Achieving a lush, green lawn often comes down to choosing the right grass seed. With so many products available, it’s important to know what you’re really paying for.
Scott’s seed products are some of the most popular choices, offering a range of options designed to meet various lawn needs, from quick germination to moisture retention.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best grass seed options on the market, comparing their effectiveness and value, and show you how to maximize your lawn’s growth with DIY tips.
Recommended Scott’s Products
Scotts Rapid Grass Seed
One of the top options for anyone looking for fast results is Scotts Rapid Grass Seed. It lives up to its name, often germinating within a week under ideal conditions. This makes it a popular choice for patching bare spots or quickly establishing a new lawn.
Pros:
- Quick Germination: Sprouts within days, making it ideal for fast lawn repairs.
- Sun and Shade Mix: Offers versatility by growing well in both sunny and shady areas.
- Contains Fertilizer: Many blends include a starter fertilizer to help seedlings grow faster and healthier.
- Cost: $32 for a 5.6-pound bag
- Grass Seed Content: 68%
- Price per Pound of Grass Seed: $8.4
Scotts Rapid Grass has the highest percentage of grass seed among Scotts’ offerings, with 68% of the bag being actual seed. This translates to about 3.8 pounds of grass seed per bag, giving you excellent value. Though it lacks the inert materials that help hold moisture, you can easily mix it with topsoil or peat moss to ensure your grass seed stays hydrated.
Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed
Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed is another reliable option, especially for those looking for a product that retains moisture and works well for overseeding.
Its WaterSmart coating helps the seeds absorb and retain moisture, which improves germination—particularly useful in areas where watering might be inconsistent.
Pros:
- Variety of Blends: Different blends are available and tailored for specific needs such as dense shade, high traffic, or drought tolerance.
- Good for Overseeding: Excellent for thickening existing lawns or filling in thin spots.
- WaterSmart Coating: Helps seeds absorb and hold onto moisture, boosting germination and establishment.
- Cost: $49 for a 5.6-pound bag
- Grass Seed Content: 49%
- Price per Pound of Grass Seed: $17.5
With 49% of the bag being an actual seed and the other half coated for moisture retention, Scotts Turf Builder works well in various lawn conditions. It’s available in specialized blends, including mixes designed for dense shade, high-traffic areas, and drought tolerance, giving you flexibility based on your specific lawn needs.
Comparison with Other Scott’s Products
Scotts Thicker Lawn
Scotts Thicker Lawn is designed to help thicken thin spots in your lawn, but it falls short in value compared to both Scotts Rapid Grass and Scotts Turf Builder. However, it still provides decent value, close to Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed, though not quite as cost-effective.
- Cost: $26.98 for a 12-pound bag
- Grass Seed Content: 13%
- Price per Pound of Grass Seed: $18.73
While Scotts Thicker Lawn does include grass seed, it’s primarily filled with inert material like mulch and a bit of fertilizer. With only 2.8 pounds of actual seed out of 5.6 pounds, this product is not as cost-effective as Rapid Grass or Turf Builder.
Scotts EZ Seed
EZ Seed is heavily marketed as a convenient solution for lawn patching, but it offers the worst value in terms of actual grass seed content.
- Cost: $72.48 for a 20-pound bag
- Grass Seed Content: 7%
- Price per Pound of Grass Seed: $51.77
With only 1.4 pounds of grass seed in the entire bag, you’re mostly paying for mulch. While the mulch helps hold moisture, the price you pay per pound of grass seed is much higher compared to other options, making it a less attractive choice for most homeowners.
Why Scotts Rapid Grass and Turf Builder are Better Options
When comparing Scotts Rapid Grass and Turf Builder to products like Scotts Thicker Lawn and EZ Seed, it’s clear that Rapid Grass and Turf Builder offer superior value and performance.
Scotts Rapid Grass is perfect if you need quick results and have varied lawn conditions. Its fast germination and ability to thrive in both sun and shade make it an excellent choice for most lawns. Plus, its inclusion of starter fertilizer ensures healthy growth right from the start.
Scotts Turf Builder, on the other hand, is a great choice if you’re looking for a more tailored grass seed blend. With options for dense shade, high traffic, or drought conditions, you can pick a mix that suits your lawn’s unique challenges. Its WaterSmart coating is also a significant advantage, helping to retain moisture for better germination.
DIY Lawn Care Tips
If you want to save even more money and control the quality of your lawn, making your own patch mix is a simple and cost-effective solution.
Materials:
- Topsoil mixed with peat moss
- High-quality grass seed, such as Barenbrug Regenerating Perennial Ryegrass
How to Make It:
- Mix the topsoil and peat moss in a bucket.
- Add your choice of grass seed, aiming for about 7 seeds per square inch.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly.
Application: Start by raking away any dead grass and debris from the area you’re patching. Then, sprinkle your mix about half an inch thick and water lightly. For best results, add a thin layer of additional topsoil to hold in moisture and help the seed germinate faster.
Watering Tips
Watering is key to successful lawn care, especially in the first few weeks after planting. Grass seed needs consistent moisture to sprout and take root. A good tip is to water when the top layer of soil starts looking light in color. If you’re busy and can’t water consistently, consider using a hose timer to make sure your lawn gets the hydration it needs, even when you’re not home.
Additional Information
Remember, choosing the right grass seed is just the first step. For the best results:
- Prepare your soil: Test your soil to ensure it’s nutrient-rich, and add fertilizers or organic materials as needed.
- Pick the right planting season: Cool-season grasses should be planted in early fall or spring, while warm-season grasses thrive when planted in late spring or early summer.
- Ongoing maintenance: Once your grass has grown, keep it healthy with regular mowing, watering, and fertilizing.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to picking the best grass seed, focus on value and performance. Scotts Rapid Grass is an excellent choice for fast germination and versatile lawn conditions, while Scotts Turf Builder offers specialized blends that cater to specific needs like shade or high traffic. Avoid overpriced products like Scotts EZ Seed, which offer little grass seed for the price.
For those looking to save even more money, creating your own patch mix is a great option. Remember, successful lawn care comes down to proper watering and ongoing maintenance. With the right product and approach, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a lush, green lawn.