square feet with one pack, which is more than enough. And if you aren’t satisfied with the product, you can always get your money back with their guarantee.
Pros
- Designed for dry, hot, and high-traffic areas
- 99.9% weed-free seed blend
- Uncoated for better coverage
Cons
- Some users grew more weeds than expected
Best Rye Grass
If you don’t like the look of Fescue grass, perhaps rye would suit your tastes more. This Oregon-grown sack of grass seeds weighs in at a whopping 50 lb. With that many seeds, you can plant up to 10,000 square feet worth of space, more than enough for even larger estates and properties. The product page recommends planting the seeds during April and May as well as September through October for ideal conditions.
Pros
- Large 50-pound bag of rye grass
- Covers up to 10,000 square feet
- Grows quickly and evenly
- Thick, green, and beautiful
Cons
- Pricier than some other options
Most Dense
This bucket of grass seed mix contains improved tall fescue. This Marathon II seed can withstand short mowing, and its compact nature gives makes your lawn look more carpet-like than other types of grass. The bucket weighs in at 5 lbs, and you can be sure that there are no weeds in the mix whatsoever. For those who prefer a denser lawn that’s cut short, you’re looking at the ideal grass seed mix here.
Pros
- Short and dense, carpet-like look
- Easy to care for
- Grows strong, green grass
Cons
- Some had difficulties growing this grass
Buying Guide: Grass Seeds
Grass seed is a cheap and effective way to get grass on your lawn. It does take a while and the results may not be perfect, but for what they can do, these seeds are worth the money. To choose the right grass seed for your lawn, you’ll need to understand the different types available and their suitability for your lawn’s conditions. Warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia thrive in hot weather and go dormant in cool temperatures. Cool-season grasses such as Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass grow vigorously in the spring and fall and are better suited to northern regions. Consider the amount of sunlight, local climate, and foot traffic before purchasing the right choice can impact the health and appearance of your lawn.
What is Grass Seed?
Grass seed is a seed that, when planted, grows to form grass, a short plant that comprises mainly of long leaves. Because of the general classification of grass, it can grow as short as a few inches or as much as tens of meters in height. Because of how short and small modern lawn grass is, many seeds are required to fully cover an area with grass.
Why Do You Need Grass Seed?
Here’s why you may want to buy grass seeds.
They make your lawn look alive
There’s a reason why many suburban homeowners invest so much money in their lawns. Anybody who owns a patch of land will want to make their lawn look as lush and lively as possible, and this is very easily done with grass. Grass provides that natural green color that makes your living space look cozy and warm. It’s also great to walk on and offers other benefits, such as oxygen production.
They produce oxygen
Speaking of oxygen, did you know that just 25 square feet of healthy grass is enough to produce one day’s worth of oxygen for an adult? Even if you don’t have any other trees or plants growing at home, grass is enough to keep those oxygen levels high enough for you to breathe clean, fresh air. And unlike trees and larger plants, grass still leaves you with plenty of space for events, parties, and a nice place for some rest and relaxation.
Things to Consider When Buying Grass Seed
Keep these tips in mind when buying grass seed.
Type
Grass isn’t just “grass”. It’s more of an umbrella term for different species and types of plants that all fall under the “grass” category. As such, there’s plenty of diversity among grass types, with some excelling in certain aspects than others. For this reason, you will need to be familiar with different types of grass, mainly based on one aspect – weather conditions.
Unlike other plants, grass is relatively sensitive to the weather. If not grown in ideal conditions, it will lose color and even die, which is never a good thing. You want to primarily base your decisions on the environment where you plan on planting the grass seeds. Some grass types grow best in temperate to colder climates. Others prefer growing under the sun. While there are outliers for each different type of grass, it’s important to look for one that you really like, since that grass will stay on your lawn for years to come.
Size
“Size” in this case can refer to two different things, though they’re both closely related. You’ll want to consider the size of your lawn, as well as the overall size of your seed pack. More seeds mean more coverage for your lawn, but you can make good estimates thanks to product descriptions. Many seed packs mention how much surface area they can cover, so you can plan on what you need to buy.
Location
The location of where you’re planting your grass is just as important to consider as the type of grass itself. By knowing what type of environment your grass will grow in, you can narrow down your choices more easily and figure out which spaces are ideal for grass growth. Some grass can grow under a bright, hot sun, whereas others prefer shade. Some grass can even handle both conditions without too much problem. Remember, you can’t move grass the same way you can move around a potted plant when it’s in the wrong spot. Once it’s there, it’s there. Consider carefully where you plan on planting the grass and pick your type accordingly.
Height
The height of grass may not sound that important, especially because many people mow their lawns regularly. But the truth is that not everybody does, and if you have a large space that’s full of grass, you might prefer mowing your lawn less frequently than others. Leaving grass to grow for too long will allow the grass to grow to its full height, so you may want to consider what it’d look like when fully grown.
If you’re planting grass seeds that are commercially sold, chances are that they won’t grow too high. They may grow high enough that it’ll become obvious to your neighbors, but it won’t become terrible to look at. Alternatively, you can look for slow-growing grass, which is grass that doesn’t grow at the regular rate of other grass. You can go for even longer without having to mow your lawn, allowing you to focus more time on other endeavors.
Grass Seed Price Range
Unlike other seeds, grass seed is somewhat pricey, especially in large quantities. For small to medium-sized lawns, expect to spend anywhere between $20 and $100 for a pack of seeds enough to cover your lawn. For larger areas, you’ll be spending far more. Note that if you’re planting on an existing lawn, then you’ll need far fewer seeds – typically half the amount required in any given area.
Grass Seed FAQ
When should I plant grass?
Generally, you'll want to plant grass during spring or fall, though some sellers also recommend ideal planting times on their store page.
Can I plant grass seeds by throwing them?
Although efficient, throwing seeds can cause them to dry out fast, which prevents germination. You want to either have existing grass protect the seed or cover it in a thin layer of topsoil for ideal growth conditions.
Why should I buy grass seed?
Grass seed is a smart choice because it's cost-effective, provides a wider variety of grass types, and is less labor-intensive. It also allows for a healthier and more resilient yard.
Are there different types of grass seed?
Yes, there are different grass seeds, and each is meant for different needs. Warm-season types like Zoysia excel in heat, for example, while cool-season varieties such as Kentucky Bluegrass prefer milder climates. Some, like Tall Fescue, need less water, and others, like Fine Fescue, grow well in shade, offering diverse choices for lawn care.
Can I grow grass without grass seed?
You can grow grass without traditional seeds by laying sod, planting sprigs, or using plugs. These methods are useful for quickly establishing a lawn, repairing patches, or simply when seed sowing is not feasible.
