The grasses planted in Vermont must be tolerant of cold temperatures and snow. They also encounter summers that are warm, but not excessively hot. Because much of Vermont has forests and trees, these grasses have the ability to grow in both full sun and partially shaded areas. Cold-season grasses can survive periods of drought by going dormant.
The best grasses for Vermont generally have fast germination rates, usually between 10 to 14 days. The ability of these grasses to establish and grow quickly makes them good for filling in bare areas or patches. They are also good for covering slopes, which is important in a hilly state like Vermont.
The best grasses for Vermont include rye grass, bluegrass and fescue. Colonial bentgrass is not as common, but also grows well in Vermont. A combination of these grass seeds also thrives in Vermont. Kentucky Bluegrass, for instance, provides a healthy lawn when it is mixed with rye grasses.