Dormant seeding is the practice of seeding your lawn while it is not actively growing. This creates an environment that will germinate the seed early next spring as the soil begins to warm. Dormant seeding is a great way to bring new grass varieties into your lawn.
Photo by the University of MN Extension
If you have a cabin, large acreage or an area that you will not be able to water, late season dormant seeding is perfect for you. Use JRK special blend seed mixes in late October to November before the ground freezes. When spring comes around, your new seed will sprout.
5 Steps for Dormant Seeding
- Mow your grass to a height of 1.5".
- Rake thoroughly using an overseeder rake or leaf rake taking care not to rip out existing grass.
- Spread Winterizer
- Broadcast the seed over the area. With over 30 grass seed combinations at Spikes, we have the right mix for your landscape. Use a hand spreader for smaller areas and a larger broadcast spreader for large lawns. For a more even spread, apply half in one direction and the other half in the other direction.
- Water in lightly as the ground freezes. When the snow melts and the soil thaws in spring, soil temperatures will increase, and seed germination will begin.
Late fall seeding equals early spring germination photo courtesy of U of MN Ext.
