Question: I want to overseed my lawn for winter green grass. What should I use?

Answer: Perennial rye is the best choice for Texas. It isn’t truly perennial here due to our intense summer heat. It generally dies away by mid- to late May. Its seed costs more than annual rye, but it more than makes up for it in improved germination and much finer texture (better appearance and much less frequent mowing). Plant the seed at the rate of 8 to 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet in mid-September. Sow half going east-to-west, overlapping with the rest going north-to-south. Have someone hold a large piece of cardboard along bed edgings to prevent the seed going where it won’t be wanted. Water daily for the first week to help it get established and growing. Some people even drop their mower blades down by one notch before sowing their rye seeds to improve soil contact and germination. Fertilize the rye in late fall and again in late winter to boost it along.