8 Best Grass Seed For Overseeding {Updated 2023}

We all enjoy the sight of a lush green lawn with a thick layer of grass. However, your grass lawn may appear too thin at times or become swamped by weeds. This may eventually lead to grass depletion, resulting in a grassless yard. And we understand that this is the last thing you want to see. So, is it possible to restore the glory of your grass lawn?

Without a doubt! Overseeding can help you inject “green” into your lawn. Scott’s grass seeds top the list of the best seeds for overseeding. The company is dedicated to creating the best grass seed blends that can result in lush and thick grass lawns quickly.

This post is dedicated to our top picks for the best grass seed available in the market in 2023. The products will be listed in ascending order, with the best at the top. So please stick with us to learn more about the products and why they made it onto our list. You can also check our article to know the best time to plant grass seed

8 Best Grass Seed For Overseeding

Image Product
Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Sun and Shade for Grass
  • Seeds up to 225 sq. ft
  • Absorbs 6X its weight in water
  • All-in-one solution
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Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Tall Fescue Mix- Drought Tolerant
  • Suitable for full sun and partial shade
  • Covers up to 1,750 sq. ft. with 4-pack
  • Keeps seed moist 2x longer
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Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Kentucky Bluegrass Mix
  • Covers up to 4,660 sq. ft
  • 4 in 1 WaterSmart PLUS Coating
  • Self-repair from heat, drought, and high-traffic damage
VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS →
Pennington Smart Sun and Shade Grass Seed
  • Super drought-resistant
  • Requires 30% less water
  • It comes with the Penkoted technology
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Pennington One Step Complete- Ideal for Shades
  • It has a blend of mulch and fertilizer
  • Best for shaded areas
  • It comes with the Penkoted technology
VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS →
Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed High Traffic Mix
  • 4 in 1 WaterSmart PLUS coating
  • Ideal for high traffic lawns
  • Absorbs 2X more water
VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS →
Jonathan Green (10316) Black Beauty Original Grass Seed Blend
  • 100% tall fescue blend
  • Drought tolerant
  • Germination time 10-14 days
VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS →
WaterSaver Grass Mixture with Turf-Type Tall Fescue
  • Saves water
  • Low lawn maintenance
  • Advanced RFT technology
VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS →

If you look around the market, you will see various grass seed types for overseeding. We are not claiming that all of them are beneficial. However, not every type will be suitable for your lawn. Furthermore, not every product on the market will be equally effective. So, to help you choose the right type of grass seed to overseed your lawn, we’ve compiled a list.

The seeds listed below are intended for different geographical segments and lawns. And each is exceptional in its segment.

1. Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Sun and Shade for Grass

The first product on our list is Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Sun and Shade for Grass. Scott’s magnum opus is this product. If you are not sure about the quality of your lawn, Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Sun and Shade variety may be the right seed blend for you. It will ensure that your garden has a cover of long slender grass. The unique selling point of this product is that it “can grow grass anywhere,” as long as you properly care for your lawn.

The EZ seed styles are divided into four categories: sun and shade, tall fescue, bermudagrass, and centipede. Choose the option that best fits your lawn type. This product’s implementation is fairly simple. You only need to prepare the ground, disperse the seeds, and water your new grass seeds. Voila! You’re done, and it’s time to let the seeds work their magic.

This product can be used in the following areas:

  • Dense shade
  • High traffic
  • Slopes
  • Full sun

Features:

  • Seeds up to 225 sq. ft
  • Absorbs 6X its weight in water
  • All-in-one solution

Season Type:

Cool

Coverage:

Up to 225 sq. ft., 10 lbs. bag

Pros and Cons of Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Sun and Shade for Grass

Pros:

  • High performance
  • No seed wash away
  • Easy to spread
  • Grows grass anywhere
  • The controlled release technology aids in the acceleration of growth

Cons:

  • In poor soil, gaps may be created
  • Not a very versatile product
  • It may not be very comfortable in shady places

The Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Sun and Shade for Grass may be the solution if you have garden holes or grass burn-outs. This seed variety promotes grass growth virtually anywhere in the yard. Simply prepare the yard, scatter the seeds, and water your lawn as directed. You will undoubtedly witness the magic that transforms your drab grass yard into a lush one.

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2. Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Tall Fescue Mix- Drought Tolerant

The Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Tall Fescue Mix is the second product on our list. This is one of the best drought-tolerant seed mixtures available. The grass seed from the South thrives in extreme conditions such as sun, shade, and high traffic. As a result, the weather will not be a concern for you. This product would also make your lawn disease and insect-resistant.

The product’s drought-resistant and moisture-absorbing attributes complement its stance. In addition, grasses grown from “Scotts turf builder grass seed” have strong roots that make garden soil more sturdy. Green grass can be grown in a matter of weeks using this product.

Simply rake the area to remove debris, add 1-inch of lawn soil, spread the seed, lightly rake the area again, and water twice daily. Continue to water until new seedlings are at least 2 inches tall.

