{
  "id": 13650813,
  "title": "Why is my grass seed not growing? Lawn expert explains why and how to avoid it this fall",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/why-is-my-grass-seed-not-growing-lawn-expert-explains-why-and-how-to",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-11T05:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Guide",
    "slug": "tom-s-guide",
    "url": "https://www.tomsguide.com/home/lawn-care/why-is-my-grass-seed-not-growing-lawn-expert-explains-why-and-how-to-avoid-it-this-fall"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Fall has arrived, and it's already taking its toll on lush green grass. If you've scattered grass seed on bare or sparse patches, it can be disheartening when no growth is seen. To understand why your grass isn't growing, common mistakes to avoid, and top tips to fix it, I reached out to a lawn care expert. Chris McIlroy from The Grass People shared insights on the matter.\n\nAccording to experts, now is the time to repair your lawn. However, the process requires more preparation than expected, and results depend on weather conditions and technique. \"Thriving spring lawns are built in fall,\" McIlroy says. \"Thanks to shifting weather patterns, soil temperatures stay warmer for longer. If temperatures stay consistently below 46.4 °F to 50.0 °F, the window for sowing begins to close.\"\n\nBefore seeding, check soil temperature using a soil thermometer. Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass require soil temperatures below 65°F, while warm-season varieties like Bermuda grass need at least 65°F. Protect your seeds from birds, as they may mistake freshly laid seed for an easy food source. Shiny objects or covering the seeds with tarp or netting can deter birds. Ensure seeds are planted at the right depth, roughly the thickness of three stacked coins, and water properly without oversaturating them. If seeds are waterlogged, they won't survive. Aerate your lawn to maintain proper drainage, and consider feeding with a starter fertilizer for faster, stronger root growth. Remember, germination can take up to 14 days, and noticeable grass growth may take even longer.",
  "summary": "Lawn expert explains why my grass seed is not growing, as well as some top tips to get top results.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}