Most East Valley lawns are Bermuda grass, which loves the heat and goes dormant and brown once the weather cools. Overseeding with winter rye gives you a green lawn from late fall into spring. It's optional, but if you want grass the kids can play on at Thanksgiving, here's how to get it right.
When to plant
Wait until nighttime temperatures stay cool, usually mid-October into November in Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler and Tempe. Go too early and the Bermuda is still actively growing and crowds out the young rye. Go too late and the seed sprouts slowly in the cold.
Prep the Bermuda
- Cut back on watering for a week or two before seeding to slow the Bermuda down.
- Mow it short (scalping) and rake or bag the clippings so seed can reach the soil.
- Check your sprinklers now. Rye seed shows every dry spot.
Seed and water
Spread the seed evenly, then keep the top of the soil moist with short, frequent watering until it sprouts, usually within one to two weeks. Once it's up and growing, switch to longer, less frequent watering.
Birds love rye seed. A light top-dressing over the seed helps keep it in place and holds moisture.
First mow
Let the rye grow a few inches before the first cut, and use a sharp blade so you don't pull up the young plants.
Feed it once it's up
A light feeding a few weeks after the rye is established keeps it a deep green through the cooler months. Keep mowing regularly so it stays thick and even.
In spring, as it warms up, the rye fades and your Bermuda comes back. Gradually lowering your mowing height helps that transition along.
