Lawncare FAQs

  • How do you plant grass seed?

    The steps to plant grass seed are amending the soil and prepping for optimal soil health, choosing the right type of seed and applying the seed according to the instructions on the packaging. Keeping the seeds moist during the germination period is the most important step to ensure seedling growth. Instructions will specify the right time of year to plant based on whether the grass seed is a warm-season or a cool-season variety. For a more detailed look at how to complete each step, read our article "How to Plant Grass Seed."

  • When is the best time to plant grass seed?
    The best time to plant grass seed depends on whether you have a cool- or warm-season lawn. For cool-season lawns such as fescue, bluegrass or ryegrass, mid spring or early fall is ideal for planting. Make sure to plant when the daytime temperatures are between 60 - 75 degrees and no lower than 50 degrees at night. 

    For warm-season grasses, like bermuda, zoysia or centipede, the best time to plant is in late spring to early summer. You will want to wait until daytime temperatures are 75 degrees and rising, with night time temperatures no lower than 60 degrees. Still have questions? Jump to our article about when to plant grass seed. 
  • Can I apply weed and feed at the same time as planting grass seed?
    Do not apply weed and feed or herbicide products when planting a new lawn, even if they are selective. Weed killing products can prevent grass seeds from germinating so wait until your lawn is established. Lawns usually take about one year to be fully established and benefit from weed treatments. To learn how to fight difficult weeds learn more here. 
  • How often should I fertilize my lawn?
    How often to fertilize your lawn will depend on what type of grass you have. Cool-season grasses should be fertilized a total of three times. Twice in the fall in September and November, then again in the spring in May or April after the first flush of growth.

    Warm-season grasses should be fed three times during active growth periods, but not during the hot midsummer months. Apply the fertilizer in three phases: first when the grass starts to green in early spring, next in late spring, and once again in late summer.
  • What is the best temperature to plant grass seed?
    The best temperature to plant grass seed will depend on whether you have a cool- or warm-season lawn. Cool-season grasses should be planted when temperatures are between 60 - 70 degrees during the day and no lower than 50 degrees at night. Warm season grasses should be planted when temperatures are above 75 degrees during the day and no lower than 60 degrees at night. For more answers, visit our article about the best time to plant grass seed.
  • When should I fertilize my lawn?
    When to fertilize your lawn will depend on what type of grass you have, warm- or cool-season. For cool-season lawns, the best time to fertilize is in the fall so that they are well fed prior to winter. Warm-season grasses should be fertilized in early spring.
  • Is Pennington grass seed treated with anything?
    Pennington grass seed is enhanced with our proprietary technology, Penkoted, which promotes healthier plants, protects against fungus and increases plant survival. Our seeds are enhanced with a growth stimulant, which ensures better plant growth and increases plant survival by enabling the seed to establish faster during the early growth period when grass is most susceptible to disease. To learn more, visit our article "A Commitment to Excellence: Through the Years with Pennington Seed."
  • What is a typical fertilizing/lawn care schedule?
    There are many things a homeowner should do throughout the year to maintain a healthy lawn. That can include fertilizing, mowing, applying herbicides and treating for disease and pests.

    The proper schedule for caring for your lawn so that larger issues don't arise will depend on whether you have a cool-season or warm-season lawn. Check out our cool-season lawn care calendar or warm-season lawn care calendar to learn how to care for your lawn.
  • Is Pennington grass seed perennial grass seed?
    All of our grasses are perennials, unless it specifically states it is an annual ryegrass. Check out our ryegrass selection here. 
  • Is Ironite toxic to pets?
    When Ironite is applied according to the label, we would not expect the product to harm pets. However, we recommend keeping all people and pets off of the treated area until it has dried. Once it is dry pets can reenter.
  • What types of grass seed are included in "mixed seed?"

    Depending on the region and availability, the seed mixes and blends can change. Please see the seed analysis within the seed tag on the packaging you've purchased for the seed breakdown. Learn how to read a seed tag here.

