Regardless of whether you are a beginner in grass planting or an experienced lawn expert, choosing the best seeds may seem like a daunting task. Indeed, there are many types of grass mixtures on sale and even more varieties. Lawn grasses must be selected in accordance with the climate in your area and growing conditions. Read more about which herb mixture to choose, read further in the material.

Characteristics and requirements for lawn grass

First of all, the lawn should be considered as a canvas, against which other garden compositions are planted, spend leisure time and just relax.

• It has many useful uses:
• to ennoble the territory in front of the building or in the park;
• create an attractive cover for a stadium or sports ground;
• camouflage an unattractive area;
• strengthen the hillside.

If the landscape is unattractive, then the lawn can distract the attention of passers-by to themselves. Lawn grass increases the aesthetic and economic value of landscape design, provides soil restoration, and keeps it from erosion. On a sports lawn, plants are used to form a beautiful, wear-resistant coating.

Therefore, the main requirements for lawn grass will be:

• compliance with the intended purpose;
• Attractive appearance throughout the year;
• high density of turf and brightness of color;
• adaptability to frequent haircuts;
• the lowest possible fastening of the leaf on the stem;
• small increase with active and rapid regeneration;
• strong root system;
• good frost resistance and longevity;
• high resistance to diseases;
• increased loyalty to lack of moisture and adverse environmental factors;
• simplicity in leaving and unpretentiousness;
• ability to prevent the growth of weeds.

Grass cover is required to recover easily and quickly. And, of course, it should be green most of the year, and in areas with a warm winter - year-round.

Important! In cases where the rate of seed consumption is not described on the package, you need to take it as 50 g / m² territory. If you sow them manually without a dispenser, then add another 10–15%.

Seed Selection Factors

Before choosing grass, you need to answer some basic questions. Answers to them will tell you what types of grass mixtures are best suited in your situation. Avoid buying plants “at a discount” or “at a discount” if this is the main reason for choosing.

Instead, clarify the following points for yourself:

1. The type of lawn created (sports, decorative, for grazing animals, to stabilize the soil on a crumbling slope).
2. Level of service (regular / occasional).
3. Physical or environmental restrictions for the landing site.
4. The quantity and quality of water required for irrigation.
5. Type, pH, drainage and other soil characteristics.
6. The amount of sun and shade the vegetation will receive.
7. Ease of mowing and speed of regeneration of grass cover.
8. Geographical location in terms of extreme temperatures. Some herbs are not frost-resistant and not all tolerate the summer heat equally well.

Video: Lawn Seed Selection

By purpose and type of lawn

A lawn is a plot of land planted with herbs and other perennials, for example, clover, which can be maintained at a constant height with a lawn mower. Such a zone planted with herbaceous plants can be used for aesthetic or recreational purposes.

Important! If a sports or children's playground is involved unevenly, then in an area with more intense wear, the seed sowing rate needs to be increased by 2 times.

The first lawns appeared in the 16th century. They became a transitional element between the gardening of the village and the urban landscape. In the 17th century, grass-covered plots became an adornment of urban squares. They were located between the walking paths.

Modern lawns are divided into many types:

Climatic conditions and other terrain features

For any type of lawn, it is important that the grass matches the climate of the region. Consequently, part of them will be well adapted to cold northern conditions, and part to warm, southern conditions. Plants that can be grown in transition zones are also widely represented. To familiarize yourself with them, look at this table.

What herbs are used for lawn

Choosing the best grade of grass, first select those that will thrive in your area under specific conditions (sun, shadow). Then, from all the options, select the ones that fit the needs of your entire family, including children, adults, and pets.

Did you know? The average lawn consumes water 6 times more than a wheat field.

The main grassy plants for lawns:

• meadow bluegrass;
• thin wood field;
• fescue;
• ryegrass;
• dichondra;
• bentgrass;
• bluegrass;
• common comb;
• clover;
• buffalo grass.

Bluegrass meadow (Poa pratensis) is the most popular grass for sports fields, golf courses and lawns. Its popularity is based on the fact that it creates a durable, abrasion resistant surface. Bluegrass is often combined with ryegrass.The only drawback of this plant is its low germination rate.. On this he spends up to 21 days. Due to the low rate of germination, the area with bluegrass is more likely to grow weeds.

Bluegrass main characteristics:

• wide, stiff leaf blades;
• developed, deep, powerful root system;
• high resistance to drought;
• good winter hardiness.

Landed in neutral soils, experiencing a high need for fertilizer. Of the diseases susceptible to leaf spotting. Bluegrass is found separately and as part of grass mixtures. There may be bluegrass annual creeping, meadow, narrow-leaved, oblate. When mowing, pay attention to the fact that the minimum cutting height of the grass should not fall below 1.5 cm.