Features:

  • Suitable for full sun and partial shade
  • Covers up to 1,750 sq. ft. with 4-pack
  • Keeps seed moist 2x longer

Season Type:

Transition zone

Coverage:

1,750 sq. ft. with 4-pack

Pros and Cons of Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Tall Fescue Mix- Drought Tolerant

Pros:

  • Suitable for all-weather conditions
  • Absorbs more water 
  • Grows thicker and greener grass
  • Has drought-resistant properties

Cons:

  • Not very suitable for extreme sun-exposure
  • Poor soil conditions may delay its growth period
  • Moderately sensitive to microbes
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3. Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Kentucky Bluegrass Mix

This product is for bluegrass lawn owners. The Scotts Kentucky Bluegrass mix can offer a thick and durable lawn and offers a fine-blade grass texture. This grass seed blend has been treated with a 4-in-1 WaterSmart coating to help the seeds retain moisture before germinating. After germination, the same coating supplies fertilizer and immunity to help the seedlings thrive. If you buy a 7-pound bag of Kentucky Bluegrass Mix, you can get coverage of up to 4,725 square feet. This product can be used in sunny and partially shaded areas and is suitable for the northern half zones. It is also decently drought resistant.

Features:

  • Covers up to 4,660 sq. ft.
  • 4 in 1 WaterSmart PLUS Coating 
  • Self-repair from heat, drought, and high-traffic damage

Season Type:

Cool

Coverage:

Up to 4,725 square feet with a 7 lbs. bag

Pros and Cons of Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Kentucky Bluegrass Mix

Pros:

  • Ideal for bluegrass lawns
  • Can withstand wear and tear
  • Coated to maximize moisture
  • Seeds grow in 7 – 14 days
  • Medium drought resistance

Cons:

  • Not available in LA
  • Not ideal for hot regions
  • Some users have complained of slow grass growth
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4. Pennington Smart Sun and Shade Grass Seed

The Pennington Smart Sun and Shade has a leading market position due to its high drought-resistant qualities. Furthermore, compared to regular grass seed, this product will require less than 30% water. This premium grass seed mix can also grow in dense shade. 4 to 8 hours of daily sun exposure is required for sunny to medium shady lawns.

Having said that, the product’s unique selling point is its exclusive Penkoted technology, which protects the seed from lethal pathogens and other microbes, resulting in healthier and improved grass growth. In addition, you can get full coverage of a 3,330 square foot area with a 7-pound package, which is quite good.

Features:

  • Super drought-resistant
  • Requires 30% less water
  • It comes with the Penkoted technology

Season Type:

Cool

Coverage:

3,330 square feet area with a 7-lbs bag

Pros and Cons of Pennington Smart Sun and Shade Grass Seed

Pros:

  • Grass grow quicker
  • Results in healthier and dense shade
  • Thrives in both sun and shade
  • Best works under the shade

Cons:

  • Not ideal for extremely hot regions
  • Multiple rounds of cultivation would be needed for a denser shade
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5. Pennington One Step Complete- Ideal for Shades

Pennington One Step Complete is excellent for dark shades. This grass seed composition is pre-mixed and ready to apply directly to the lawn. Pennington’s Smart Seed has blended with mulch and expert fertilizer in this product.

This item works quickly, and you can expect to see seedlings in just two weeks after spreading it. And if your lawn has tough corners, you can definitely use this grass blend because it is known to disperse even in nooks that receive only two to four hours of full sun per day.

This product from Pennington is ideal for initiating a lawn from scratch and patching up sparse areas. You can be confident that this grass mix will result in a vibrant, spot-free yard.

Features:

  • It has a blend of mulch and fertilizer
  • Best for shaded areas
  • It comes with the Penkoted technology

Season Type:

Cool

Coverage:

125 square feet area with 8.3 lbs. bag

Pros and Cons of Pennington One Step Complete- Ideal for Shades

Pros:

  • Suitable for temperatures between 60 and 80 Fahrenheit 
  • Establishes fast
  • Thrives in shady areas
  • Good for spot treatment as well as creating a larger yard
  • Ideal for Midwestern lawns

Cons:

  • Not ideal for warm-seasoned lawns 
  • Not that suitable for California
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6. Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed High Traffic Mix

The Turf Builder Grass Seed High Traffic Mix is another Scotts product on our list. If your lawn receives moderate to heavy traffic or footfall, you should choose a grass type that can withstand it. Hence, this product from Scotts could serve your purpose.

The product includes a blend of elevated quality cool-season grasses that flourish in full sun and tolerate light shade. Turf Builder Grass Seed High Traffic Mix has a remarkable 4-in-1 WaterSmart coating, which is one of its best features. It aids in moisture absorption and retention, which increases seedling growth.

In addition, the coating acts as a starter fertilizer when the seeds germinate, feeding the newly sprouted grass. Furthermore, this seed mixture serves to protect your lawn from disease. Having said that, a 7-pound bag can cover up to 3,500 square feet.

