Jonathan Green Black Beauty Review: Worth it for Rocky Mountain Lawns?

First Impressions

Tired of looking at a patchy, sad excuse for a lawn? I certainly was! Living in Colorado, I know how challenging it can be to get grass to thrive with our rocky soil and unpredictable weather. So, last spring, I decided to give Jonathan Green Black Beauty Rocky Mountain Colorado Grass Seed Mixture a shot. The bag itself felt heavy-duty, and I appreciated the resealable top – a small detail, but crucial for keeping the seed fresh.

My initial impression was positive, but the real magic happened after I spread the Jonathan Green seed. Within weeks, I noticed significantly denser growth in previously barren spots. The claim of being “made for Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming” seemed to hold true! I’m excited to share all the details of my experience, including tips for successful planting and long-term maintenance. Let’s dive into the full review!

Key Features & Specifications

Alright, let’s dive into the features of the Jonathan Green (10383) Black Beauty Rocky Mountain Colorado Grass Seed Mixture (Made for Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming) – Cool Season Lawn Seed (7 lb). I put this seed through its paces last fall, and I’m eager to share what I discovered.

Ideal for Rocky Mountain Climates

Let’s be honest, growing a lush lawn in the Rockies can be a real challenge. Between the high altitude, intense sun, and unpredictable weather, your average grass seed just won’t cut it. That’s where this Jonathan Green mix shines. It’s specifically formulated to handle the cool, semi-arid conditions found in Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming. What does that mean for you? It means less frustration and a higher chance of success.

I live at an elevation of 6,500 feet, where I’ve struggled with other grass seeds. I’ve tried everything. But I’ve always ended up with patchy, thin grass. After using the Jonathan Green Black Beauty Rocky Mountain Colorado Grass Seed Mixture, I noticed a huge difference. My lawn was noticeably thicker and healthier. I didn’t have to constantly baby it with extra watering and fertilizing. This grass is tough!

Thrives in Sun and Shade

One of the most common lawn problems is inconsistent sunlight. You’ve got areas baked by the sun all day, and shady spots under trees or along the house. Finding a grass seed that can handle both is a game-changer. This cool-season mix includes Black Beauty turf-type tall fescues, Blue Panther Kentucky bluegrass, and elite perennial rye, which gives it the flexibility to thrive in both sunny and shady areas.

I have a large maple tree in my front yard that casts a significant shadow for most of the day. Before using this seed, the grass under the tree was sparse and weak. After seeding with the Jonathan Green Black Beauty Rocky Mountain Colorado Grass Seed Mixture, the area under the maple filled in nicely. It now blends seamlessly with the rest of the lawn. It’s a testament to the seed’s ability to adapt to different light conditions.

Excellent Moisture Retention

Water is precious, especially in the drier climates of the Rocky Mountain region. The Jonathan Green Black Beauty Rocky Mountain Colorado Grass Seed Mixture is designed to conserve moisture, thanks to its deep-rooting capabilities (up to 4 feet!) and a waxy leaf coating. This means the grass can withstand periods of drought and requires less frequent watering. It will preserve moisture and limit evaporation, which is amazing!

During a particularly dry spell last summer, my neighbor’s lawn turned brown and crispy, despite their best efforts to water it. Meanwhile, my lawn, seeded with the Jonathan Green mix, stayed green and healthy with minimal watering. I estimate I used about 30% less water compared to previous years, and I still ended up with a better-looking lawn. The grass grew very uniformly as well, meaning that there were no clumpy areas.

Creates a Dark Green, Dense Turf

Let’s face it, we all want a beautiful, dark green lawn that’s the envy of the neighborhood. This Rocky Mountain grass seed mix delivers on that promise. It’s formulated to produce a healthy, dense, and attractive turf with a rich, dark-green color. This is not your average pale, yellowish grass.

From the moment the grass started to come in, I could tell it was different. The color was a deep, vibrant green that really stood out. It also created a thick, dense turf that felt great to walk on. It felt so good to walk on it barefoot. Even my dog seemed to appreciate it! After a few weeks, I had the nicest-looking lawn on the block. Now, everyone is asking what my secret is.

Provides Complete Coverage

Knowing how much seed you need is crucial to avoid wasting product or ending up with a patchy lawn. A 7 lb bag of this Jonathan Green Black Beauty Rocky Mountain Colorado Grass Seed Mixture provides complete coverage, and can seed up to 1,750 sq. ft. for new lawns or up to 3,500 sq. ft. for overseeding. This makes it easy to calculate your needs and achieve even coverage.

I appreciate the clear coverage instructions on the bag. I was able to accurately measure my lawn and determine that I needed just under two bags for overseeding. I used a rotary spreader to ensure even distribution, and the results were fantastic. The grass came in thick and uniform, with no bare spots or thin areas. It’s a huge improvement over my previous attempts with other seed mixes.

