Simplify spring lawn establishment and reap the benefits of dormant seeding in cool-season lawns.
Dormant seeding works well for establishing lawn on bare soil and overseeding thin lawns.
It is only used for cool season turfgrasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescues.
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Preparing Your Lawn For Winter Seeding
Good seed-to-soil contact is necessary for optimal germination.
Prepare the lawn in fall, before snow falls or winter rain arrives.
If you are overseeding thin turf, start by mowing the existing lawn to a height of two inches.
This low canopy will help the seeds reach the soil.
It is also important to loosen the top 14 inch of soil.
In small areas, this can be accomplished through hand raking.
When cultivating, go over the area lightly, setting blades to penetrate only 14 inch deep.
Rake away dead foliage, fallen autumn leaves, and other debris.
Seeding Process
Timing is critical when it comes to winter sowing.
Apply seed at the high end of the recommended label rate.
Use a handheld broadcaster or wheeled spreader to distribute seeds evenly over the planting area.
Lightly rake the planting area to incorporate the seed into the soil.
There is no need to apply fertilize until plant growth begins in spring.
Then leave the area alone until early spring.
Straw also protects seeds from hungry birds.
Be sure to use straw and not hay, which contains many weed seeds.
Seeds do not require much care during the winter months.
When germination begins, it is important to maintain adequate soil moisture through light, frequent irrigation.
We want the soil to be damp, not soggy or wet.
Practice deeper, less frequent irrigation once the seedlings are established to promote deep rooting.
Apply a starter fertilizer to provide the new grass plants the essential nutrients they need to grow.
Considerations And Limitations
Dormant seeding relies on weather conditions that help maintain seed dormancy throughout winter.
Periods of warm weather mid-winter can cause seeds to germinatebefore spring.
The resulting plants are likely to be killed when cold weather returns.
The success of dormant seeding varies based on winter conditions.
Unexpected warm spells, seed displacement from flooding, and other environmental factors can lead to failures.
Of course, weather can impact germination rates any time of year.
If newly seeded areas appear thin, you might always add more seed as needed.
Allow enough time in spring for emerging seedlings to come up before deciding to overseed.
