Early fall is the best time to seed bentgrass in the South. Spring planting dates do not allow adequate growing time for plants to mature prior to summer stress. Intensive management and frequent observation are keys to the success of bentgrass golf greens in the South. Watering, fertilization, mowing, cultivation, and pests must be closely managed to keep bentgrass greens during summer months. Water must be closely managed to meet the moisture needs of the grass, but not exclude oxygen from the soil.
Water also serves to moderate the temperature during heat stress periods.
During summer months, watering practices may determine success of failure with bentgrass. The turf manager must closely manage the water needs of bentgrass during heat stress periods. Excess water, or saturated soils, can be as damaging as insufficient water during heat stress. Fertilization practices are also critical on bentgrass greens. The successful manager plans fertilizer applications to promote growth without depleting carbohydrate reserves.