Is Scott’s Grass Seed Any Good? A Complete Review

Scotts grass seeds

The Scotts Company is America’s top producer and distributor of grass seed with over 10℅ of the overall commercial lawn market. Their famous clients include Wrigley Field, the outstanding major league baseball venue, and also Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium. With about three-fourths of America’s top golf courses in their clientele, Scotts is indeed a force to reckon with in the grass seed space.

One question that retail buyers often ask however is if it’s really worth paying a premium for the Scotts brand. Let’s answer that question first, and also other FAQs about Scotts and grass nurturing in general.

Is Scotts grass seed worth it?

Yes, it is. Grass seed germination rates can vary according to the variety and the brand. Typically, the germination rates range anywhere between 80%-95%. That is, out of 100 grass seeds planted, 80 to 95 of them sprout and grow. With Scotts, the average germination rate is between 90%-95%. Do however note that this rate could be lower if you are not using fresh seeds.

How long does it take Scotts grass seed to grow?

Scotts grass seeds typically grow within 5 to 10 days under normal circumstances.  But the germination time of each seed is different, and some may take longer to germinate. If the temperature is low, the germination time will be longer. When planting lawn seeds, you also need to pay attention to the viewing temperature and whether the soil moisture is adequate. 

Cool-season grasses need a temperature of between 60-80F while warm-season grasses grow best at a temperature of 75-90F. 

ALSO READ: John and Bob’s soil optimizer reviews

What type of grass seed does Scotts use?

Scotts sells both cool-season and warm-season grasses. 

Cool-season grasses

  • Ryegrass: Scotts Ryegrass is a cool-climate grass and it does not break under constant and heavy stepping. It grows pretty fast and also sustains well under the shade. However, this may not grow well in the hot weather as it can wither easily. Long-term heat waves can be fatal too.
  • Kentucky Blue Grass: Kentucky Bluegrass is a favorite in the United States and the world. It is famous for its lush dark green and dense texture. This grass is very popular because it grows quickly from seed. The seeds of Kentucky bluegrass are very hardy.

Warm Season grasses

  • Bermuda Grass: Bermuda grass was imported from warmer climates in India and Africa. These seeds need a little extra warmth, and is hence popular in the southern parts of the country. Bermuda grass is very soft, and its luxurious texture makes it the first choice for golf courses and sports fields. It can grow quite tall, but its softness makes it easy to take care of.
  • Centipede Grass: Centipedegrass is very popular because it does not require much maintenance, it is strong and also drought-resistant. The grass can however turn light brown-green if not watered adequately.

Bentgrass, Fine Fescue, Dichondra are a few other popular varieties of grass for you to choose from.

Is Scotts grass safe or toxic to pets?

Some varieties of grass, like the Pampas grass, can cause sickness and even death among pets; especially dogs. Scotts grass varieties have however been validated as ‘safe to pets’. 

Which month is best to plant Scotts grass seed?

September to December is ideal for cool-season turfs. Make sure that the temperature is not too high. April to August is the typical planting season for warm-season turfs when the temperature is not too low

Will grass seed grow if just thrown on the ground? 

Given the high germination rate of grass seeds, yes, simply throwing seeds on ground can be “theoretically” enough. However, there are a lot of variables at play here which means that you may fail to see uniform growth. It’s not uncommon to notice a lot of bald patches where the environment was not conducive.

It’s hence advisable to cover your seeds with a thin layer of fine soil or use a fine-tooth harrow to loosen the surface of the topsoil to help the grass seed fall under the soil particles so that the seeds are mixed into the soil and then germinate.

Can you use too much Scotts grass seed?

All plants, including grasses, need enough soil space for the root system to spread and develop. If you use too many grass seeds, you will be hindering the growth of your lawn. It is recommended that you divide the grass seed into two parts and spread it twice so that the density and quantity can be controlled.

How much Scotts grass seed do I need for one acre?

On average, you will need about 10-50 grams of grass seeds for one square meter of land. That works out to about 10-15 kilograms (22 to 33 lbs) for an acre of land.

Is it bad to water grass at night?

Watering at night is not harmful in the tropics, because unlike during the day when the sun is hot, the water stays for a long time without much evaporation. However, in temperate climates (US, and UK), the water can become too cold for grasses. Watering the grasses is best done during the mornings or evenings.

How many minutes should I water my grass every day?

Overwatering your grass seeds can be just as harmful as underwatering them as this can lead to a spurt in fungi growth. How often you water depends on various factors like the amount of water needed to soak the root zone, the type of grass seed used, and the dry spots on the lawn in the weather. It’s advisable to water your grass seed for about 30-60 minutes depending on the grass seed variety.

Is it okay to water the grass even when it’s hot?

Of course, there is no doubt that when the weather is hot, plants need to be watered, but knowing the best time to do it can be tricky. Watering at night provides plenty of time for the water to penetrate the soil and the grass to absorb them. But again that could also mean a risk of fungus growth.

Evening times are ideal as this gives your grass enough time to dry and prevent fungi growth, but still gives enough opportunity for the water to absorb through the roots. Alternatively, you may consider watering your grass very early in the morning.

Why is my grass dying even though I water it?

When your grass is turning brown and dying, it’s mainly because of the change in weather conditions, Fungal issues, white grubs, soil acidity, and stress due to mowing. These are factors that are not specific to Scotts grass, but grass seeds in general.

References:

  1. https://www.scotts.com/en-us/products/grass-seed
  2. https://www.thespruce.com/best-grass-seed-4174720
Anand Srinivasan
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