  • When should I apply Ironite?
    Apply Ironite Mineral Supplement 1-0-1 when your lawn starts to lose its green color, which may be due to iron deficiency or the stress of hot summer months. Ironite is non-burning and greens up lawns without the growth surge that requires excessive mowing. To learn more about the benefits of applying Ironite, visit our article on how to maintain a green lawn
  • What is penkoted grass seed?
    The exclusive Pennington Seed Penkoted® Seed Technology improves each seed's ability to grow into a healthy plant, resulting in a thick, beautiful lawn.
  • Is Pennington Fertilizer toxic to pets?
    When applied according to the label, we would not expect the fertilizer to harm pets. Depending on the formula, do not let pets enter the are until dust has settled or product is watered in and treated area is dry. We also recommend keeping all pets off of the treated area for at least 24 hours.
  • Should I plant grass seed before it rains?
    It is not recommended to plant grass seed before a heavy rain because it can wash the seed away or make it pool in one area. However, light rainfall can help seed work it's way into the soil for great seed to soil contact. To learn all of the ins and outs of planting grass seed please visit our resource section.
  • Is Pennington Fertilizer safe for horse pastures?
    Unless the product specifically states it can be used on pastures it should not be applied.
  • How long does it take grass seed to germinate?
    How long it takes grass seed to germinate depends on what type of grass seed you have planted. For most grass seed types, it can take between 7 to 21 days to germinate. In some cases, like centipede and zenith zoysia, it can take up to 30 days. To learn more about your type of grass, please visit our Grass 101 article section.
  • How long should I wait to mow grass after planting/germinating?
    When to mow your lawn will depend on the type of grass, as each has its own recommended mowing height. We recommend reviewing "Recommended Mowing Heights" on our resource section.
  • When can I allow pets back into my yard after applying lawn fertilizer or weed and feed?
    Pets can return to an area treated with most fertilizers once the treated location is dry or dust has settled. Weed and feed fertilizers are an exception; pets should be kept out of the treated area for 48 hours. If you think your pet has been exposed and is having an adverse reaction please call our customer care number immediately at 1-800-265-0761.
  • What is overseeding grass seed?
    Overseeding is when seed is placed throughout an existing lawn to increase the density of the grass or patch thin areas. It is also a method widely used by lawncare professionals and is highly recommended to maintain a beautiful lawn. Learn more about this practice here.
  • Can lawn fertilizer be used on plants, trees or shrubs?
    Plants need nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) which are 3 of the 17 nutrients essential to all plant life. The necessary NPK ratio can vary depending on the type of plant you are fertilizing, which you will usually see listed prominently on the packaging. While some all purpose fertilizers can be used on many different plant types, it is not advisable to use fertilizer on any plants that are not listed on the label. To learn more about what these ratios mean, visit our article "Numbers to Grow By: Understanding Fertilizer Labels."
  • What are the grass seed growing zones?
    Grass seed growing zones are based off of the USDA plant hardiness zone map which is used to determine what plants will thrive in certain regions in the United States. Different grasses do well in different growing zones and choosing the correct grass seed for your region is the first step to a beautiful lawn. Learn more about what grasses grow best in your region here.
  • How do I apply Pennington plant fertilizer to a vegetable garden?
    Because fertilizers have different NPK ratios you will want to make sure to apply the appropriate fertilizer for the type of plants you are growing. Since application rates can vary, be sure to follow the directions for the fertilizer you have. To see a list of our plant fertilizers, click here.
  • What grass seed is right for my area?
    Due to varying climates, soil conditions and regions, matching the best cool- or warm-season grasses to your growing region is critical. We recommend reading "Recommended Grasses for Regional Climates" in our resource section to learn what grass grows best in your area.
  • What is the best temperature to apply lawn fertilizer?
    The best time to apply lawn fertilizer is when weather is moderate. We don't recommend applying product when a frost is expected or if plants are stressed due to heat or drought. Otherwise, products can be applied during the early morning or early evening hours before or after the heat of the day.
  • How much do I need to water grass?
    Most existing lawns need the equivalent of 1 inch of rainfall each week to retain their health and attractive appearance. This includes water from natural precipitation and any supplemental irrigation you provide. However, this can vary depending on where you live and what type of grass you have. 
  • Should fertilizer be applied to a wet or dry lawn?
    Fertilizer should be applied to dry lawns with the exception of weed and feed products. Water your lawn prior to applying weed and feed for best results. However, always be sure to follow the directions on the label for use as products may vary. See all of our lawn fertilizers here.
  • How much do I need to water grass seed?

