At Organic Lawns by LUNSETH we believe organic lawn care is about working with nature—not against it. And that starts with understanding the unique conditions of our state and selecting the right grass seed for the job. This month we review why the right seed matters, the best types of grass seed for Minnesota lawns, and red flags about generic seed mixes.
Minnesota’s Climate: A Lawn-Care Challenge and Opportunity
Minnesota lawns face a wide range of conditions throughout the year—icy winters, wet springs, humid summers, and dry spells in between. That means your grass seed needs to be hardy, adaptable, and suited for cool-season growth.
Unlike other parts of the country, Minnesota lawns do best with cool-season grasses—varieties that thrive in spring and fall, when temperatures are milder.
Why the Right Seed Matters in Organic Lawn Care
Organic lawn care relies on building long-term soil health and resilience. The wrong seed makes achieving those goals difficult by requiring more water, more fertilizers, or more pesticides—exactly what we’re trying to avoid.
Here’s why buying the right seed pays off:
- Reduced Weed Pressure – High-quality, allelopathic, grass seed creates a thick, healthy lawn that naturally crowds out weeds..
- Less Watering – low-maintenance grass species require less irrigation.
- Stronger Roots – The right grass seed means deeper roots, which equals better drought resistance and less stress.
- Fewer Inputs – You won’t need to add synthetic fertilizers or harsh chemicals when your lawn is already thriving.
Top Grass Types for Minnesota Lawns
Our friends at the University of Minnesota Extension Service provide excellent guidance for choosing the right grass seed for your lawn. Here are their recommendations.
Fine fescues
This species includes 5 fescues:
- strong creeping red (most tolerant of tree shade)
- slender creeping red
- hard (the most drought-tolerant)
- Chewings (most tolerant of tree shade)
- Sheep (lowest maintenance)
Fine fescue is drought, shade, and salt-tolerant, but doesn’t do well in extreme heat. It has lower maintenance requirements, including less irrigation, mowing, and fertilizing. But, do not mow in the summer heat. Fertilize in the fall if needed.
A mix of strong creeping red, Chewings, and hard fescue is excellent for home lawns.
Tall fescue
Tall fescue is one of the most drought-tolerant turfgrasses for Minnesota due to deep, extensive roots. And it can be used in the shade. It also tolerates wear and traffic. Be patient, though, because it has a slow spring green-up.
Make sure to purchase turf-type tall fescues for lawns. Seeding in the spring helps the grass survive winter better in the first year. Do not plant in areas that hold ice in the winter.
Beware of Cheap or Generic Seed Mixes
Not all grass seed is created equal. Many big-box store brands contain:
- Low germination rates
- Invasive weed seeds
- Species that don’t perform well in Minnesota’s climate
That’s why LUNSETH always recommend buying regionally appropriate, high-quality, and preferably certified organic grass seed from trusted suppliers. Our general rules include
- When in doubt, buy the most expensive because it’s most likely to germinate
- Don’t buy anything that includes unknown varieties
- Try not to buy anything that says annual because it won’t overwinter
- Look at the back of the seed bag and follow the below guidelines:
Purity > 85%
Germination > 85%
Weed seed < 0.3%
Other crop < 0.5%
Inert matter < 8%
Date tested = within the last 9-months
Need Help Choosing the Right Grass Seed?
Let our team take the guesswork out of grass seed selection. Whether you’re starting a new lawn or overseeding an old one, we help homeowners choose and sow seed blends that are tailored to their soil, sun conditions, and usage needs—without compromising your organic goals. Contact the experts at Organic Lawns by LUNSETH to take the first step toward a greener, healthier, chemical-free lawn
