Grass seed can be very temperamental, so asking about frost is a very good question. The easy answer is that frost will not kill grass seed, but that does not mean that you should try to plant when there is danger of frost. While dormant seeds will survive until the next growing season, new grass seedlings are highly vulnerable and will not survive frost conditions. Frost can stunt their development or cause irreparable damage, leading to patchy growth or failed establishment. If you want to preserve your seeds and ensure a thriving lawn, understanding proper timing, preparation, and care is essential to safeguarding against frost’s impact.
Proper Timing: Planting to Avoid Frost
Timing is critical when planting grass seed to ensure successful germination. For cool-season grasses like Black Beauty® Original Grass Seed, the best planting windows are from March to mid-June or August to October. These periods provide soil and air temperatures that are neither too hot nor too cold, which are ideal for seed germination.
Planting too close to frost season can jeopardize the success of your lawn. Will frost kill grass seed? Not directly, but the problem arises if the seeds germinate and produce seedlings before frost hits. Will frost kill grass seedlings? Absolutely. The young, tender growth lacks the resilience to survive freezing temperatures. To prevent this, plan your seeding at least 45 days before the first expected frost. This gives seedlings enough time to establish strong roots and withstand winter conditions.
Additionally, if grass seed germinates after a frost, the seedlings may not develop properly due to a lack of warmth in the soil. We have a full guide that covers dormant seeding if you can’t put down seed during the ideal window.
Preparation
A good lawn is only as good as it’s soil. At Jonathan Green we have put more than a century of research into what makes a great lawn, and we have discovered that the key is preparation of the soil. While frost might not kill grass seed, poor soil conditions combined with frost can drastically reduce germination success.
For proper germination, soil temperature should be between 50°F and 65°F. Frost drops the temperature below this range, hindering the seed’s ability to sprout. To combat this, we have a range of products designed to feed not just your lawn but your soil. For successful growth, the pH of the soil should be between 6.2 and 7.0. If the pH tests higher, it means it is alkaline and if it tests lower then it is acidic. To correct the pH of the soil, we have developed Mag-I-Cal® for Lawns in Acidic Soil. With options for both alkaline and acidic soils, our MAG-I-CAL formula will adjust the pH to the correct level and can be applied immediately before seeding.
For proper aeration and activation of microbes, there is Love Your Soil®. This product works to loosen the soil so that it easily breaks up and allows for root growth. It also activates the microbes in the soil so the nutrients are easier for the roots to absorb. The easier the nutrients are to absorb the better fed the grass and the healthier and heartier it will be. Once the soil has been treated, it is important to rake the grass to remove any dead grass or debris that might impede seed growth. Finally, the seed can be put down with a seed spreader. The seed will germinate in about 14 days.
Helping Grass Survive the Seasons
Year-round care is essential to protect your investment in grass seed and ensure that frost doesn’t derail your efforts. At Jonathan Green, we recommend following our New American Lawn Care Plan, which includes products tailored to the specific needs of your lawn during each season.
In early spring, use Veri-Green Crabgrass Preventer plus Lawn Fertilizer to treat crabgrass and encourage healthy, resilient grass. In late spring, apply Veri-Green Weed & Feed Lawn Fertilizer to tackle weeds while providing essential nutrients. Summer care should focus on soil health; MAG-I-CAL ensures optimal pH levels for new growth. Finally, in the fall, apply Winter Survival Fall Lawn Fertilizer to help your lawn develop strong roots before winter arrives.
By following this schedule, you’ll reduce the risk of frost damage to grass seedlings and promote a lawn that thrives year-round. While new grass cannot survive frost, a well-prepared and maintained lawn can establish itself strongly enough to weather seasonal challenges.
For tailored advice on planting grass seed or dealing with frost concerns, visit us at Jonathan Green online or reach out to your local retailer.
