If I want to achieve new lawn seeding rates in spots as an overseed, what rate should I throw down? Thought I’d seen germination rates as dormant as low as 50% or lower.
Lawn got ripped up, seeded, and covered with straw very late October Zone 6a last year. Shockingly, the grass grew in the spring. Definitely had weed issues and are still dealing with them, but it is possible.
What I’ve done for years and was taught is about a day or two before the first snow or a good rain throw down the seed. This will push it into the ground and it will be ready for when the temps rise.
As others said, once the temp rises, you will need to make sure it stays wet, so either hope for rain or irrigation.
If I dormant overseed, can I apply weed/feed as well? I’ve got a ton of weeds, so I’m trying to get those in control as well.
Orin said:
If I dormant overseed, can I apply weed/feed as well? I’ve got a ton of weeds, so I’m trying to get those in control as well.
If using a granular weed and feed, I’d be sure to wait at least 2 weeks after applying that before dormant seeding.
To be clear, dormant seeding should take place when soil temps are below 50F. Weed and feed will only be effective ABOVE 50F… So that’s another reason why they should be spaced apart.
WARNING: The window for SAFE seeding in all but the most southern cool season zones (SW U.S.) has now closed. The next recommended window is dormant seeding, when soil temps are too low for grass seed to germinate (under 50F/10C but before the ground is frozen).
Regardless, if you are looking for information about how to overseed a cool season lawn? You can find a comprehensive guide in this post here.
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Should be one of the last things you do. You see it growing in the early spring.
I personally think dormant seeding is just expensive birdseed.
Mal said:
I personally think dormant seeding is just expensive birdseed.
That was my question.
Dormant seeding makes sense from a watering standpoint, but I’m also picturing the seed sitting on top of the soil, waiting for the first snowfall, getting consumed by the entire bird population of New England who have feasted on whatever seed I put down.