In Oklahoma, fescue is a popular choice for lawns due to its low maintenance requirements and drought tolerance. To ensure that your fescue lawn thrives in the Oklahoma summer heat, it’s important to know when the best time to plant fescue is.
You need to get planting grass right; otherwise, everything will wither. When it comes to fescue, it does well when planted in the shade or a cold place, which Oklahoma does not have. Despite this, you can still plant tall fescue grass in Oklahoma if you plant it at the right time. Read on to know when to plant fescue in Oklahoma.
The best time to plant fescue in Oklahoma is in the fall, when soil temperatures are between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit
Ideal Conditions to Grow Fescue in OK
If you are looking for an optimal way to grow your fescue seeds, you need to consider a couple of things. Getting them right will ensure you can grow your seed properly. Here are the best conditions for you to grow your fescue seeds in Oklahoma:
Seed quality
The grass seeds you use will determine whether you get a good harvest or not. Take your time and invest in quality seeds to ensure that you get the most out of your plants. Ensure they are not expired and get them from a reliable dealer.
Soil condition
The other thing you need to ensure you do is to test your soil. You need to have soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. You also need to ensure that the soil has enough fertilizer so the seed takes root well.
Prepare the turf
Before you start planting the seeds, ensure you prepare the turf. Ensure you remove all the weeds and unwanted grass before you start planting. Using herbicides might help you in this scenario. If you live in an area plagued by erosion, it will help to get professional help to have the issue fixed before you plant your grass.
The timing
With all these conditions, all you need to do now is ensure you plant the grass at the right time. Fescue grows well in soils at lower temperatures of around 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If you plant them when it is very hot, they will not take root, and you will have small patches of grass instead of a full lawn. For this reason, you need to ensure that you plant your Fescue grass when the temperature is just right.
Watering
When you initially plant your fescue, ensure you give it enough water. Start by watering it twice daily before resorting to it once, then maybe skip a couple of days later. Frequent watering will give it enough time to grow. Also, check to see if areas might need reseeding and do that before the grass matures.
What is the best season to plant your Fescue grass?
The best time to plant fescue in Oklahoma is in the fall, when soil temperatures are between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on your region of Oklahoma, this will be between late September and early November. This timing allows the grass to become established before winter and gives it plenty of time to grow strong enough to handle the hot Oklahoma summers.
If you plan on planting Fescue in the fall, wait until the ground cools down from all the summer heat. You might have to wait for a couple of weeks after fall has started before you plant it. Planting it mid-fall will work great for you because the ground is cold enough, and the grass can grow and take root before the extreme winter cold.
If you plan to plant Fescue during spring, then give it time until the soil warms up a little bit. Winter can have the ground so cold and dry that nothing will grow on them. Giving spring a couple of weeks will give your plants a higher chance of survival and ensure everything grows properly. By the time summer starts, they will have taken root.
What are the Best Grass Types to Grow in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, there are several types of grass that are suitable for a variety of climates and conditions. Cool-season grasses, like tall fescue, rye, and Kentucky bluegrass, are ideal for the colder months of the year when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
They can survive temperatures down to 0 degrees without damage and thrive in Oklahoma’s mild winters.
Do Warm Season Grasses Do Well in OK?
In Oklahoma, warm season grasses such as Bermuda, Zoysia and Buffalo grass are popular choices for lawns due to their drought tolerance and resistance to extreme summer heat. These warm-season grasses can provide a lush, green lawn throughout the summer.
But, they can struggle through harsh OK winters. Warm season grasses will often turn brow
When to plant fescue in Oklahoma: Conclusion
When to plant fescue in OK is going to be different than when to plant squash, for example. We hope this guide has helped you become better prepared to plant fescue this year.
Nothing beats braving a nice-looking lawn. Aside from being picturesque, it is a great place to chill on that hot day if you want to feel the breeze on your skin. With the tips above, you know the perfect time for you to plant your Fescue grass, so you have the best results. Try it out and see how that transforms your yard.
Related article: Zoysia Grass Vs. Fescue: Which is Right for Your Lawn?