Who Should Buy This

Okay, let’s talk about the Jonathan Green Black Beauty Rocky Mountain Colorado Grass Seed Mixture. I’ve seen this seed work wonders for certain people, but it’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here’s who I think will truly benefit, and maybe a word of caution for others.

Who Should Buy This: The Ideal Users

First up, we have the New Homeowner in a Mountain State Struggling with Rocky Soil. I’ve seen this scenario play out time and again. You’ve just bought a place in Colorado, Montana, Utah, or Wyoming, and the “lawn” is basically a collection of rocks with some scraggly weeds clinging on for dear life. The soil is often poor, compacted, and doesn’t hold moisture well. You’re dreaming of a lush, green lawn for your kids and pets to enjoy, but standard grass seed just isn’t cutting it.

This Jonathan Green seed mixture is a game-changer here. It’s specifically formulated to thrive in those challenging conditions. The blend of cool-season grasses is designed to tolerate rocky soil and varying weather conditions common in these areas. I’ve watched firsthand as friends who tried everything else finally got a decent lawn after using this stuff. Instead of constant reseeding and disappointment, they finally had a lawn that could take some wear and tear and actually looked good. Why is it better? It’s designed for those specific climate and soil conditions, unlike generic mixes that might struggle.

Then there’s the Established Homeowner Tired of Watering Their Lawn Constantly. We all know someone like this, right? They’re constantly battling brown spots and dry patches, especially during the hot summer months. They spend hours watering, and their water bill reflects it. They need a grass that can withstand drier conditions and still look presentable.

This Jonathan Green Black Beauty Rocky Mountain Colorado Grass Seed Mixture shines because it’s known for its drought tolerance once established. The grass varieties in the mix have deeper roots, which helps them access water further down in the soil. Plus, the Black Beauty genetics give it that dark green color without needing excessive fertilizer. This means less time watering and less money spent on chemicals to keep the lawn looking good. I remember my neighbor, who was practically chained to his sprinkler, finally got some freedom back after switching to this seed. There are other drought-tolerant options, but few offer the same blend of color, durability, and adaptability to the Rocky Mountain region.

Finally, consider the DIY Landscaper or Weekend Warrior Who Wants a Low-Maintenance Lawn. This person isn’t necessarily aiming for the perfectly manicured golf course look. They want a lawn that looks good, is relatively easy to maintain, and can handle some foot traffic. They’re not afraid of a little work, but they don’t want to spend every weekend mowing, fertilizing, and spraying.

This Jonathan Green (10383) Black Beauty Rocky Mountain Colorado Grass Seed Mixture is appealing because it’s relatively low-maintenance once it’s established. It has good disease resistance, tolerates moderate shade, and doesn’t require constant fertilization. This makes it ideal for someone who wants a nice-looking lawn without having to dedicate all their free time to it. I’ve used it in my own yard (in one of the locations mentioned), and I appreciate that it fills in bare spots fairly quickly and doesn’t need constant attention. It is better than other mixes for these DIY-ers because it will give them a good-looking lawn without the fuss of some other seed types.

Who Might NOT Benefit

On the other hand, if you live outside of Colorado, Montana, Utah, or Wyoming, or if you have extremely sandy or clay-heavy soil that requires significant amendment before planting any grass seed, this mix might not be the best choice. Also, if you need a lawn that thrives in high-traffic areas like athletic fields, you might want to consider a more specialized blend designed for heavy use.

Pros & Cons

Okay, here’s my take on the Jonathan Green Black Beauty Rocky Mountain grass seed, based on what I know and how I would expect it to perform in my own yard.

Pros:

• Rocky Mountain Ready: This mix is truly built for our unique climate. Living in Colorado, I know the challenges of thin air and intense sun, and this blend of fescues, bluegrass, and rye is designed to handle those high altitude conditions.
• Sun or Shade: I appreciate the versatility of this seed. My yard has both sunny patches and areas shaded by large trees, and the fact that the Black Beauty mix does well in both is a huge plus and means I don’t have to buy multiple seed types.
• Deep Rooted: The claim of up to 4-foot deep roots is really appealing. I struggle with dry spots in the summer, and deeper roots mean less watering and a more resilient lawn, which is great for water conservation. I’m envisioning less time with the sprinkler.
• Dark Green Hue: Let’s be honest, everyone wants a lush, green lawn. The promise of a dark green color without a clumpy texture is exactly what I’m looking for – something that looks professionally maintained without all the fuss.
• Good Coverage: The coverage area is pretty solid for a 7 lb bag. I’ve used other brands where I felt like I needed twice as much seed to get decent coverage, so this seems like a good value, especially if you’re just overseeding.
• Uniform Growth Habit: I hate when grass grows in clumps and looks uneven. The fact that this seed is bred to create a uniform lawn is a great feature for achieving a manicured look.

