Is your grass looking more yellow than green thanks to the sweltering summer sun? Don’t lose hope! Follow these 6 proven tips to grow lush, vibrant grass quickly even during the dog days of summer. We’ll walk you through proper soil prep, seed selection, planting techniques, young grass care, overseeding existing lawns, and instant options like sodding. With a little know-how and TLC, you can outsmart the heat and have the neighborhood’s greenest lawn in just weeks. Let’s get started growing!

Table of Contents

6 Tips On How To Grow Grass Quickly In Summer

Introduction

For many homeowners, a lush green lawn is a prized possession and a point of pride. But keeping grass healthy and vibrant during the hot summer months can be a major challenge! Between soaring temperatures, disease pressure, and relentless weeds invading your turf, it’s easy to end up with patchy, lackluster grass.

The good news is there are some proven techniques you can use to grow grass fast even in the dog days of summer. While you may not be able to make your lawn perfect overnight, following key tips will help you establish thick, vigorous grass as quickly as possible when conditions are far from ideal.

In this article, we’ll cover six of the most important strategies for growing grass fast during the summer. Here’s a quick overview of what we’ll be discussing:

Preparing the Soil – Correcting issues like compaction, low nutrients, or poor drainage will allow grass plants to develop strong roots right from the start. Proper soil prep is crucial!
Choosing the Right Grass Seed – Look for seed varieties suited to summer planting and your specific climate. Quality seed with a high percentage of purity and germination will produce faster, fuller growth.
Proper Seeding Techniques – From timing to seed density to depth, proper sowing improves germination rates and minimizes washout or spotty coverage. We’ll review best practices.
Post-Seeding Lawn Care – Keeping seeds moist while preventing disease, controlling weeds, and properly mowing new grass are musts for rapid establishment.
Overseeding Existing Lawns – Thickening up thin or damaged spots in lawns you already have. Strategic overseeding can work wonders.
Alternatives to Seeding – For those who want instant gratification, we’ll also touch on sodding and grass plugs. Though more expensive, they provide immediate results.

Summer lawn care often requires extra patience and effort compared to spring and fall planting. But don’t let the heat deter you from starting or improving your lawn! By following the tips that work and avoiding common mistakes, you can grow lush grass even during the dog days. Let’s get started!

Prepare the Soil Properly

Getting your soil in prime shape before planting is one of the most vital steps for fast grass growth. If the soil is compacted, choked with debris, or lacking key nutrients, your grass seeds will struggle to develop healthy roots and leaves. Taking the time to correct any issues beforehand gives your new lawn its best shot at thriving right from the start.

Here are three key areas to focus on when prepping your soil for planting grass seed in the summer:

Test and Amend Soil pH and Nutrients

Testing your soil pH and nutrient levels is always smart before sowing grass seed. This gives you crucial data to correct any deficiencies or imbalances that could inhibit germination and growth.

Aim for a pH between 6.0-7.0 for optimal accessibility of nutrients for most grasses. Adjust with lime if too acidic or sulfur if too alkaline.
Major nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should also be sufficient. Add fertilizers or compost to enrich if needed.
Aerating prior to testing can help you get a more representative sample, especially if your lawn was previously compacted.

Correcting pH and nutrient deficiencies in advance means your grass will have the ideal soil environment right out of the gate.

Remove Debris, Moss and Weeds

One of the first steps in lawn preparation is clearing away any debris, moss, or weeds. These can all impede good seed-to-soil contact and grass growth:

Sticks, leaves, rocks and other debris need to be raked up and removed. Grass seeds may fail to germinate if buried under too much clutter.
Moss competes with grass plants for sunlight, nutrients and moisture. Remove manually or with chemical moss killers.
Tough weed roots should be dug up thoroughly – any remnants left behind may resprout and infest your new lawn.
Herbicides can be used ahead of time for a weed-free seedbed. But be sure they won’t have residual effects on new grass.

Starting with a blank slate minimizes competition and gives your grass seed the space it needs to grow rapidly.