    For newly planted grass seed, water twice daily so that the top half inch of the soil always remains moist. Stop watering when puddles begin to appear on the soil surface. Once the seeds germinate and grass seedlings begin to grow, gradually transition to watering less frequently but more heavily. Taper off watering as the grass becomes taller and more mature. Learn more about new grass seed maintenance in our "How to Plant Grass Seed" article.

  • How much do I need to water a new lawn?

    Keeping grass seeds and seedlings constantly moist but not soggy is critical to successful grass-seeding efforts. Water newly seeded areas two to three times a day with a light spray to keep the seeds moist. Stop watering when puddles begin to appear on the soil surface. Once the seeds germinate and grass seedlings begin to grow, gradually transition to watering less frequently but more heavily. Taper off watering as the grass becomes taller and more mature. Learn more about new lawn maintenance in our "How to Plant Grass Seed" article.

  • How can I make my lawn greener?
    To get a deep green lawn apply Ironite Mineral Supplement 1-0-1. With mild iron deficiencies, lawns will yellow, but with severe iron chlorosis, turfgrass can die. Ironite contains iron and beneficial microbes, which will turn yellow lawns green without excessive growth or burning. Ironite is also ideal for yellow lawns during summer months. To learn more about how to get, and keep, a healthy lawn visit our article "Greening Up Your Lawn."
  • Is Pennington grass seed non-GMO?
    At Pennington, we use traditional plant breeding; all of our grass seed is GMO free.
  • When should I apply lime to my lawn?
    The best time to apply lime is in fall and spring. Fall has an added advantage, as rain, snow and cycles of freezing and thawing help lime break down and begin to work. First, test your soil to learn your soil's starting pH. Based on your soil's pH, apply the appropriate amount of lime to get your soil to the ideal range between 6.8 and 7.2.
  • Is Pennington grass seed safe for pets?
    Animals and children should be kept off the seeded area until the seed has been initially watered in and dried. Be sure to consult the safety label on the packaging for additional instructions.
  • What does lime do for lawns?
    Lime helps balance soil pH, which can change soil conditions so it does not promote moss and weeds.
  • What is cool-season grass?

    Cool-season grasses are varieties that flourish in northern regions, where their growth peaks in the cool temperatures and plentiful moisture of fall and spring. Popular cool-season grasses include fescues, bluegrasses and ryegrasses. Learn how to care for cool-season grass here

  • How much lime should I apply to my lawn?
    To find out how much lime to apply to your lawn, you will need to start with a soil test. A soil test will give you your soil's pH to ensure that you are applying the correct amount of Pennington Fast Acting lime to correct the problem. The ideal pH for lawns is between 6.8 and 7.2. For more about application rates please visit our Fast Acting Lime product page.
  • What is warm-season grass?

    Warm-season grasses are grasses that have their most active growth during warm seasons, from late spring through summer into early fall. Warm-season lawn grasses do best across the country's southern tier of states and up into the challenging midsection known as the transition zone, where cool, warm, humid and arid regions meet and merge. Popular warm-season grasses include Bermudagrass, Centipede, and Zenith Zoysia. Learn more about warm-season grass varieties here and how to choose the right variety for your lawn.

  • What is the difference between Pennington Fast Acting Lime with AST and regular pelletized lime?
    Pennington Fast Acting Lime includes Advanced Soil Technology (AST), which contains polymers that are impregnated into and coated onto the specially engineered granules. AST is continuously released into the soil as moisture is applied to the granules. Additionally, one 30 LB bag of Pennington Fast Acting Lime is equivalent to five 30 LB bags of regular pelletized lime.
  • How long can I store grass seed?
    You can store grass up to two years after the test date, as long as it's in a cool and dry area. The test date can be found on the seed tag on the back of each grass seed bag. Learn how to read a seed tag here.
  • Are there any effective organic lawn weed killers?
    Popular forms of organic lawncare such as pulling , burning, boiling water, salting or vinegar will damage your grass. The best way to fight weeds, if you are adverse to using fertilizer, is to make sure you have healthy soil by taking a soil sample and then adding amendments such as lime or gypsum. In addition to having healthy soil, make sure to overseed your lawn every fall to choke out weeds. Learn more about soil amendments here.
  • Why isn’t my grass seed germinating?
    There are many variables that can effect germination, ranging from temperature to soil abnormalities. We would recommend having a soil test done prior to seeding to ensure that the proper nutrients are in the soil for optimal germination. Learn how to take a soil sample here.
  • How do I kill lawn weeds?
    To kill lawn weeds we would recommend using a weed and feed product. See our weed and feed products.
  • What is the difference between seed germination and seed emergence?

