Picking the Right Grass Seed

The type of grass that grows best in an area depends on the region's climate.

Calculate the square footage of the area you want to seed.
The rate of application of seed depends on the type and is usually expressed as pounds per 1,000 square feet. Check the label for seeding instructions.
Consult your local extension agent or garden center professional are best-suited for your area and the type of light it receives.
Know the soil conditions. You may want to amend the soil before you seed.
Analyze the amount of sun the site receives; six hours of sun or more a day is considered “full sun.” If it's a shady spot, note whether the shade is dappled or dense. Grasses vary in their ability to tolerate shade.
Cool-season grasses like fescue — either fine-blade (or red) and tall — grow well in shade. Rye is also shade tolerant, but it requires a lot of nitrogen.
Warm-season grasses like Bermuda, buffalo, St. Augustine, zoysia and centipede require a good deal of sun in most parts of the country. In the deep South, St. Augustine grass will tolerate some shade.
In the North, you can over-seed from late summer to early fall, about six weeks before the first frost. In the South late spring to early summer is the best time. If you're in the middle tier, you can over-seed cool-season grasses in both spring and fall and warm-season grasses in summer.