Planting grass from seed is always going to be cheaper than installing sod. It’s fulfilling to take a patch of dirt and turn it into a beautiful lawn through your own blood, sweat, and tears (or at least a little elbow grease). But what kind of seed should you use to get the best results?
But once you’ve decided to roll up your sleeves and do it yourself, you’re faced with another decision: should you buy uncoated or coated seed?
Coated and Uncoated Grass Seed: What’s the Difference?
Most people are faced with the decision of buying uncoated or coated grass, with some challenges in understanding the difference.
Simply said, a coated seed has a clay or polymer coating that helps the seed to retain moisture and provides nutrients. The coating also protects the seed from birds, insects, and diseases.
Additionally, some coated grass seeds may also contain some fertilizer content to give the new grass a little extra boost.
Uncoated grass seed is just that – seed without any coating. You may hear uncoated seed referred to as “bare-root,” “naked,” or “pelletized.”
The main advantage of using uncoated grass seed is that it’s less expensive than coated seed. But you also have to be more careful when planting and watering since the seed doesn’t have that extra layer of protection.
At first glance, it would appear that coated seed is the way to go. However, what most people don’t know is that the coating used in many commercial grass seed products contains a significant amount of chemicals.
Depending on your preference, this might not be the best option for you or your family.
Should You Choose Uncoated Grass Seed?
So, which kind of grass seed should you buy? While many new gardeners opt for a coated grass seed because of its extra growth boost and moisture protection, uncoated grass seed also offers a number of advantages.
Here are a few reasons to consider using uncoated grass seed:
1) Uncoated Seeds Are Less Expensive
This is probably the biggest reason why gardeners choose uncoated seeds. They’re less expensive than their coated counterparts, and they can still produce a lush, green lawn.
If you’re on a budget, uncoated grass seed is the way to go. You’d be able to get more seeds for half the price of their coated counterparts.
2) Higher Germination Rate
One advantage of uncoated seed is that it has a higher germination rate. This means that more of the seeds will sprout and grow into healthy plants. Thus, you may be able to achieve a thicker, lusher lawn with this option.
The reason why uncoated seeds have a higher germination rate is that the coating can sometimes prevent the seed from receiving enough oxygen.
3) Seed Longevity
Coated seeds have a shorter shelf life than uncoated seeds. This is because the coating can break down over time, exposing the seed to potential damage from bacteria and fungi. As a result, coated seeds may not remain viable as long as uncoated seeds.
4) Easier to Store
Uncoated seeds are also easier to store than coated seeds. They can simply be kept in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to use them.
On the other hand, coated seeds need to be stored in an airtight container to prevent the coating from breaking down.
5) Doesn’t Contain Chemicals
As we mentioned earlier, the coating on many commercial grass seeds contains a significant amount of chemicals.
These chemicals can seep through the soil and into groundwater, which can be harmful to the environment. If you’re looking for a more natural option, uncoated grass seed is the way to go.
Different Factors to Consider When Choosing Grass Seed
Now that you know the difference between coated and uncoated grass seed, it’s time to decide which one is right for you. Here are a few factors to consider:
Your Budget
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing grass seed is your budget. As mentioned earlier, uncoated seeds are usually less expensive than coated seeds.
If you’re working with a tight budget, uncoated seeds would be the better option.
Your Lawn’s Needs
Another factor to consider is your lawn’s needs. If you live in an area with a lot of foot traffic, you might want to opt for tougher grass that can withstand heavy usage. In this case, coated grass seed might be the better option since it’s more resistant to damage.
Area’s Climate
The climate of your area is also an essential factor to consider. If you live in hot, dry weather, uncoated seeds might not be the best option since they require more watering. On the other hand, if you live in a cool, moist climate, uncoated seeds would probably do just fine.
Your Personal Preferences
In the end, the best grass seed is the one that meets your personal preferences.
If you’re concerned about the potential chemicals in coated seeds, then uncoated seeds would be the better choice for you. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, uncoated seeds would also be a good choice.
Uncoated grass seed: Final Thoughts
Uncoated seeds are undoubtedly superior when it comes to many aspects. Its fast germination rate, longevity, and ease of storage make it a more attractive option for many gardeners.
It produces a lush, green lawn without the use of harmful chemicals. If you’re looking for a natural, budget-friendly option, uncoated grass seed is the way to go.
Alternatively, if you’re afraid that uncoated seeds won’t be able to withstand heavy usage, you can opt for coated seeds instead. In the end, the best grass seed is the one that meets your personal preferences.
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