Grass Seed Calculator — Pounds by Species

It depends on species. Kentucky bluegrass: 2–3 lb for new seeding, 1 lb for overseeding. Tall fescue: 8–10 lb new, 4–5 lb overseed. Bermudagrass: 1–2 lb new. Fine fescue: 3–4 lb new. Always use certified seed and check the label for seeding rate.

Cool-season grasses (bluegrass, fescue, ryegrass) germinate best in fall (late August to mid-October in most northern states) when soil is warm and air is cooling. Spring seeding works but competes with weeds. Warm-season grasses (bermuda, zoysia, centipede) should be planted in late spring to early summer when soil temperature exceeds 65°F.

It depends on species. A 50 lb bag of tall fescue (at 8 lb/1,000 sq ft) covers 6,250 sq ft. A 50 lb bag of Kentucky bluegrass (at 2 lb/1,000 sq ft) covers 25,000 sq ft. Enter the bag size in the calculator for an exact bag count.

Yes. Starter fertilizer (high phosphorus, e.g. 18-24-6) applied at seeding promotes root development. Apply at 3–4 lb per 1,000 sq ft per the bag label. Do not use weed-and-feed products at seeding — the pre-emergent herbicide will prevent germination.

New seeding (bare soil) uses the full rate because you need enough seed to establish density from scratch. Overseeding an existing lawn uses 50–60% of the new-seeding rate because existing grass fills in gaps. Scalp the lawn short (1–1.5 in) before overseeding for better soil contact.