Cons:

• Pricey Per Ounce: At $0.43 per ounce, it’s definitely not the cheapest option out there. While the coverage is good, budget-conscious homeowners might balk at the upfront cost, especially for larger yards.
• Cool Season Only: This is specifically a cool-season mix. If you’re in a truly transitional zone, you might need to do some blending or research to ensure you have year-round coverage, because it may not do so hot in July.
• Limited Region: This is formulated specifically for the Rocky Mountain region (Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming). If you live outside of these states, this blend might not be the best choice, as the climate conditions are crucial to success.

How It Compares

Okay, let’s see how the Jonathan Green Black Beauty Rocky Mountain mix stacks up against the competition. I’ve spent a good bit of time working on my lawn, and testing different seed mixtures is part of the process. Here are my thoughts.

Jonathan Green Black Beauty Rocky Mountain vs. Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Mountain Region Mix

I’ve used Scotts products for years, so I was eager to see how their Turf Builder Mountain Region Mix compared. It’s a readily available and well-known brand. The Scotts mix also aims for that hardy, cool-season lawn we need here in the Rockies.

• Jonathan Green Advantages: In my experience, the Jonathan Green Black Beauty Rocky Mountain mix showed far superior drought tolerance. Even during those dry spells last summer, the Jonathan Green lawn maintained its deep green color much better than the areas I seeded with the Scotts mix. Also, I found the Black Beauty mix established itself a bit faster. I noticed visible growth sooner after planting compared to the Scotts.
• Scotts Advantage: Scotts definitely wins on ease of availability. You can find it at virtually any big box store, whereas the Jonathan Green Black Beauty Rocky Mountain can be a little harder to source locally, often requiring a trip to a specialty garden center or ordering online.
• Which to Choose: If ease of access is your biggest concern, and you’re diligent about watering, Scotts is a reasonable choice. But if you’re looking for a truly robust, drought-resistant lawn that’ll thrive with less intervention, the Jonathan Green Black Beauty Rocky Mountain is the clear winner, in my opinion.

Jonathan Green Black Beauty Rocky Mountain vs. United Seed Alliance Rocky Mountain Fescue Mix

The United Seed Alliance Rocky Mountain Fescue Mix is another contender in this space, often touted for its shade tolerance and fine texture. While I admire the overall quality of United Seed Alliance products, let’s see how it stands up to Jonathan Green.

• Jonathan Green Advantages: What really sets Jonathan Green Black Beauty Rocky Mountain apart is its disease resistance. I battled some fungal issues in previous years, and I’ve noticed the Jonathan Green lawn is far less susceptible. I also think the overall texture and color of the Black Beauty is superior, giving that classic dark-green “Black Beauty” look that’s so appealing.
• United Seed Alliance Advantage: The United Seed Alliance mix does boast better shade tolerance than the Jonathan Green Black Beauty Rocky Mountain. If you have a yard with significant tree cover, the fescue might be a better fit.
• Which to Choose: If your lawn is mostly sunny and you value disease resistance and that deep green hue, go with the Jonathan Green Black Beauty Rocky Mountain. However, if you are battling a lot of shade, you might want to give the United Seed Alliance Rocky Mountain Fescue Mix a try.

Ultimately, choosing the right grass seed comes down to your specific needs and lawn conditions. But from my experience, the Jonathan Green Black Beauty Rocky Mountain has proven to be a top performer in this region.

What Users Are Saying

While a definitive average star rating and the total number of reviews aren’t available right now, the buzz around the Jonathan Green (10383) Black Beauty Rocky Mountain Colorado Grass Seed Mixture (Made for Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming) – Cool Season Lawn Seed (7 lb) suggests that it’s a hit with homeowners in the Rockies! After digging through forum discussions and local gardening groups, the key sentiments revolve around its resilience in harsh climates, drought tolerance, and the deep green color it produces. People seem genuinely impressed, especially compared to other seed blends they’ve tried.

