Coated Grass Seed vs Uncoated Seeds | How Do They Differ?
Depending on the grass seed’s coating, it may provide several benefits. Like grass seed, there are various varieties of grass seed coverings. One coating can help decrease the frequency with which the seeds need to be watered, while another might offer a nutritional boost that will hasten the development of your new lawn.
Even though this is accurate, some people choose not to purchase coated grass seed. Like other garden pesticides and sprays, these coatings are frequently designed to have advantages, but those advantages come at a price.
Some people prefer not to add chemicals or synthetic materials to their lawns, which is why they prefer uncoated grass over coated grass seed. Learn more about coated grass seeds below, including both the advantages and disadvantages of using them.
Difference Between Coated And Uncoated Grass Seed
What Are Coated Grass Seeds?
Coated grass seed is grass seed that has been entirely dipped, sprayed, or pressed with an additional substance that will, ideally, give the seed a benefit when it tries to grow.
Clay or another material that will keep the seed moist after planting frequently makes up this layer. To protect the seed from some illness, the coating may occasionally be anti-fungal or antimicrobial in some way. A fertilizer component could also be present in these coatings.
Advantages Of Coated Grass Seeds
Depending on the coating or treatment given to the seed, coated grass seed might offer a variety of advantages. Always read the label or instructions to find out which advantages apply to a product. The common advantages of coated grass seed are listed below.
1. The coating includes fertilizer
Although rare, certain coated grass seed supplies contain a light or slow-release fertilizer. This is an uncommon supplement with questionable benefits because there is such a small amount of fertilizer, and the technique to add it is costly.
2. Retains moisture and is Easy to spread
The ability of coated grass seed to retain moisture is by far its strongest advantage. The germination or sprouting stage is when most grass seeds fail, in case of failure ( learn proper way to germinate grass seed). A lack of moisture is the main reason for failures at this stage.
In a hot climate, sprouts can dry out in a matter of hours. These sprouts have the highest chance of surviving because of the coating, which helps them retain moisture.
3. Resistant to diseases
Occasionally, a chemical will be applied to grass seed to protect it from specific microorganisms and illnesses throughout the germination process and the first few years of its life. This coating, normally the moisture retention coating discussed above, may be sown on its own or buried behind another layer.
The disadvantage of Coated Grass Seeds
You could occasionally wonder, “Why is coated grass seed so inexpensive? There is an easy solution. Per pound, you receive more clay and less grass seed. The grass seed you receive has a better chance of surviving and ought to be simpler to scatter uniformly across your lawn.
In some cases, coated grass seed may cost more than twice as much as uncoated or untreated grass seed. In addition to being more expensive, coated grass seed is not recommended for usage in clay-based soils since more clay could cause the ground and the seed to retain too much moisture, but with proper gardening methods growing grass on clay soil could be a viable option.
Coated grass seed enriches your soil with various elements, such as clay. This may eliminate coated grass seed as a choice for your lawn, depending on your current situation, the nature of the soil, and your attitude toward synthetic chemicals.
What is An Uncoated Grass Seed?
Grass seed without a coating is known as uncoated grass seed. A dip or spray treatment may still be used (this often makes the seeds look bright blue or blue-green). This treatment, whether a dip or a spray, is frequently used to guard against diseases that can harm young grass plants, such as damping off.
Advantages Of Uncoated Grass Seed
Uncoated grass seed has two main advantages, which I’ll discuss below.
1. No chemicals are added
The secondary advantage of using uncoated grass seed is that your lawn won’t be exposed to unidentified chemicals or coating. Not all coating “ingredients” must be reported in the same manner as they would if grass seed for lawns were a solely agricultural product, and even then, it is used to create food for animals rather than humans. You can stay away from the coating and this unknown by doing so.
2. Cheap
Yes, that is accurate. Cost is the main advantage. When comparing price per pound, uncoated grass seed is less expensive. Additionally, you receive more genuine grass seeds per pound. 2/3 of a pound of coated grass seed and 1/3 of a pound of clay, dye, or other coating substance make up a pound of coated grass seed.
Disadvantages of Uncoated Grass Seed
Uncoated grass seed lacks the benefits that a particular coating might provide, which is one of its downsides. This means that extra care must be taken to ensure that your grass seed receives adequate moisture and is safeguarded against pests.
Comparison Between Coated Seeds And Uncoated Seeds
| Grass Seed Feature | Coated Seeds | Uncoated Seeds |
|---|---|---|
| Germination Rate | Higher | Lower |
| Seed Protection | Better | Lesser |
| Seed Size | Bigger | Smaller |
| Ease of Sowing | Harder | Easier |
| Seedling Vigor | Higher | Lower |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
Deciding factors Between Coated And Uncoated Grass Seed
Before deciding between coated and uncoated grass seeds, four key aspects must be considered-
1. Chemicals and Unknowns
The first thing to consider is whether or not you want to apply the seed coating to your soil. There are occasions when all you are doing is adding a little clay. Still, you are more often adding colors, synthetic fertilizer, another chemical, and perhaps a synthetic moisture-retention component or an unidentified element.
2. Spreading
Coated grass seeds may be simpler to disperse evenly. However, if you already have a reliable seed spreader or another broadcasting tool like broadcast spreader, this might not be an advantage for you.
3. Clay and Water Retention
If your yard has rich soil and plenty of shade, clay soil, or soil with good water retention qualities, you generally don’t require coated grass seed and wouldn’t benefit from applying it.
4. Cost
Coated seed typically costs more per pound. Each pound of coated grass seed has about a third less grass seed.
Coated grass seed vs Uncoated – Verdict
We hope this article will assist you in making a decision to improve your grass’s health. You may stay informed and choose the seed mixture that’s best for you by being aware of all the details, such as what coated grass is made of, how it differs from uncoated grass seed, and how this affects choosing the ideal seed.
