LawnWeather

Delaware Lawn Care Calendar

In Delaware, crabgrass preventer typically goes down between Mar 25 and Apr 27: first in Dover, last in Newark. Below are typical fertilizer, seeding and frost dates for Wilmington, Dover and Newark, from 2016–2025 weather data. Enter your ZIP code for this year's timing.

When to apply pre-emergent in Delaware

Typically between Mar 25 and Apr 27, depending on where you live. The window opens first in Dover (around Mar 25) and last in Newark (around Apr 2). Apply when soil reaches 50°F, before it stays above 55°F.

CityCrabgrass preventer window
DoverMar 25 – Apr 24
WilmingtonMar 30 – Apr 24
NewarkApr 2 – Apr 27

Cool-season lawn calendar

Lawns across Delaware are mostly cool-season grass (tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass).

CitySpring fertilizerOverseeding & seedingFall fertilizer
WilmingtonApr 17 – May 22Aug 29 – Oct 18Sep 20 – Nov 20
DoverApr 17 – May 22Aug 30 – Oct 19Sep 21 – Nov 24
NewarkApr 20 – May 25Aug 26 – Oct 15Sep 18 – Nov 19

Frost dates in Delaware

CityLast spring frostFirst fall frost
WilmingtonApr 3Nov 12
DoverApr 3Nov 13
NewarkApr 9Nov 9

Median dates, 2016–2025. A dash means frost does not occur in most years.

Frequently asked questions

When should I put down pre-emergent in Delaware?

Typically between Mar 25 and Apr 27, depending on where you live. The window opens first in Dover (around Mar 25) and last in Newark (around Apr 2). Apply when soil reaches 50°F, before it stays above 55°F.

When is the best time to seed grass in Delaware?

Early fall is best for cool-season grass (tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass): typically from Aug 26 to Oct 19 across Delaware, while soil cools from 65°F toward 50°F.

What type of grass grows in Delaware?

Most lawns in Delaware are cool-season grass (tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass).

Lawn care guides

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