Thank you for your question.

While Autumn might not be the optimum time to start a lawn, there are things you can do to increase your odds of getting a more productive seeding.  So, let’s get started!

• If you must plant late, increase seeding rates. Add 2 lbs. of seed per 1,000 sq. ft. for each week past mid-September.

•  Use dark-colored mulch to aid in heat and moisture retention.

•  Increase the percentage of perennial ryegrass in the mix.

• Fertilize at the time of planting and again 4 to 6 weeks later.

• Hope for a warm fall!  The good news is, we are likely to have one this year.  Whew!

There are additional factors to consider when starting a lawn, such as:

• Shade vs. sun

• Heavy wear vs. light wear

• Soil pH and composition

To get the best outcome for your efforts, I suggest you take a look at a thorough publication on restoring and establishing lawns in Oregon called Practical Lawn Establishment and Renovation.  You can download it free of charge here:  https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/files/project/pdf/ec1550.pdf

Also, since water may continue to be an increasing cost while gardening, I suggest a publication that discusses how to save water on your lawn called Practical Lawn Care for Western Oregon.  You can download it free of charge here:  https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/files/project/pdf/ec1521.pdf  

Lawns can be a great way to anchor a good landscaping plan, and a great lawn is a matter of strategy and care.  I do hope this information helps.

Thank you again for using Ask an Expert.