    Seed germination is when the seed begins to root and develop beneath the soil. Seed emergence is when the growing blade of grass emerges from the topsoil. For more information to ensure proper seed germination check out our article "Your First Lawn? Start Here!"

  • Do you sell organic fertilizer?
    Our Alaska Fish Fertilizer 5-1-1 is an OMRI-listed (Organic Materials Review Institute) fertilizer so it can be used for organic food and crop production.
  • Are One Step Complete Lawn Repair Mix products harmful to pets?
    We have no reason to believe that our One Step Complete products are harmful to pets. One Step Complete includes fertilizer so we do recommend that the product is watered in and has thoroughly dried before allowing pets to re-enter the area.
  • When should I apply Fast Acting Gypsum?
    Apply gypsum in areas with compacted soil, such as areas composed with a lot of clay. Gypsum helps to loosen compacted soil, increases water penetration, promotes root growth and adds calcium without raising pH. It's also great for vegetable gardens with plants that have higher calcium needs, such as tomatoes.
  • What month is best to apply bare spot repair mix?
    The best time to repair bare spots in your lawn will depend on the type of grass and the climate in which it is being planted. Most warm-season grasses should be planted in late spring to early summer, while cool-season grasses are better repaired in the fall. However, before repairing your bare spots, we would recommend that you ensure that soil is healthy. Patchy spots are sometimes indicative of unhealthy soil. A frequent cause of this can be from pet urination. To learn more visit our article "How to Repair Bare Spots in Your Lawn."
  • Will Pennington products harm fish ponds?
    We recommend avoiding applying fertilizer in such a way that the run-off could end up in fish ponds. Fish are very sensitive to chemicals, so use caution because fish could be harmed.
  • When can I let my pets out after applying One Step Complete?
    Because One Step Complete includes fertilizer we recommend that the product is watered in and has thoroughly dried before allowing pets to re-enter the area. For best results, keep pets off of the seeded area until the grass is established.
  • Are Pennington products harmful to birds or wildlife?
    When Pennington products are applied according to the label, we would not expect them to harm wildlife.
  • What spreader settings should I use to plant grass seed or apply fertilizer?

    All seeds and fertilizers can require different spreader settings. We recommend that you refer to the manual of the spreader you wish to use for the correct spreader. To learn more about spreaders please visit our article "Demystifying Lawn Spreaders."

  • What is the difference between fertilizers and soil amendments?
    Amendments are added to soil to change and improve it. Unlike fertilizers, which add nutrients to soil, amendments modify the condition of the soil itself which provides a better environment for plant growth.

    Fertilizers impact plant growth directly, while soil amendments affect growth indirectly and sometimes deliver nutrients as a bonus. Soil amendments aren't fertilizer substitutes. Instead, they help fertilizers do the job they're intended to do by getting tilth and other factors in order.
  • What is your return policy?
    Pennington Lawn Care products have a customer satisfaction guarantee in which, if a customer is not satisfied, we will refund the purchase price of the product as long as it is within 90 days of purchase and we receive the receipt and packaging.
  • What spreader settings should I use to plant grass seed or apply fertilizer?
    All seeds and fertilizers can require different spreader settings. We recommend that you refer to the manual of the spreader you wish to use for the correct spreader.
  • When should I fertilize a new lawn?
    Fertilize new lawns after planting grass seed using a starter fertilizer. High-quality lawn fertilizer gives turf essential nutrients that help it grow thick. As your lawn matures, you will want to continue with a proper fertilizing schedule, but that can depend upon what type of grass you have. Learn more about when to fertilize your lawn here. 
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