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Which grass should I plant?

Each of the major turf species has advantages and disadvantages. There are four questions you need to answer to decide which grass to plant:

  1. How much sunlight strikes the ground?
    Bermudagrass requires full sun to thrive while St. Augustinegrass can survive in 30 percent sun.
     
  2. How hard do I want to work?
    Hybrid bermudagrass requires almost constant fertilizing, watering, mowing, and pest control to grow well. Centipedegrass thrives on neglect.
     
  3. Where am I in Mississippi?
    North Mississippian's (north of Highway 82) can grow tall fescue, and people in counties touching Tennessee can grow Kentucky bluegrass, but they should not attempt St. Augustinegrass.
     
  4. Which look am I desiring?
    Bermudagrasses provide a smooth, dark green carpet effect when properly maintained. Centipedegrass will always have a yellow tinge to it's coloring.    
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Close up shot of a lawn mower cutting grass
Filed Under: Turfgrass and Lawn Management April 2, 2025

When it comes to taking care of your lawn and garden, there is plenty of advice passed down through generations. While it may seem like sound information, it may not be true. 

Person applying lime to yard.
Filed Under: Turfgrass and Lawn Management September 24, 2024

As summer comes to an end, the time for fall lawn care approaches. Warm-season grass growth is beginning to slow down while temperatures become slightly cooler. 

Dozens of people are scattered across a grassy field marked into squares.
Filed Under: Turfgrass and Lawn Management June 6, 2024

rofessionals involved in the turfgrass industry can register now for a September field day that will showcase Mississippi State University turfgrass research and Extension expertise. The 2024 Turfgrass Research Field Day will be Sept. 19 from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the R.R. Foil Plant Science Research Facility in Starkville.

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