Level and Till the Soil

Finally, you want nice even soil for your lawn, free of major highs and lows. Grass seeds tend to collect in low areas, resulting in patchy growth on hills and slopes if the seedbed isn’t level.

Fill in any low spots with topsoil to get a flat, smooth seedbed.
Till or churn up the soil, especially if hard or compacted. You want nice loose, crumbly soil 4-6 inches deep.
Grading may be needed for significant slopes to achieve an even plane.
Rake to smooth and level the soil once tilled and graded.

Proper soil leveling and tilling enables uniform seed germination and reduces washing out of seeds when you water or if it rains. With a flat, loose, fine-textured soil bed, your grass seeds will have the ideal growing environment.

Pick the Right Grass Seed

Selecting the ideal grass seed variety for quick summer growth requires some careful consideration. You’ll need to match the grass type to your climate, choose high quality seed, and consider any special coatings or treatments that could give your lawn a boost. Take the time to get the seed choice right, and your efforts will be rewarded with faster germination and lush grass growth.

Choose Appropriate Grass Type

The first key decision is cool season vs warm season grasses:

Cool season grasses do best in northern climates with cooler summers. Varieties include bluegrass, fescues and ryegrass.
Warm season grasses thrive in hot, humid southern regions. Bermuda, zoysia, centipedegrass and St. Augustine are common options.
Those in transition zones should select more heat tolerant cool season breeds or more cold hardy warm season counterparts.

Make sure to pick a grass tailored to your regional climate for optimal growth. Planting the wrong type can mean slow, spotty germination.

Sun and shade tolerance is another big factor. If your lawn gets lots of shade, choose shade-friendly varieties like fine fescues or zoysia over sun lovers like bermuda.

For frequently soggy or marshy areas, a wetness tolerant grass is a must, such as Centipedegrass. For drought prone zones, drought resistant varieties like Buffalograss are ideal.

Seeking out breeds with good disease resistance for common issues in your area (such as brown patch) is also wise for best performance.

Use Quality Seed

Buy the highest quality seed you can, as this gives the fastest, most uniform germination and growth. Here’s what to look for:

Purity percentage – This indicates what percentage of the seed is actually the desired grass variety vs. weeds/other crop seeds. Look for 90%+ purity.
Germination percentage – The higher the percent, the greater number of seeds that will successfully sprout. Aim for 85%+ germination.
Certified seed – Ensures rigorous standards for purity, germination, and overall quality. Stick to certified!
Expiration date – Only use non-expired seed for best germination. Viability declines over time.

High purity and germination equals faster sprouting, denser growth, and fewer weed problems early on. Keep an eye out for these metrics.

Seed Coatings and Treatments

Many grass seeds now come enhanced with special coatings or treatments. These are worth considering for easier establishment:

Fertilizer coatings provide starter nutrients to boost initial growth once sprouted. Gives seedlings an extra kickstart.
Soil inoculants help generate beneficial bacteria around roots aiding nutrient uptake.
Hydro-absorbing polymers can expand seed coating to retain moisture and prevent dry-out.
Pest/disease protectants shield young grass plants from potential threats in early stages.
Growth promoters (like seaweed extracts) stimulate root and shoot development in emerging seedlings.

Enhanced grass seeds that retain moisture, nourish, inoculate, and protect can definitely give you a leg up on quick summer growth. The coatings begin working immediately upon germination to nurture your lawn.

Proper Seeding Techniques

When it’s finally time to get those grass seeds in the ground, using the proper planting techniques will ensure rapid, uniform growth. From timing, to seed density, to depth and starter fertilizer, follow these best practices for seeding success.

Timing

Knowing the optimal time to sow grass seed is key for quick germination:

For cool season grasses, the best planting times are early fall (6-8 weeks before first frost) or early spring after the last frost. Avoid summer.
Warm season grasses do best sown later in spring once soil temps are at least 55-65°F, and all the way into summer. Late summer into early fall is also an option.

