When it comes to your lawn using the right grass seed mix can make all the difference. Expert Gardener’s Sun and Shade mix claims to provide lush grass even in challenging shady spots. Read on for real reviews, tips and everything to know about this seed blend.
Overview of Expert Gardener Sun and Shade Mix
This grass seed mix from Expert Gardener contains a blend of 5 different grass varieties selected for their performance in sun shade, and partial shade exposures. The mix includes improved tall fescue, fine fescue perennial ryegrass, and bluegrass varieties. It can be used to overseed existing lawns or establish new lawns in areas with varied light.
Key features
- Works in sun, partial shade, and moderate shade
- 85% sun tolerance, 60% shade tolerance
- Grows in a wide range of soil types
- Contains 5 grass varieties for resilience
- Covers up to 1500 sq ft per 3 lb bag
- Germination in 10-21 days
Real Reviews from Gardeners
Here are first-hand reviews of Expert Gardener’s Sun and Shade grass seed mix from real gardeners and users:
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“I used this to overseed thin patches in my lawn with areas of sun and shade. The new grass blended well and after a month you can’t tell what was existing vs newly seeded.”
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” Performs well in my mostly shady front yard. Good even coverage and fast germination. Grass filled in bare spots nicely.”
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“Does fine in sun but struggles more in dense shade under trees. Adding extra seed in shady zones helped fill it in better.”
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“It grows thick and lush in sun or light shade but can be prone to fungus in too much shade. Needs more sunlight than label suggests.”
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“I like the mix of grasses for resilience but the perennial ryegrass seems to take over and spreads aggressively in my lawn.”
Tips for Using This Grass Seed Successfully
Follow these tips to get the best results from Expert Gardener’s Sun and Shade grass seed mix:
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Thoroughly prepare soil by raking, aerating, and dethatching before seeding new lawns.
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Water newly seeded areas daily until grass sprouts, then reduce to twice weekly, soaking soil to 6″ depth.
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Apply starter fertilizer at seeding to help establishment, then fertilize regularly 3-4 times per year.
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For shady lawns, increase seeding rate by 10-25% for thicker growth. Overseed bare spots each fall.
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Mow to 3-4 inch height once grass reaches 3.5-4 inches tall. Leave clippings for nutrients.
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Expect possible fungal issues in dense shade. Improve airflow and avoid excess watering.
Alternatives to Consider
While generally a quality product, here are a couple alternatives to consider:
Jonathan Green Black Beauty Mix – Formulated for dense northeast lawns with improved shade tolerance through fine fescues.
Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Sun & Shade Mix – Blend of improved bluegrass and fescue with HeatExtend to help in sun and Transition Zone to fill in shade.
Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade Mix – Contains fine fescue, ryegrass and bluegrass specifically for heavily shaded northern lawns.
Outsidepride Legacy Fine Fescue Seed – 100% creeping red fescue, ideal for very shaded lawns but requires more sun for thicker growth.
The Bottom Line
For lawns with a range of sun exposures, Expert Gardener Sun and Shade grass seed mix can provide lush coverage and improve bare patches. Reviewers find it performs well in light to moderate shade but may struggle in dense shade under trees. Overseeding and proper care helps it thrive. Consider alternatives like fine fescue mixes for very shaded lawns. With proper preparation and care, this quality seed mix can help create a thriving landscape!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Expert Gardener’s Sun and Shade grass seed mix:
Q: How long does it take to germinate?
A: The grass seed blend will begin sprouting in 10-21 days after seeding, provided adequate soil moisture is maintained.
Q: How much seed do I need?
A: The coverage rate is 5-8 lbs per 1000 square feet. The 3 lb bag covers up to 1500 square feet. Purchase accordingly for lawn size.
Q: Can I mix in other grass varieties?
A: Yes, you can safely mix in small amounts of other compatible grass seeds if desired to increase diversity.
Q: How often should it be mowed?
A: Mow to a height of 3-4 inches, cutting no more than 1/3 of blade height. Mow as needed but at least weekly in peak growth periods.
Q: Does it work for sandy soils?
A: Yes, this seed mix performs well in a wide range of soil types including sandy soils. Just be sure to irrigate regularly to keep seed moist.
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