If you miss the optimal planting window, you can still put down grass seed in the winter. This is called “dormant seeding.” The seed will lay dormant until the soil starts to warm up in spring, allowing it to germinate. Planting grass seed in winter comes with some risk, but can it be beneficial and save you time come spring. Learn the essentials of dormant seeding in this guide from the experts at Jonathan Green.
Dormant Seeding: The Process
It is usually best to undertake dormant seeding when you want to reseed bare soil areas or thicken up thin lawns. The process is nearly identical to planting grass seed at other times of the year. The best dates will vary based on your location, but soil temperatures should be consistently below 40 degrees Fahrenheit for winter grass seed to achieve the best results. It is also important to find the best grass seed for your location.
The most important part of the dormant-seeding process is to ensure seed-to-soil contact with proper soil preparation. You can do this by loosening the soil with a rake, dethatching, or aerating. Loosen the soil so the seed can be easily incorporated into the top ¼” of soil. If the lawn contains holes, spread topsoil to fill in the depressions and then level it with a rake and apply grass seed over it. Do not bury the seed with too much topsoil. After sowing the seed, water the area lightly and leave it alone until the seeds germinate in spring. In the cool or cold winter temperatures, the area will stay moist for longer than it would in summer.
If the weather warms up and the seeded area dries out, you may need to water lightly just to keep the seedbed moist. This is only important if you’ve reached the time of year when the seed can germinate, typically mid-spring when the soil temperature reaches a consistent 55°F. The cycle of freezing and thawing during the winter will pull the seed down into the soil, and any snowfall will compress the soil around the seed and aid in germination.
Dormant Seeding: The Benefits
By planting grass seed in the winter months, you will be giving your lawn a head start come springtime. You are less likely to get weeds, and grass plants will have more time to develop vigor and hardiness before hot summer conditions arrive, making them better able to tolerate summer stresses.
Dormant Seeding: The Risks
If the weather suddenly turns warm, the grass seed may germinate too early. Then as it turns colder, the seedlings could be pushed up out of the ground and killed. Seeds also risk being washed away if snowmelt is excessive in the spring. Don’t expect miracles. It’s possible that dormant seeding will fail if the weather doesn’t cooperate, but that is true with seeding at any time of the year.
Summary
If you postponed planting in the fall, don’t worry. You can still put down grass seed in the winter if you take care to cultivate the best environment. If you need extra support or more tips, visit our website or stop by your nearest independent retail store to discuss your project.