December is the perfect time to reflect on the past year with loved ones and start planning for the year ahead. It is also the ideal time to start thinking of your lawn care goals for the new year and plan for spring seeding. Taking advantage of this quieter season to prepare will set you up for success when the growing season begins.
From assessing your lawn’s needs to stocking up on essential supplies, here’s why December should be your starting point for seeding, growing, and maintaining your dream lawn in spring.
Benefits of Planning Spring Seeding in December
Planning ahead for spring seeding in December has several advantages:
Ample Time to Research
You have time to research and explore the best grass seed varieties for your specific lawn conditions, whether you’re dealing with shaded areas, high-traffic zones, or drought-prone regions. Black Beauty grass seed performs best in areas north of and near the transition zone and offers mixtures for a wide variety of conditions, including sunny, shady, high-traffic lawns and more!
Avoid the Spring Rush
Popular grass seed varieties and lawn fertilizers often sell out quickly by spring. By planning early, you’ll have everything you need on hand.
Optimal Timing
With your supplies ready, you can take full advantage of the best seeding window in early spring when soil temperatures are warm and air temperatures are cool, providing the ideal weather for successful seeding
How to Plan for Spring Seeding
Assess Your Lawn’s Needs
December offers a unique opportunity to evaluate your lawn’s condition without the distraction of weekly mowing or maintenance tasks. Now is the perfect time to identify thin patches, compacted areas, or sections affected by pests or diseases that will need attention in spring.
Take a walk around your property, make notes, and even take pictures if needed to map out problem areas. Understanding your lawn’s specific needs will help you make informed decisions, determine what type of grass seed is needed and create the best plan for your lawn.
For more guidance, check out our helpful article on How to Choose the Right Grass Seed.
Stock Up On Lawn Care Products
December is also a great time to stock up on all of the lawn supplies you’ll need for spring. Being prepared ensures you can act quickly when the weather warms up, giving your lawn a head start. Here’s a few of the products you’ll need to help you get started:
Soil Amendments
Healthy lawns start with healthy soil! Before selecting grass seed, perform a soil test with our Soil pH Test Kit and use the results to determine which of our soil pH balancing products you’ll need. Choose Mag-I-Cal Plus Acidic to raise low soil pH or Mag-I-Cal Plus Alkaline to lower high soil pH.
Grass Seed
Stock up on Black Beauty grass seed for spring seeding success, as each of our mixtures germinate quickly, grow thick, dark green grass with a waxy protective coating on the leaf, and can withstand a variety of climate conditions.
Whether you’re overseeding or planting a new lawn, explore our full line of grass seed to find the perfect mixture for your lawn’s specific needs.
Lawn Fertilizer
In addition to the right soil amendment and grass seed, you should also pick up a bag of lawn fertilizer, such as Veri-Green Seeding and Sodding, a starter fertilizer specially formulated to support successful seed germination and establish strong roots.
Weed Control
If lawn weeds like dandelions are a chronic issue for you in spring, a bag of Corn Gluten Weed Preventer will naturally prevent weeds from overtaking new grass, provide a gentle feeding and deep greening.
Lawn Tools
A spreader, like the Jonathan Green Deluxe Broadcast Spreader, is a must-have for evenly and accurately applying grass seed, lawn fertilizer and weed controls.
Prep Your Soil for Spring Seeding
Soil preparation is the foundation of successful seeding. December is the perfect time to plan how to improve your soil health before planting.
Test Your Soil
Check your soil’s pH and nutrient levels to identify any deficiencies.
Correct Imbalances
If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, use Jonathan Green Mag-I-Cal Plus to restore balance and improve nutrient absorption.
Aerate in Early Spring
Aearation helps reduce soil compaction and improve seed-to-soil contact, which is crucial for healthy grass seed germination. If you want to avoid renting heavy core aerator machines in spring, Love Your Soil provides natural aeration using the power of gypsum, a natural loosening agent to keep the soil loose and porous.
Need more tips on preparing your soil for spring seeding? Check out our guide on soil testing in winter.
Set a Timeline for Spring Seeding
Time is of the essence when it comes to seeding in spring. Cool-season grasses thrive when soil temperatures are between 50°F and 65°F, typically in late March or early April. Mark your calendar and monitor local soil temperatures to ensure you’re seeding at the optimal time.
Having your plan and supplies ready in December means you won’t miss this critical window, giving your lawn the best chance to thrive.
Mentioned Products
The Big Takeaway
Take advantage of the down season to plan for success in spring! December is more than just a month for holiday festivities—it’s the perfect time to assess your lawn’s needs, select the right products for your lawn, and prepare your soil so you can set the stage for your dream lawn in the year ahead.