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Why This Seed?

Fine fescues, in this case Creeping Red Fescue (CRF) and Chewings Fescue (CF), are known for their ability to grow in shade which makes them the perfect choice for our Extreme Shade Mix, but they also have great cold tolerance, good drought resistance and do well in almost any conditions. When you pair them with Perennial Ryegrass with it's fast germination, professional level wear tolerance, and overall high quality attributes, you get a balance seed mixture that will work in a variety of locations, and provides a beautiful lawn.

Extreme shade grass seed bag shade seed

Technical Details

Shade turf is not just “less sun”—it changes the plant environment in ways that reduce photosynthetic energy, alter canopy microclimate (humidity, leaf wetness), and often increase disease pressure while limiting the plant’s ability to recover from wear. In practical turf recommendations, fine fescues are repeatedly identified as among the most shade-tolerant cool-season lawn grasses, particularly in dry-to-moderate shade where other species struggle. The City of Guelph’s turf guidance explicitly describes fine fescues as tolerant of dry shady conditions and low fertility, positioning them as a key species group for shaded residential lawns. Complementing this, Michigan State University Extension notes that fine fescues are well suited to dry, moderately shaded areas and are often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass to establish turf where shade and lower inputs are limiting.

In this blend, Cardinal II (fine fescue) is the foundational shade-adaptation component, while the inclusion of improved perennial ryegrass genetics (Slider LS) is intended to provide faster early coverage and added structural density during establishment—important because shaded sites are often slower to fill in. The technical intent is not to promise “perfect turf in deep shade,” but to use species traits supported in extension literature—fine fescue shade adaptation plus ryegrass establishment speed—to maximize persistence and density in the realistic shade conditions found in mature Canadian neighbourhoods.

See the difference

Geoff D.

"I used seed and fertilizer from The Lawn Medic in the Spring. The transformation over about 5 weeks was incredible. The pictures tell the story. The new lawn came in thick and green and it has stayed that way all year. No weeds. Strong growth."

Before

Big Box Store

After

The Lawn Medic

Step-by-step Seeding Guide

A quick version of our seeding guide

ONE

Cut Your Lawn

The first step to seeding is cutting your existing lawn. The goal is to cut it shorter than usual, shocking your grass to top it from growing and making it easier for your new seed to filter through the blades and touch soil.

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TWO

Dethatch your lawn

If you are overseeding, dethatching (with a rake or powered) is a suggested step as it helps to remove thatch and debris from your lawn, helping seeds to find soil, but also allowing water to find the seeds more easily.

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THREE

Aerate your lawn

Areation is optional when seeding, but if your soil is compacted or you were planning to aerate, this is a great time to do iit.

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FOUR

Topdress your lawn

Topdressing is another optional step. If your lawn is bumpy, and you want to level it, now is a great time. However topdressing is not required for seeding. One of the most important aspects of seeding is seed-to-soil-contact. If your seed is able to properly touch soil in your lawn, then topdressing is not required.

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FIVE

Seed your lawn

It is finally time to seed your lawn. Pick the right seed for your yard and spread it using a push or hand held spreader. We recommend applying your seed in multiple directions as this helps to ensure an even spread.

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SIX

Roll Your Lawn

In order to ensure as much seed-to-soil-contact as possible we recommend rolling your lawn after seeding. This helps to push the seed down into your lawn and onto the soil. Your seed must touch soil in order to properly germinate.

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SEVEN

Cover Your Lawn

We highly recommend covering your newly seeded lawn with peat moss (or similar) if possible. Peat moss acts like a sponge, holding moisture on your seeds and cutting down on water requiements. It also helps. to protect your seed from un-off and birds.

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EIGHT

Water your lawn

Keeping your newly seeded lawn watered is the most important step. We recommend watering 3-5 times a day for 4-10 minutes. This depends greatly only your sprinkler setup, the amount of sun, temperature and a number of other variables. Do not let your seeds dry out.

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NINE

Wait for your lawn

And now you wait. Depending on the soil temperature and the seed you are using germination could happen in less than a week, or up to three weeks. Keep watering properly and be patient.

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TEN

Cut your lawn

Once your new lawn is 2-3" in height your can cut it for the first time. We recommend sharpening your blade before cutting, and limiting turns as much as possible. You want to be gentle with your new lawn.

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ELEVEN

Fertilizer your Lawn

We recommend waiting until you cut your newly seeded lawn 1-2 times before fertilizing. Using a fertilizer that is high in Phosphorus, like our starter fertilizers, helps to promote root development and create a stronger, healthier lawn.

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Product comparison

Extreme shade grass seed bag shade seed

The Lawn Medic

Extreme Shade Mix

2kg

$70.00
All Canadian grass seed bag perennial ryegrass fine fescue

2kg

$65.00
Elite Kentucky Bluegrass seed bag
$90.00

Sun Requirement

Shade

Sun Requirement

Sun & Shade

Sun Requirement

Full Sun

Water Requirement

Low

Water Requirement

Moderate

Water Requirement

High

Maintenance Requirement

Low

Maintenance Requirement

Moderate

Maintenance Requirement

High

Wear Tolerance

Low

Wear Tolerance

Medium

Wear Tolerance

Medium

Germination Time

6 - 14 Days

Germination Time

5 - 14 Days

Germination Time

10 - 21 Days

Coverage

Up to 725 sq ft / 1kg

Coverage

Up to 550 sq ft / 1kg

Coverage

Up to 900 sq ft / 1kg

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Testimonials

"Best result I've ever had in reseeding my lawn. No more big box branded lawn seed with pathetic results. Next fall will be the backyard's turn."

— Jose C.

"Lawn looks freaking awesome in December 😄😄 Will definitely be ordering again in the spring."

— Daryl F.

"Despite this summer’s heat and drought, the lawn stayed healthy. The seed quality is noticeably better than what I’ve bought from big-box stores."

— Ryan C.

FAQs

Please read our FAQs page to find out more.

What makes your products better?

All of our products, including our seeds and fertilizers, were developed for professional uses. This means that you are truly getting the best of the best when it comes to lawn care products. Forget the big box store products and try what the pros use.

Do you provide guides on how to use your products?

Yes, of course we do. Take a look at our Guides page. We will be adding more guides and helpful tools soon as well.

Can you help me decide what I need?

Yes! We are here to help. Contact us anytime with your questions and we will get back to you within 1-2 days with some suggestions. We also have our Guides page which can answer some questions, and we have more helpful tools coming soon.

How can I get your products?

We ship Canada wide by UPS and Canada Post (it depends on the location). Every shipment is expedited to arrive as soon as possible, and ships within 1-2 days. We also have a pickup location in Burlington, Ontario.

Didn’t find your answer?

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