Planting at the wrong time of year can delay germination by weeks or even cause seed to remain dormant until seasonal conditions improve. Stick within the ideal seeding windows for fastest growth.

Seed Density/Coverage

Applying seed at the proper density and achieving full coverage is crucial for an even lawn free of thin patches:

Follow recommended seeding rates for the variety you choose (usually measured in lbs per 1000 sq ft). This ensures proper plant density.
Going too light on seed risks bare spots. Too heavy creates crowded, clumped grass.
Use a broadcast spreader for large areas, drop spreader for precision, or a hand spreader for small spaces. Calibrate according to seed rate.
Spread half the seed walking vertically across lawn, other half walking horizontally for most uniform coverage.
Raking lightly after seeding helps achieve good soil contact to aid germination.
For sloped areas, consider erosion control blankets/matting to hold seed in place.

Taking the time to sow at the right density and watering in properly gives your grass seeds the best odds of sprouting successfully.

Depth

Planting seeds at the proper depth is vital for good germination:

Ideal planting depth is around 1/4″ to 1/2″. Shallow enough for sunlight to reach seeds, deep enough to access soil moisture.
Seeds planted too deep may run out of food reserves before reaching the surface. Too shallow and they risk drying out.
Smaller seeds require shallower planting; larger seeds can be sown slightly deeper.
With new soil added, existing lawn height guides depth. Otherwise, gauge depth based on seed type.
Some settling of soil after planting may occur, so err slightly towards shallow end of depth range.

Adequate seed-soil contact and the right planting depth gives seeds the moisture, warmth, and aeration needed to germinate successfully and quickly.

Starter Fertilizer

Applying starter fertilizer when seeding is an important way to nourish grass plants right out of the gate:

Use a low nitrogen starter fertilizer (ex. 6-24-24) which won’t overstimulate growth before roots establish.
Phosphorus fuels root development and potassium strengthens overall plant hardiness. Both help young sprouts.
Apply at seeding time per label rates before raking seeds in. Delaying risks grass outpacing roots if fertilized later.
Light weekly doses of nitrogen can follow later once sprouted to promote leaf growth without pushing vertical growth too quickly.
Follow all state/local fertilizer regulations (especially for phosphorus).

Starter fertilizer provides an early nutrient boost while protecting delicate grass seedlings. Coupled with proper sowing techniques, it gives your lawn the ingredients needed for vigorous growth.

Post-Seeding Lawn Care

Once your grass seed is planted, the work isn’t done! Proper watering, weed control, and mowing at the right time are key to keeping your new lawn growing strong. Attentive care in the weeks following seeding helps grass establish a healthy root system and achieve full ground coverage.

Watering New Grass

Frequent, light watering is crucial for seed germination and new grass growth:

Seeds need consistently moist (but not soaked) soil to sprout, so water 1-2 times per day in short 5-10 minute sessions initially.
Once sprouted, adjust to watering approx. 1″ per week , divided into 2-3 sessions. Avoid runoff.
Water first thing in the morning, and in hot climates, an evening watering provides cooling. Midday watering wastes water to evaporation.
Reduce frequency after 4-6 weeks but increase depth to promote deeper root growth that will sustain the maturing lawn.
New grass priority is root development, not fast top growth. Avoid overwatering once established.

Daily light watering provides moisture for seeds to germinate. Gradually tapering off prevents shallow roots dependent on constant water.

Weed Control

Weed competition can choke out delicate new grass plants. Diligent early weed management is key:

Pre-emergent herbicide before/at seeding acts as weed preventative. Use caution not to inhibit grass seed.
Post-emergent herbicides target already growing weeds. Identify weeds and select targeted controls.
When possible, hand-pulling weeds lessens product use. But be sure to grab all roots.
Once grass is 3-4 inches tall, it is more weed competitive. But don’t let weeds get out of hand.
Spot-treat problem areas, don’t blanket all at once. Some weeds can be left until 2nd mowing.

Vigilant weed control allows your new grass to grow rapidly and fully occupy the lawn without undesirable competition.