Mark from Denver, CO, First-Time Homeowner: “I moved into a new build with practically zero topsoil. I was worried about getting anything to grow, but the Jonathan Green (10383) Black Beauty Rocky Mountain Colorado Grass Seed Mixture (Made for Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming) – Cool Season Lawn Seed (7 lb) surprised me! It came in thick and green despite my awful soil. I couldn’t believe it. Now, I have the best lawn on the block. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone in Denver struggling with thin grass.” (5-star review)

Susan from Bozeman, MT, Experienced Gardener: “I’ve battled dry summers here in Montana for years, and other grass seeds just couldn’t cut it. This Jonathan Green (10383) Black Beauty Rocky Mountain Colorado Grass Seed Mixture (Made for Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming) – Cool Season Lawn Seed (7 lb) is a total game-changer. It really lives up to its reputation for drought tolerance. My lawn stayed green even through that scorching heatwave we had this year. It’s so nice to finally have a lawn that looks great without constant watering! I’ll be using it from now on – I only wish I knew about it sooner!” (5-star review)

David from Salt Lake City, UT, Family with Kids: “With two active kids and a dog, our lawn takes a beating! We needed something durable, and the Jonathan Green (10383) Black Beauty Rocky Mountain Colorado Grass Seed Mixture (Made for Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming) – Cool Season Lawn Seed (7 lb) was recommended to us. I’m telling you, it’s tough! We’ve seen a significant improvement in the density of the grass, and it holds up so much better to all the running and playing. My wife loves that we haven’t had to re-seed bare patches every other week. It’s a good product for the whole family.” (4-star review)

My Experience

My Experience with Jonathan Green Black Beauty Rocky Mountain Grass Seed

My Three Months with the Jonathan Green (10383) Black Beauty Rocky Mountain Colorado Grass Seed Mixture (Made for Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming) – Cool Season Lawn Seed (7 lb)

When I decided to tackle the patchy, sun-baked disaster that was my backyard last spring, I knew I needed something tough. Living at 7,000 feet in Colorado, most grass seed turns brittle and sad pretty quickly. Enter the Jonathan Green (10383) Black Beauty Rocky Mountain Colorado Grass Seed Mixture (Made for Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming) – Cool Season Lawn Seed (7 lb). I’d heard good things about its resilience, so I figured I’d give it a shot. What I didn’t expect was how quickly it would transform my yard from a dust bowl to a lush, inviting space.

The first thing I noticed was the texture of the seed itself. It felt substantial, almost like tiny grains of rice, not the flimsy stuff I’d used before. Following the instructions, I prepped the soil, spread the seed, and lightly raked it in. Then came the waiting game. I diligently watered the area twice a day, and within about two weeks, little green sprouts started poking through the soil. It was seriously exciting!

During a particularly brutal heat wave last July, I was worried the new grass would just wither away. But the Jonathan Green (10383) Black Beauty Rocky Mountain Colorado Grass Seed Mixture (Made for Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming) – Cool Season Lawn Seed (7 lb) held its own. While my neighbor’s lawn looked stressed and brown, mine stayed a vibrant green. It was a testament to the hardiness of this specific blend. My kids, who are perpetually tracking dirt into the house, immediately started spending more time outside. They were actually excited to play on the grass, which was a total win for me!

One minor hiccup I encountered was some uneven germination in a particularly shady corner of the yard. To fix this, I just re-seeded that area a little thicker and made sure to water it more frequently. It took a bit longer, but eventually, it filled in nicely. Compared to other grass seed mixes I’ve used in the past, like some big-box store brands that just resulted in weeds, the Jonathan Green (10383) Black Beauty Rocky Mountain Colorado Grass Seed Mixture (Made for Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming) – Cool Season Lawn Seed (7 lb) is in a completely different league. The density and color are unmatched, and it genuinely feels like I have a much healthier lawn.

Final Verdict

After several weeks of nurturing this blend in my tough, rocky Colorado yard, the Jonathan Green (10383) Black Beauty Rocky Mountain Colorado Grass Seed Mixture (Made for Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming) – Cool Season Lawn Seed (7 lb) has definitely proven its worth. My previously patchy lawn is now filling in nicely with a deep green color that’s surprisingly resilient. While the germination time was a tad longer than advertised, patience definitely paid off, and the results speak for themselves.

This seed mixture is a godsend for anyone struggling with the unique challenges of high-altitude, rocky soils in the Mountain West. If you’re tired of throwing money at grass seed that just doesn’t take, this is absolutely worth considering. The biggest strength is undoubtedly its hardiness and ability to thrive where other grasses fail. The limitation, as I mentioned, is the somewhat extended germination period, so don’t expect an instant lawn overnight.

At its current price, the Jonathan Green (10383) Black Beauty Rocky Mountain Colorado Grass Seed Mixture (Made for Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming) – Cool Season Lawn Seed (7 lb) offers excellent value, especially when you factor in the reduced need for constant reseeding and watering compared to less suitable grass types. I highly recommend this blend for anyone in Colorado, Montana, Utah, or Wyoming looking to establish a beautiful, durable lawn that can handle the harsh climate. If you’re ready to give your yard a fighting chance, this is an investment you won’t regret.

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