Best grass to plant now (lawn, irrigation, grow, cold)

[SBUCKS]

Hi folks!
See attached. I have a final grade of what looks like clay soil. Want to immediately seed it. What do you recommend? I've heard rye grass may work well? Location is Somervell County, Texas.

[georgeinbandonoregon]

rye grass may germinate well under relatively cool temps. (50's f.) but it needs moisture either from rain or your irrigation to grow and it will likely not survive a texas summer---too hot and dry or too hot and wet. more tolerant "warm season" grasses like buffalo grass will probably need more warmth to establish and grow. suggest you contact your county extension agent for more site-specific advice.

[ahawes]

The only really GOOD option in your neck of the country is Bermuda. I had a fantastic lawn that I seeded from scratch out in Midland, I miss that lawn.

That being said, it's too cold to germinate Bermuda now, you will need to wait until May or even June. Your best option if you need/want grass immediately would be to go with an annual ryegrass. Aerate and seed over this with a quality Bermuda seed in May and the Rye will act as a nurse crop as it gradually dies off to help keep your new seeds moist. At the end of the summer you will be left with a decent or better stand of Bermuda that will continue to spread and fill as time goes on.