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Species Mixes Pasture Grass Species

Available Pasture Mixes for New Mexico

• Big Game Food Plot & Forage Mix
• Chicken Forage Seed Mix
• Green Screen Food Plot
• Honey Bee Cover Crop & Pasture Mix
• Krunch and Munch Food Plot
• Llama & Alpaca Pasture Seed Mix
• Pig Pasture & Forage Mix
• Plains Prairie Mix
• Shade Mix Food Plot
• Shortgrass Prairie Mix
• Tortoise Forage & Habitat Mix

What New Mexico Grass Seed to Grow on Your Lawn

Lawns in New Mexico experience serious seasonal issues, particularly when it comes to weed control. Invasive species like Cheatgrass (foxtail grass) are common, and their finely barbed seeds can pose a risk to pets.

Rampant weed growth is often a side-effect of failing to plant the right New Mexico grass seeds. To counteract the spread of these invasive plants, you want to cover your garden or lawn with densely growing grass and eliminate bald spots where weeds thrive. We’ll look into the best New Mexico grass seeds that will thrive in your climate in this post.

What is New Mexico’s Climate?

New Mexico is an incredibly diverse state, with USDA Plant Hardiness Zones ranging from 4b (as low as -20° to -25° to **9a** (as low as 20° to 25°). This huge variation in winter temperatures dictates the type of grass you can successfully grow.

• Northern New Mexico: Zones 4b to 5b, characterized by colder, dry climates.
• Southern New Mexico: Known for its desert-like terrain and heat, receiving less than ten inches of rain annually.

Source: Gardening Know How

Overall, temperatures in the state are very arid and vary wildly, with lows in the 40s from December to January and highs in the 90s from June to July. This means you’ll need to find the specific temperature zone you live in before considering whether cool-season or warm-season grass varieties are suitable for you.

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Best Lawn Grass Seeds for New Mexico

Due to New Mexico’s varied climate, you must choose between cool- and warm-season grasses, depending on your specific location. Starting with a soil test to determine pH levels is always wise before planting.

Source: A Green Hand

Warm-Season Grasses (Southern New Mexico)

Warm-season grasses have high heat and drought tolerance, making them perfect for the southern part of New Mexico (Zones 6a to 9b) with milder temperatures and less rain. They tolerate heavy foot traffic but go dormant when temperatures drop below 65° in the winter.

• Seeding Time: Best between May 15th to August 1st (June is ideal).
• Bermuda grass: The most commonly used grass in New Mexico due to its drought tolerance and quick spread both above and below the ground. You can opt for a variant that tolerates cooler temperatures well. However, its fast spread can sometimes invade gardens and flower beds. (Shop Bermuda grass)
• Buffalograss: This species needs even less water than others. New varieties are available that work well for low-maintenance yards, though they may require more weed control when first planted. (Shop Buffalograss)
• Zoysiagrass: Grows in dense, green clumps and is highly durable. The newest varieties are so dense they are practically impenetrable. It takes longer to grow than bermudagrass.

Cool-Season Grasses (Northern New Mexico)

Cool-season grasses grow better in areas with temperatures between $60^\circ F$ and $70^\circ F$. They are best for the colder Midwest, Northwest, and Northeast parts of the state (Zones 4a to 5b) that experience long, cold winters.

• Seeding Time: Late summer or early fall to establish before winter arrives.
• Maintenance: Keep adequately watered, fertilized, and mowed. Shaded areas may need more or less water. Prune cool-season grass at least once a month and add slow-release fertilizer.
• Fine Fescue: Requires little maintenance and is highly shade tolerant, making it perfect for lawns in areas with lots of trees or shady spots.
• Kentucky Bluegrass: This bunch-type turfgrass withstands moderate traffic and recuperates well from wear injury. It spreads by rhizomes and is excellent for athletic fields, often mixed with perennial ryegrass or tall fescues. (Shop Kentucky Bluegrass)
• Perennial Ryegrass: New varieties are well-adapted to most New Mexican climates. It provides good cold tolerance and winter color but only adequate heat tolerance, even with heavy irrigation. (Shop Perennial Ryegrass)
• Tall Fescue: Excellent for drought tolerance and can be grown in all parts of the state with adequate irrigation. However, it may struggle in the far south where intense heat increases the risk of invasion by bermudagrass.

Remember that you’re not limited to only one type of grass seed. You can always opt to plant a blend of two grass seed types. For example, homeowners in the northern regions may overseed warm-season Bermuda grass with a cool-season variety to maintain green color during winter when the Bermuda goes dormant.

New Mexico Grass Seed Summary

Find the Best New Mexico Grass Seeds with Nature’s Seed

Many factors are involved in choosing the best grass seeds for your lawn or garden in New Mexico. But as long as you know your USDA hardiness zone, you should be able to narrow down your choices among the different warm- and cool-season grasses available.

From here, it’s a matter of choosing the one that not only prevents weeds from growing but also looks great in your garden.

When you’re ready, choose Nature’s Seed for premium quality lawn seeds and expert guidance to help you achieve your desired look for your property. Contact us today to learn more about grass seed varieties for your state and property needs.