Dormant Grass Seeding: Pros And Cons Of Planting Grass Seed In Winter

Knowing when to put down grass seed is essential to getting the best results. Most people tackle this chore in early fall while soil is still warm, but the weather is a little cooler. Spring is another popular option. Not many people think of seeding their lawn in winter, but this technique, known as dormant seeding, can be effective for filling in patchy spots. 

What is Dormant Grass Seeding? 

Dormant seeding is the practice of putting down grass seed in late fall or early winter. The idea is that the seeds will remain dormant on the ground, ideally under a layer of snow, and germinate and sprout in spring. 

Where Dormant Seeding Works

Planting grass seed in winter doesn’t work in all locations. The ideal scenario is a lawn that will soon be covered with snow and remain snow-covered for the rest of the season. 

If you can’t get that consistency, winter overseeding can be a problem. The frequent warming and cooling interferes with the timing of seed germination. They may germinate too soon and then die in a cold snap. 

Tips for Winter Overseeding

If your location is ideal for planting grass seed in winter, here are some tips for the best results: 

• Time the seeding so that the ground is cold but not frozen. Do it too early and the seeds will germinate and sprout, then freeze. The soil temperature should be no warmer than 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 Celsius) to avoid early germination. 
• Make sure there is good contact between the seeds and the soil so germination occurs. You can do this by cutting the grass shorter than you normally would and by preparing the soil with a rake. 
• Avoid dormant seeding on thick areas of grass. You won’t get good soil-seed contact. This strategy is best for patchy, thin areas. 
• Water the area lightly before leaving it alone until spring. If you get some unusually dry and warm weather later, you may need to water again. 
• Once spring arrives and the snow has melted, start watering the seeded areas. You want the top one-half to one inch (1.25 to 2.5 cm.) of soil to be consistently moist. 
• If you get a late cold snap or frost after the seeds have germinated, you may need to provide some protection, like straw.