Mowing Young Grass

Mowing new grass at the right time and height is key to avoiding damage to developing roots:

First mow should only happen once grass is 3-4 inches tall – roughly 4-6 weeks after sprouting.
Set mowing height at recommended level for variety (typically 2-3 inches). Never cut more than 1/3 total blade height.
Use sharp mower blades to cleanly cut grass rather than ripping/tearing. New growth is fragile.
Allow the lawn to dry out slightly before mowing to avoid clumping and tracking of clippings.
After first mow, adjust to mowing every 5-7 days until grass is mature (about 2 months).

Resist the urge to mow too soon or too short. Prioritize root development, and mow carefully to avoid harming newly established lawns.

Overseeding Existing Lawns

If you already have a lawn but it’s looking a little thin, patchy, or worse for wear, overseeding can work wonders. Strategically planting grass seed in bare or sparse areas helps thicken up the turf for a fuller, healthier lawn. Just be sure to time and prepare properly.

When to Overseed

As with new seedings, timing is key for the fastest results when overseeding:

For cool season grasses, overseed in early fall when temperatures start declining but before first frost. Spring overseeding is another option.
Those with warm season grasses should overseed at the end of peak summer growing season as temperatures begin falling. Late spring is another possibility.
Match timing to same optimal seasons you would sow brand new cool or warm season lawns for your region.

Seedlings will establish quickest when seasonal temps are most favorable for the grass variety already growing.

Lawn Prep

Proper prep ensures new grass seeds reach the soil and have space to grow amid existing turf:

Mow low (1-1.5″) to allow sunlight to reach seedlings – but don’t scalp!
Dethatch thoroughly to open up the lawn canopy and remove dead material blocking seeds.
Aerate using core or spike aerator to ease soil compaction and introduce air.
Topdress bare areas with thin layer of compost/topsoil to cover seeds and improve germination.
Apply starter fertilizer to give new seeds a nutritional boost once they begin growing.

Prep work maximizes seed-soil contact, creates space for roots, and aids moisture retention for the best chance of new grass thriving.

Seeding Methods

Proper seeding technique for overseeding differs from new lawns:

Rather than full broadcast spreading, use a drop spreader for targeted application on bare/thin areas.
Spot seeding by hand in especially sparse zones may be helpful.
Slit seeding uses a tool to cut shallow grooves in the soil and drop in seeds, improving contact and reducing washout.
Seeds can also be distributed by “punching” holes with a core aeration machine, allowing direct seed-soil placement.
In very compacted lawns, core aerating first provides some disruption. Seeds can then be broadcast.

Distributing seed directly in bare spots and opening up the turf canopy minimizes wasted seeds and encourages quick germination.

Alternatives to Seeding

While seeding is the most affordable way to grow and fill out a lawn, some homeowners prefer the instant gratification of sodding or using grass plugs. Though more expensive upfront, these alternatives establish mature grass immediately for a lush lawn without the wait.

Sodding

Sod provides an instant lawn. Rolls of grass grown on cultivation farms can be laid down over prepared soil for immediate results:

With sod, you skip the 4-8 week grow-in phase and have a full lawn after installation.
The upfront cost is significantly higher than seeding – 10X as much per square foot on average. But no waiting around.
Soil prep is still needed to level and clear the area. Good topsoil contact ensures the transplanted sod thrives.
Sod requires frequent watering (daily for 2 weeks) until the roots take hold in the new soil environment.
Installation is also labor intensive. Seams between sod rolls must be tight with no gaps or air pockets.

For those seeking instant gratification despite the costs, sod can yield a mature lawn in a weekend instead of months.

Grass Plugs

For spot fixing small bare or thinning areas, grass plugs offer targeted solutions:

Plug size ranges from 2-4 inches wide x 4-8 inches deep. Sold in trays.
Holes are cut in problem spots using a spade or soil auger, spaced according to plug size.
Each grass plug is placed into a hole, firmed to prevent air gaps, and watered well to establish roots.
Plugs begin providing surrounding greenery within a few weeks while spreading to fill in gaps.
Cost is far lower than sod at $3-5 per plug , but only works for patches, not whole lawns.

