Gardening Last and best chance to improve the lawn The cooler night temperatures of autumn are consistently reliable for repairing lawns damaged by summer heat and drought. Seeds of northern lawn grasses grow best when night temperatures are between 10C (50F) and 18C (65F). Erratic spring weather can unexpectedly exceed that temperature range, jeopardizing grass-seed planting. Most commercial lawn-seed mixes contain three or more varieties. Each grass variety contributes specific characteristics, such as quick germination and tolerance to foot traffic (perennial rye grass), deep blue-green colour (Kentucky bluegrass) and shade tolerance (fine fescue). The most drought-resistant lawn plant – white clover – is left out of the lawn-grass mixes and must be purchased and added by gardeners who are hoping to improve their lawns. The benefits of white clover are that it will not go dormant or brown in summer drought, and that it can collect nitrogen from the air and distribute it underground from root nodules, feeding both itself and lawn grasses. Adequate amounts of white clover mixed into lawn grasses will provide approximately one-third of the required seasonal nitrogen. Grass-seed mixes are useful for repairing lawns with bare spots, or thin turf that has permanent damage due to extreme summer conditions. The large-print information on the front of lawn-seed packages tells the best purpose for the seed mix, such as sunny locations and partial or full shade. The small print on the back of the package identifies the specific grass seeds and their percentage in the mix. These individual seed strains can be purchased from seed companies when a gardener wants to make a custom mix or address one specific problem; for instance, a thin lawn in shade (fescue seeds) or a lawn damaged by foot traffic and athletic use (perennial rye grass seeds). To improve a damaged lawn in autumn, rake leaves off of the turf and use a simple hand-held seed broadcaster to distribute the seed. Best germination results from using a soft leaf rake to spread peat moss over the treated areas. The peat moss will help to keep a moist environment around the seeds and protect them from daylight wind exposure. Sprinkle seeded areas with water each day for two weeks. White clover is often sold in small bags alongside grass-seed mixes, or it can be purchased online from seed companies. It germinates best in cool and moist conditions with chilly nights. There are several strains of clover, but only white clover (Trifolium repens) is suitable for lawn use. When broadcast onto an established lawn, white clover will thicken the turf but, in northern climates, it doesn’t have enough resilience to be invasive. Winter frost always takes a toll on a percentage of white clover on a lawn, although enough survives to be useful and it can be seeded repeatedly as needed. The seeds of white clover are quick germinating – usually within seven to 10 days – and do not require covering when broadcast onto the lawn. CSANews | FALL 2025 | 51
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