The Best Grass Seed for Southern New Jersey

• Southern New Jersey includes areas near the Atlantic Ocean, the federally protected Pine Barrens and the Delaware border. The northern boundary of the southern part of the state is Ocean County. The best grass seed selections for this part of the state differ from northern and central regions, which have less sandy soils. Each county has an agricultural extension office that can advise on the best grass seed for your particular location.

Bermuda grass

• Popular in the southern part of the United States, southern New Jersey soils and climate also accommodates Bermuda grass. Southern New Jersey is the northernmost boundary for planting this type of grass seed. Plant Bermuda grass in either the late spring or early summer when there is no chance of frost and temperatures are consistently in the 60s to 70s. As a warm season grass, fall planting is not recommended. For planting in southern New Jersey, choose a cold-tolerant type of Bermuda grass seed, such as Mohawk, Yukon or Rivera.

Fescues

• For much of southern New Jersey, mixed fescues are a good choice for low-maintenance lawns. According to the Ocean County Soil Conservation District (OCSCD), mixes of tall and fine fescue grow best in cooler seasons. These grasses do well in full sun but tolerate partial shade. A good choice for high traffic areas, fescues also tolerate drought, high temperatures and various soils. If faced with poor soil conditions, consider fine fescues. The OCSCD recommends hard fescues for dry soils, although it takes time to establish after seeding. Creeping red fescue is suitable for shaded areas, but needs well-drained, not wet, soil.

Zoysiagrass

• According to the Rutgers University Agricultural Cooperative Extension Service, Zoysiagrass grows well in heat, producing a thick, green lawn. Due to its thickness, it helps prevent crabgrass and weed growth. Zoysiagrass suits most soil types and, once established, requires little fertilization and less water than cooler-type grasses. However, establishment can take longer than other grasses, and Zoysiagrass may need more mowing than other choices. It does not do well in shady areas of the lawn. "Zoysiagrass grows best and is most suitable for the sandy soils of Southern New Jersey," according to the RUACES.