Buying grass seed seems simple—until you face an aisle full of bags claiming to be the best. Do you need a sun mix, shade mix, tall fescue, or Kentucky bluegrass? And how do you know which grass seed to use to overseed your lawn?
The truth is, your choice of grass seed determines whether you get a lush, healthy lawn—or one that struggles year after year. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose grass seed, what to avoid, and why Lawnbright’s North Star Seed is designed to give you the best results.
1. Match Seed to Your Grass Type and Region
The first step in choosing grass seed is understanding your climate.
-
Cool-season grasses (Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Turf Type Tall Fescue, Fine fescues) thrive in northern states where summers are mild and winters are cold.
-
Warm-season grasses (Bermuda grass, Zoysia, Bahia, Centipede, St. Augustine) do best in the southern U.S.
Using the wrong seed for your region means wasted money and poor results. Not sure what kind of grass you have? Check out our guide to identifying grass seed.
📖 According to the USDA National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP), cool-season species provide the best durability and recovery in northern climates.
2. Read the Bag: Purity, Germination Rate, and Weed Content
As Lawnbright founder Craig Elworthy emphasizes: “The bag tells the real story.” Don’t just go by the front label—flip it over and read the details:
-
Germination Rate: Choose seed with 85% or higher germination.
-
Weed Seed Content: Must be 0.00%. Even 0.05% can introduce hundreds of weeds.
-
Inert Matter: The lower the better (it’s basically filler).
- Crop: Must be 0.00%
📖 The University of Maryland Extension stresses that certified seed with high germination rates and zero weed content is essential for a healthy lawn.
3. Avoid Bargain Bags and “Contractor’s Mix”
Cheap grass seed often contains annual ryegrass, weeds, or pasture grasses. These germinate quickly but don’t survive beyond one season, leaving bare spots and weeds behind.
Stay away from "contractor's mixes," which often contain short-lived species that compromise long-term lawn health.
4. Choose a Blend for Resilience
No single grass species can handle every challenge. That’s why blends are best:
-
Kentucky Bluegrass – dense, dark green, self-spreading.
-
Perennial Ryegrass – fast germination for quick cover.
-
Fescues – shade tolerance and drought resilience.
📖 The University of Minnesota Extension notes that seed blends increase resilience by combining the strengths of different species.
5. The Lawnbright Difference: North Star Seed
That’s why we created North Star Seed —a premium cool-season blend designed specifically for overseeding success:
✅ 100% weed-free, certified seed
✅ Premium blend of Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescue
✅ Optimized for overseeding with fast germination and long-term durability
✅ No filler—just the best seed for northern lawns
FAQs: Grass Seed Buying Guide
Q: Which grass seed should I use for overseeding in the fall?
A: If you’re in the northern U.S., use a cool-season blend like North Star Seed. It germinates quickly and establishes before winter.
Q: How do I know if grass seed is good quality?
A: Check the label. Look for 85%+ germination, 0.00% weed seeds, and low inert matter. Usually this will coincide with a blue tag which is issued by the National Turf Evaluation Program.
Q: Is it worth paying more for premium seed?
A: Yes. High-quality seed ensures long-term results, while cheap seed often fails or introduces weeds.
Q: Can I mix grass seed types myself?
A: You can, but a professionally blended seed like North Star is designed for balance and resilience—without the guesswork.
Choosing the right seed is the most important step in building a healthy lawn. By reading the label, avoiding cheap fillers, and picking a certified blend, you’ll set your lawn up for success. For homeowners looking for a reliable, science-backed option, Lawnbright’s North Star Seed is the best choice.