Features:

  • 4 in 1 WaterSmart PLUS coating
  • Ideal for high traffic lawns
  • Absorbs 2X more water

Season Type:

Cool

Coverage:

3,500 square feet with a 7 lbs. bag

Pros and Cons of Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed High Traffic Mix

Pros:

  • Great for sunny areas
  • Establishes strong roots
  • Protects grass from diseases
  • Produces thicker and greener grass
  • Specially formulated for the northern region lawns 
  • Feeds to jumpstart growth

Cons:

  • Can stand only light shade
  • Not ideal for warm climates
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7. Jonathan Green (10316) Black Beauty Original Grass Seed Blend

If you live in an area prone to drought, consider purchasing Jonathan Green (10316) Black Beauty. This product consists of a fusion of high-quality tall fescue seed and is ideal for growing dark green lawns in the mid-to-northern regions. In addition, the Black Beauty hybrid has lightly waxy grass blades, which work to help protect grass from dehydration and disease.

This grass seed mixture produces grass with a robust and extensive root system that can grow up to 4 feet deep. And if you have a heavy clay lawn, don’t worry; the product can also withstand this type of soil.

A 50-pound bag will provide extensive coverage for 15,000 square feet of the existing lawn.

Features:

Season Type:

Mid-to-cool

Coverage:

15,000 square feet with a 50 lbs. bag

Pros and Cons of Jonathan Green (10316) Black Beauty Original Grass Seed Blend

Pros:

  • Super drought tolerance level
  • It can grow even in clay lawns
  • Grass leaves come with a protected waxy coating
  • Robust root system- and grow up to 4″ deep

Cons:

  • Does not tolerate hot climate
  • No coated seeds
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8. WaterSaver Grass Mixture with Turf-Type Tall Fescue

Choose the WaterSaver Grass Mixture if you want a grass seed that germinates quickly. The product includes a blend of turf-quality tall fescue and RFT or rhizomatous tall fescue seeds. This seed mix is suitable for sunny and humid environments and can be used in transitional climate zones.

The lawns grow deep roots, indicating that they do not require much watering. In other words, this product can save you both water and time. However, the lawns that grow have a beautiful color and a nice texture and are resilient to different diseases. The product’s deep root also makes it ideal for overseeding in high traffic lawns.

Another advantage of the WaterSaver Grass Mixture is that it produces self-repairing lawns that demand little maintenance. This combination will produce results in both areas that receive direct sunlight and partial shade.

Features:

  • Saves water
  • Low lawn maintenance
  • Advanced RFT technology

Season Type:

Transition

Coverage:

1,000 square fit with a 5-10 lbs. bag

Pros and Cons of WaterSaver Grass Mixture with Turf-Type

Pros:

  • Disease resistant
  • Lawn grows with a strong and deep root system
  • Not heavily reliant on water
  • Thrives in both sunny and shady areas
  • Ideal for transition weather type

Cons:

  • May show signs of dryness in extremely hot climates 
  • Not ideal for the southern region lawns
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What is Overseeding?

Overseeding is planting grass seeds straight into established grass fields without disturbing the lawns or soil. Adding new grass seed to your existing grass lawn is a simple process.

Also Read: How to Plant Grass Seeds on Hard Dirt? – Step-By-Step Guide

But why supervise? Overseeding adds new grass to your lawn, appearing lush and greener. It not only thickens the lawn but also helps to control diseases, stress, and drought.

It is often recommended to overseed your lawn with the best grass seed once every three years. Overseeding is not a difficult task, but it necessitates using a few lawn care tools, some knowledge, and a good grass seed type.

How to Choose the Ideal Seed for Overseeding?

Although overseeding is a relatively simple and effective process, using the wrong grass seed can have unintended consequences. Keep in mind that the wrong grass seeds can result in unappealing lawns, affecting the aesthetics of your home. Also, you will not get the ideal result of overseeding.

So, how do you select the best seed type for your lawn? It would depend on several factors like seed types, budget, overseeding season, soil type, etc. Of all these, one factor that you should keep in mind while choosing grass seeds for overseeding is their type.

There are two types of grass seeds: warm-seasoned and cool-seasoned. It will help if you choose the seeds that match your lawn’s soil type, the local weather, and sun exposure. It is also crucial to remember that not all grass types require overseeding. Nonetheless, cool-season bunch grasses gain the most from overseeding.

Another important tip is to select a grass seed variety based on your existing grass lawn. If your grass lawn is in ideal condition overall but has a few balding patches, it is best to overseed it with the same grass seed type. However, if your lawn has been severely damaged and is barely surviving, we recommend overseeding it with an improved variety to remediate the existing issues.

With this note, we will proceed with our top pick on the best grass seed for overseeding in 2023.

The Takeaway

So that’s our take on the top eight best grass seed mixes for overseeding. Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Sun and Shade for Grass, Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Tall Fescue Mix, and Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Kentucky Bluegrass Mix are the top three products according to our investigation. This was our top pick for the best product. This list, however, is not exhaustive, and you can always add your favorites to it. To get the most out of whatever product you choose, consider the climate, soil type, coverage area, and other features of your lawn.

About Jennifer Igra

Growing up in Brooklyn, New York City known for it’s green gardens. Jennifer, a 30 year old gardener and green living fanatic started Igra World to share her gardening journey and increase gardening awareness among masses. Follow Igra World to improve your gardening skills.

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