Ohio covers zones 5b, 6a, and 6b within USDA climatic zoning, hence fewer kinds of grass thrive in this state. Ohio is characterized by cold winters of 150F and mild summers with temperatures going up to 890F. Rainfall is throughout the year with an annual mean of 38 inches.
This state exhibits prolonged growing periods lasting to 200 days between May to October. Winter experiences snowfall of 16, 35, and 90 inches across the region. Therefore, it is crucial to know the specific sod species that can thrive uninterruptedly in these unique climatic conditions. Read on to find out which are the top choices.
This article outlines the following:
- Top five turf grain for Ohio
- When to sow pasture grain in Ohio
- Sod categories in Ohio
- USDA zone map in Ohio and how it affects the choice of turf
- Soil specifications in Ohio
The Top Five Types of Grass Seed for Ohio
Parameter | Jonathan Green Dense Shade | Pennington Kentucky 31 | Patten Seed Company | Pennington Smart Seed | Scotts EZ Seed |
Grass-type | hot/coldseason | hot/cold season | warmseason | hot/coldseason | hot/cold season |
Product type | Tall and Fine Fescue,Kentucky Bluegrass,perennial Ryegrass | Tall Fescue | Zenith Zoysia | Creeping and Chewings Red Fescue | Tall Fescue,Kentucky Bluegrass, andRyegrass |
Irrigation requirements | Every 2 weeks | Every fortnight | Every week | weekly | Twice weekly |
Size | 25lb | 25lb | 2lb | 20lb | 20lb |
Coverage area per pack(sq ft) | 15,000 | 6,250 | 2,000 | 6,600 | 445 |
Jonathan Green Dense Shade – Best Grass Grain for Ohio
Dense Shade grass seed thrives in zones 5,6 & 7 at a pH range of 6.2 to 7.0. The grain should be sowed between August and October when the mean soil temperature is 550F. A soil depth of ¼ inch and minimal sunlight exposure between 4-5 hours is prescribed.
This grain is medium-textured and provides a dense development generating an opulent yard. It is a consolidation of four cold season pastures, i.e., Tall and Fine Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Ryegrass with guaranteed adaptability in shaded sections.
Pros
- Constitutes four sod species
- Endures extreme soil conditions
- Has excellent durability
- Highly economical
- High shade tolerance
Cons
- Minimal sunlight exposure
Pennington Kentucky 31 – Best Grass Seed for Central Ohio
Pennington Kentucky 31 sprouts between 7-14 days within temperature ranges of 600F-750F. It is compatible in zones 5b,6a & 6b with a mean annual rainfall of 4.1-3.3 inches. It requires moist soil in the initial growth stages until it reaches three inches tall. It is planted at the beginning of spring and fall.
This grain provides a smooth establishment lawn, which supersedes the other traditional Tall Fescue kinds. It offers excellent adaptability, high durability, and exceptional drought resistance. However, it breaks down in shady areas.
Pros
- Excellent sunlight tolerance
- Great infection tolerance
- Short sprouting period
- Moderate coarse texture
- Moderate shade tolerance
Cons
- Requires full sunlight exposure between 4-8 hours
Patten Seed Company – Best Grass Seed for Southern Ohio
Patten Seed is compatible in zones 5 and 6, with temperatures rising to 600F and above. It is convenient for sowing in April to August within the regions that receive an average rainfall of 3.1 inches annually. Grows on various soils with pH ranges from alkaline to acidic.
This grain is medium-textured and offers a thick, dense growth that builds a healthy lawn, a characteristic that blocks off weeds. The grain has low fertility demands and excellent tolerance to extreme settings, although it can’t survive frost.
Pros
- Medium texture
- Grows in full or partial shade
- Thrive in a low soil potency area
- Blocks off weeds
- Resistance to infections
Cons
- It is altered by frost
Pennington Smart Seed – Best Grass Seed for Northeast Ohio
Pennington Smart Seed is recommended for zones 6, 7, and northeastern part of zone 8 with humidities rising to 75%. Plant it at the onset of spring in the areas with 4-8 hours of sunlight exposure. The sowing depth does not surpass ¼ inches plus.
This seed is a superior cold season, multi-use sod grain suitable for sunny and medium shaded areas. Hence it withstands northeast climatic threats. The pasture can withstand considerable temperature variations.
Pros
- Moderate shade endurance
- Can withstand cold winters and hot summers
- High disease resistance
- Hybrid seed species
Cons
- Prolonged sunlight exposure for up to 8 hours
Scotts EZ Seed – Best Grass Seed for Western Ohio
Scotts EZ Seed thrives best within zones 5, 6, 7, and 8 of the USDA climatic zones for Ohio. Best for planting from March to June when temperatures vary from 600F to 800F. The seed also contains nitrogen-rich fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 1-0-0.
It has an excellent absorption capacity guaranteeing spread-out. This grass germinates within 5-30 days with thorough irrigation from an early development phase.
Pros
- Provides constant release of nutrients
- Contains a fertilizer, mulch, and seed
- Can grow in any place
- Prevents seed wash
- Excellent adsorption capacity
Cons
- Extended sprouting span
Buyer’s Guide
When to Plant Grass Seed in Ohio?
The suitable time for sowing pasture seed is from August to the beginning of October. Planting requires soil temperature variations between 550F to 650F with air conditions from 600F to 750F. Steady rainfall at the beginning of fall facilitates quick sprouting and profound rooting.
USDA and Climate Zones in Ohio. How does This Affect the Grass to Choose?
Ohio covers zone 5b and 6, but most parts fall within area 6. This favors the development of cool-season lawn seed and implies the temperatures that can drop to as low as -100F while rising to 890F in summer. Hence, grasses that tolerate these conditions, such as perennial Ryegrass, Fine and Tall Fescue, and Kentucky Bluegrass should be considered.
Types of Grass Seed in Ohio
Due to challenging weather regimes, Ohio supports sprouting of limited sods. Pasture groups within this region are; perennial Ryegrass, Fine and Tall Fescue, and Kentucky Bluegrass. However, Kentucky bluegrass is the utmost dominant pasture grass.
What Are the Soil Properties to Bear in Mind while Planting Sod in Ohio?
Ohio has about 12 different kinds of soils, with Miamian soil being the most dominant type. Different soil categories exhibit distinct properties. Consider the following features; sort of the soil, drainage, mineral content, temperature, moisture content, potency, aeration, and freezing factor.
How to Prepare for Seeding/Overseeding Spring Lawns in Ohio?
Spring precise moment to seed your lawn.
- Clear the top vegetation
- Till up to 6 inches deep.
- Water the tiled land.
- Apply fertilizer if necessary.
- Use an appropriate spreader to distribute the seeds evenly.
- Apply some water at regularly scheduled intervals.
FAQ
Affirmative, though September is the prime moment.
Only in the chilly-season sods that can tolerate low temperatures
From March to mid-June
Fertilize in March.
Conclusion
Concerning the weather patterns of zones 5b, 6a, and 6b within Ohio, limited grass varieties like Tall and Fine Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Zenith Zoysia, and perennial Ryegrass thrive comfortably. This review has outlined suitable turf seed to sow in this state, their unique characteristics, and conditions that favor their individual growth.