Question About Marathon Grass Seed for My Lawn

[jerrydixon]

Hi everyone,

I’m considering using Marathon grass seed for my lawn and was hoping to get some advice.

I’ve heard it’s a great option for Southern California, but I’m curious about a few things:

1. How well does it handle partial shade?
2. What’s the best time of year to plant it for optimal growth?
3. Are there any tips for soil preparation before planting?

I’d love to hear from anyone who has experience with Marathon grass.

Any insights or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

 

[jerrydixon]

Hi everyone,

I’m considering using Marathon grass seed for my lawn and was hoping to get some advice.

I’ve heard it’s a great option for Southern California, but I’m curious about a few things:

1. How well does it handle partial shade?
2. What’s the best time of year to plant it for optimal growth?
3. Are there any tips for soil preparation before planting?

I’d love to hear from anyone who has experience with marathon seed.

Any insights or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance! Looking forward to your replies!

 

[Hippie420]

Ain't gotta clue, but I'm betting one Michigan winter would kill it!

 

[WeedHopper]

Never grown anything but St.Augustine.

 

[MtnStew]

Former TruGreen associate here.
Seasonal temps, watering abilities, and sun exposure are important factors.
I have not used marathon before but they seem to have a decent product. Appears that it was designed for heavy foot traffic yards. Families with children, pets, etc.

Partial shade, cooler environment, you want some ryegrass Or Kentucky Bluegrass. Rye is thinner than bluegrass but just as soft on bare feet.
Rye fills in much quicker than most. Handles up to 40% shade without showing fluctuations in the lawns overall growth. Requires less water to maintain a lawn so it's a top choice for areas with water restrictions like the north east.
Kentucky Bluegrass is for cooler environments but is not really a shade lover so if you have less than 40% shade coverage this could be an option for you. Requires more water than ryegrass but it's much thicker than rye and looks fuller overall.

Marathon from what I have read is resistant to pests and disease. Also has a 40% shade tolerance. Stays greener longer. And growth is slower than other averaging 1/2"-1" per week in the spring and summer. When the cold temps come in it grows at an average of 1/4"-1/2" per week. Haven't read up on their water requirements so do your homework there.

There are 2 options for seeding times recommended.
Option 1: immediately after the winter thaw in Early spring. This will get you the summer lawn you are looking for. With minor seeding of patchy spots throughout the spring months.
Option 2: Mid to late fall. While it's still warm the seed will germinate and grow just enough to survive the winter. It gives a good base to work from come spring with less patchyness to worry about.. the winter thaw will cause more new growth as temps rise in the spring. This will leave your lawn thicker all over vs spring seeding.

Either option is okay. Some people actually prefer to do both.
Seeding type is also important depending on the current lawn and what your goal is.
You have overseeding, slice seeding, and aeration with overseeding.
Overseeding is just a spreader with seed, set to 1lb-3lbs per m² depending on the current lawn and overall goals. This is a trial and error method that you will have to adjust as you go for more or less coverage.

Slice seeding is best for lawns with extremely patchy areas. It cuts a line into the ground and shoots seed into the slice for more growth. Rentals available at home depot and other garden supply shops.

And then theres a tru green favorite... aeration with overseeding. Aerators are also available for rent. They pull plugs out of your lawn leaving empty holes behind and plugs all over your lawn. It really looks like a mess for a week to 2. Follow the aerator with the overseeding process above and you can have really good results. The holes trap more of the seed to prevent birds from getting a free meal at your expense. The plugs will fill back into the lawn with rain and normal watering.

Good luck with your choices. There are more options for seed and seeding depending on the location and all of the factors listed above. Make sure to do all the right research to save yourself time and money in the end.