Important! Sowing bluegrass seeds to a depth above 2 cm will not allow it to germinate. Maximum Permissible Depth — 1 cm

Thin Woodgrain (Agrostis capillaris) - This is an attractive, relatively low grass with thin flat leaves that can form a dense turf. It grows well on a wide range of soils. It is highly resistant to mowing, damage and trampling, so it is perfect for sports lawns. Resistant to cold and drought, capable of good growth even in a polluted urban environment.On sale, you can find a thin, white, shoot-bearing woodgrass. Fescue (Festuca) is appreciated for adaptability to a wide range of climatic conditions and resistance to cold, heat, drought, shade. It is considered one of the best in terms of durability and stability of the lawn coating.

Features of the fescue:

• suitable for cold regions with hot summers;
• resistant to heat, drought, shade, disease;
• shows the most active growth in spring and autumn at + 10 ° C;
• suitable for use on pastures;
• sown by seeds in spring or autumn;
• sprouts faster than bluegrass;
• has a deeper root system than other herbs for the cold season.

Based on fescue, many varieties are bred. In addition, there are many varieties of this grass - meadow fescue, sheep, reed, red, raspberry. They are adapted for different types of climate - from northern to Mediterranean. Resistant to spotting and rust, perfect for lawns.Ryegrass (Lolium perenne) - appreciated for its high germination rate and rapid rooting, which makes it a valuable plant for creating permanent and temporary lawns. The plant is a perennial, forms a lush soil cover that retains its decorative properties even in winter.

Features of ryegrass:

• Designed for the northern regions;
• sprouts quickly;
• tolerates frosts, drought;
• maintains a light shadow.

Did you know? In 30 minutes of running a lawn mower, a person burns 380 calories. This is equal to one big donut.

Thriving in regions where the summer is mild and the winters are cold. It can grow in cool and humid climates. Classic ryegrass had shallow roots, so it was unstable to heat. But now, many improved varieties have been developed that are perfect for hot summer conditions. These varieties also need less mowing.Dichondra (Dichondra repens) - grass for the English lawn. This is a perennial groundcover plant that grows no higher than 5 cm from the soil level. Designed for regions with a warm climate, but can retain its shade and attractiveness even at a temperature of -3 ° С. Dichondra has wide, almost round leaves, similar to clover, which, when mowed low, form a dense carpet. The plant is resistant to disease and tolerates shading. A dichondra lawn does not even have to be mowed due to its low height. Seed germination occurs after 7-14 days in warm weather.Bentgrass (Bent Grass) - a perennial creeping grass that is used alone or as part of the seed mixture of golf courses, home lawns. It is spread by a creeping rhizome, forming a dense rug. Designed for cold regions. Presently presented in the form of several separate varieties - Emerald, Penn Links, Caton, Toronto, Cohansi and others. It is not recommended for landing in the southern regions, as it starts to hurt and constantly needs care.

Kentucky Bluegrass or bluegrass (Kentucky Bluegrass) is used alone or in a mixture of herbs for landscaping lawns. It forms a dense, lush, durable lawn and is perfect for sports fields, picnic areas and recreation areas. This grass requires a relatively high level of maintenance, but the lawn with it is considered one of the most attractive.

Plant Features:

• suitable for northern lawns;
• has high winter hardiness;
• some varieties are sensitive to heat and drought;
• It can be used not only for sports grounds, but also for pastures.

Common comb (Cynosurus cristatus) - low grass with a leaf base of flat smooth leaves, which is used in lawn mixtures. It can grow quite high, so it is suitable for pastures and Moorish lawns. A great companion for other wildflowers.Buffalo grass (Buffalo grass) - grass from the North American prairies, named after the bison that grazed there. It is characterized by a dark green color, minimum requirements for irrigation and fertilizer, a dense cover up to 10 cm high. When mowing, it is removed to 1/3 of its height, which makes the plant an excellent solution for gardens, parks, recreation areas in a summer cottage or playground.

Types of Lawns

Most often, lawns are classified by the method of use. Herbs for them must obey the same requirements. They can be sold separately or as part of mixtures.

Important! When sowing grasses, you need to remember that the seed consumption for a sports lawn is 2 times higher than for a regular one.

There are grass sets for the following types of lawns:

• ordinary;
• ground floor;
• sports;
• Mauritanian.

