NAME OF SEED VARIETY — Each kind (variety) of lawnseed is listed by its percentage (PURITY) by weight in the box or bag. Improved varieties have characteristics that are patentable under the Federal Plant Variety Protection (PVP) Act. Thus, you should find specific trade names of varieties rather than the generic names: i.e. Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fine fescue. In our label example, Unique Kentucky bluegrass, Brightstar perennial ryegrass and Shademaster II creeping fescue are trade names of improved Turf-Seed, Inc. varieties.

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GERMINATION — The germination figure is an important percentage because it tells you how much of each pure seed variety listed will "sprout" and is capable of growing a grass plant. The higher the percentage, the better.

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OTHER CROP SEED — If there are any kinds of lawnseed other than those listed under "Seed Variety", it will be listed on the label by weight percentage. These "off types" of seed are not specifically named, but they can detract from the quality of the lawn. In our example, Other Crop Seed is 0.42%, or less than one-half of one percent by weight. This is certainly acceptable. The lower the percentage, the better when assessing the seed label information.

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INERT MATTER — This is any substance in the box or bag that is not capable of growth. It could be broken seed that could not be cleaned out, or it may be a filler added to take up space. In our example, the inert matter is listed. 1.35% certainly is an acceptable level. The lower the percentage of inert matter, the better.

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WEED SEED — If any weed seed is present, it is listed by percentage of weight. We really don't want any weed seeds in our seed container, but it is very difficult and expensive to catch all the weed seeds during the cleaning process. Acceptable limits range from 0.3 to 0.5% In our example, 0.00% is well below the acceptable level. The higher the percentage of weed seed shown on the label, the poorer the quality of the box or bag you are buying.

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NOXIOUS WEEDS — Most states have listed weeds that are so troublesome and undesirable that their presence must be stated on the seed label. For a quality lawn, you want to avoid boxes or bags with noxious weeds listed.

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OTHER INFORMATION — There is other important information on the label that you should read and be aware of: the name of the producer/distributor, where each variety was grown, lot number used for tracing the container through the marketing channels and when the seed lot was tested. Many state laws require that a bag or box be retested and relabeled after 9 months to 1 year if not sold. You should check and be aware of the month and year the seed was tested.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS —There are many places where non-perennial annual grasses are beneficial to the environment, however this grass seed should not be purchased to establish or renovate a permanent lawn. Improved perennial varieties are your best buy for a permanent lawn.

A great deal has been spent on research and development to produce new grass varieties that are more insect and disease resistant, drought tolerant, and adaptable to different environmental conditions.

In many cases, these improved varieties require less pesticides for control and less water, when properly maintained. Said another way, the improved lawnseed varieties are more environmentally "friendly" than the grass you currently have in your lawn. Knowing that you're buying quality, improved grass seed will depend on how carefully you read the seed label before your next purchase.

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