Grass plugs enable strategic repair of worn spots and edges without large-scale seeding or sodding. The small transplants expand outward for natural infill.

Conclusion

Growing a beautiful lush lawn quickly and successfully in the middle of summer is certainly possible, though it presents some unique challenges compared to spring and fall planting.

By following the key tips we covered, you can minimize issues like scorching heat, weed pressure, and disease that tend to slow down grass growth this time of year. Proper preparation, seed selection, seeding techniques, aftercare, and fixing problem spots will lead to the best results.

Here’s a quick recap of the top six tips for fast summer lawn growth:

Test and improve your soil through amendments to ensure a hospitable bed for seeds and seedlings.
Pick quality grass seed suited for summer planting and your climate for rapid, even germination success.
Use proper seeding methods and starter fertilizer to aid moisture retention, nutritional support, and uniform coverage.
Care for new grass through attentive watering, weed control, and mowing to enable quick establishment.
Overseed existing lawns to address bare or thinning areas and strengthen your turf.
Alternatively, sod or plugs can provide instant lawn gratification if you wish to skip the seeding process.

With some extra TLC and smart preparation, your grass can thrive even in the dog days of summer. Begin the process early on for best results. And don’t be afraid to enlist professional help like aerating, soil testing, or even full installation if needed.

Before you know it, you can be lounging on a lush new lawn while the neighbors envy your summertime seeding success! Just be sure to follow these tips that enable grass to grow quickly and fully despite challenging conditions.

Key Takeaways: Growing Grass Quickly in Summer

Test soil and correct any issues before planting grass seed. Proper pH, nutrients, drainage and tilth ensure the best start.
Choose a grass variety suited for summer planting and your specific climate. Quality seed with high purity and germination promises faster sprouting.
Follow optimal seeding methods and rates for the time of year and grass type. Proper coverage, density, depth and starter fertilizer are key.
Care for young grass with frequent light watering, attentive weed control, and cautious first mow. This protects seedlings until established.
Overseed existing lawns in bare or thinning areas when temperatures remain favorable. Open up the canopy and seed strategically.
Alternatively, sod or grass plugs offer transplanted mature grass for instant lawn gratification, albeit at a higher cost.
With careful preparation and attentive follow-up care, you can grow grass relatively quickly even in the heat of summer. Here are some additional frequently asked questions about growing grass quickly in summer:

What type of grass grows best in summer heat?

Warm season grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine, and Centipedegrass thrive in hot, humid climates and grow best when planted in late spring/summer. Cool season grasses tend to struggle with peak summer heat.

How can I prevent my new grass from drying out in summer?

Watering frequently for the first 2-3 weeks is key, along with using a light top dressing of compost or mulch to retain moisture. Avoid midday watering when evaporation is highest.

Are there grass seeds specifically for summer planting?

Yes, look for summer-tolerant varieties within warm season grass types suited to your climate. Some also offer helpful coatings for heat/drought protection.

Should I use a starter fertilizer when planting grass in summer?

Yes, starter fertilizer provides an extra nutrient boost for tender young grass. But don’t overdo nitrogen which can cause growth to outpace root development.

What’s the best way to deal with weeds when growing summer grass?

Apply a pre-emergent herbicide at seeding time to prevent weeds. Hand pull once grass is established. Spot treat post-emergent as needed on young grass instead of blanketing all at once.

Is it okay to plant grass seed right before my vacation?

It’s risky since the 2-4 weeks after seeding require close care and watering. Best to plant at a time you can water daily initially and monitor conditions to ensure proper establishment.

How soon after planting grass seed can I let my kids/pets use the lawn?

Wait until the new grass has been mowed 3-4 times and rooted fully, typically 8+ weeks. Otherwise, foot traffic and activity risks damaging the delicate new plants before they mature.

Don’t Let Summer Stop You: 6 Pro Tips for Rapid Grass Growth