Grass for an ordinary lawn combines high decorative properties and resistance to trampling. They decorate city squares, lawns next to private houses. Ground (English) lawn is considered the most decorative.It may be located next to the administrative building or in the park, but it is not intended for children or animals to run along it. The composition of the mixture for this area includes soft herbs, with a low growth rate. Their height is about 4 cm.

For blades of grass is characteristic:

• the same thickness;
• saturated shade of color;
• alignment in height.

It often uses a mixture of seeds of barn and fescue. This type of lawn needs fertile soil and good drainage, as it consists of perennial grasses. He definitely needs to provide watering and fertilizing with fertilizers. Suitable for use in country style, modern and minimalism. Sports lawns are quite numerous.

They are intended for:

• football games;
• Tennis
• children's sports grounds.

Mixtures for sports lawns include ryegrass and a field mushroom. Lawns should be resistant to abrasion, recover quickly and grow not too high. Care for them will consist of the creation of an irrigation system and a mandatory good drainage. Moorish lawn sown with grass and field grasses. Therefore, it is the tallest. It can consist of any meadow plants, used in any landscape styles that are based on the closest approach to nature.The lawn is created on any type of soil and in different climatic zones. Shade-tolerant, forest-like lawns require their own set of herbs. Mixtures for them are composed of low ground cover crops that grow in shady areas. This also includes mosses and small-textured plants, designed to form a sensation of grass carpet. They do not need careful care and can maintain their shape without a haircut.

Did you know? If you need to quickly create a lawn — use ryegrass. It is the fastest growing crop.

Regardless of the purpose for which the lawn is created, it can be formed using:

• one grass (monoculture);
• mixtures of seeds of different herbaceous plants.

The best time for laying it will be the moment when the soil warms up to + 10 ° C. This time will come in early May or April, depending on the region. But autumn planting is also possible. Indeed, in the natural environment, all seeds winter in the soil and germinate in the spring, as soon as the conditions become favorable. The best autumn month is September. It has plenty of rainy days and sun to help the herbs grow and take root.

Landing is carried out in several stages:

1. Cultivate the soil. You need to break up clods of land, remove weeds and level the site.
2. If the soil is depleted, add fertilizer to the lawn.
3. Pour.
4. Throw seeds around the soil and lightly sprinkle with soil about 1 cm thick or cover with a layer of straw.

Do not plant grass in summer. Too high air temperature makes them fight for survival in conditions of lack of moisture.

Monoculture

The term "monoculture" refers to the sowing of one crop in a particular territory. A lawn formed in this way has both advantages and disadvantages.

• Its advantages:
• texture uniformity;
• alignment in height;
• same watering and fertilizer requirements.

There are not many shortcomings, but they are significant. For example, the risk of damaging an entire site with a single pest or disease increases. The consequences of this will be more noticeable than on a lawn created from different varieties of herbs. In addition, pests and spores of pathogens will accumulate in the soil, which forces the homeowner to use a larger number of areas for crop rotation.

Grass mixture

To make the lawn flourish and look beautiful year after year, it is recommended to form it from a mixture of herbs. These should be crops that need the same growth conditions, including climate, lighting, humidity and fertilizer requirements.

• Mixtures allow the formation of a dense soil cover, which is characterized by:
• improved cold resistance;
• higher resistance to drought and disease;
• a wide range of lawn heights.

Various agricultural companies compose mixtures. Therefore, the range and number of varieties is unlimited. When buying, focus on the composition of the mixture and the manufacturer's instructions on the purpose of the herbs.

Types of grass mixtures

Herbs can be combined on various grounds.

So, for example, from the point of view of practical application, they can be:

• fodder (for hayfields and pastures);
• decorative (for sports, ground, Moorish, shade-hardy and other lawns);
• landscaping (for parks and squares);
• honey plants (for meadows).

Mixtures have many advantages compared to monocultures. They react equally to watering and fertilizers, but have different resistance to diseases. And any factor that negatively affected some herbs will not have any effect on others. The plants collected in them are universal and suitable for most soil types.. Park mixes are designed to create green cover in gardens and parks. They tolerate the sun and shadow equally well.

Did you know? On a hot sunny day, the lawn reduces the air temperature in its area by 3-4 degrees.

Given that the parks are located within the city, grasses are adapted to the conditions of urban pollution, resistant to droughts and frosts. Lawn mixtures are collected depending on how hard the soil cover should be, how much impact it will experience and how decorative the lawn should be.Kits for ground grass are the most decorative, and the most resistant to mechanical stress - for sports. Lawn cultivation is a fairly expensive undertaking. But the result is worth the effort. Especially if you need to refine the appearance of the site, strengthen the slope or create coverage for the playground or recreation area. Use high-quality grass mixtures for the best result.