Proper landscaping is beneficial for several reasons: it creates a more functional outdoor living space; it protects against disease and pests; it ensures proper runoff; and it can even improve the value of your property. One of the many ways that you can achieve a proper landscape is through the use of dormant seeding.

What is Dormant Seeding?

Dormant seeding is a landscaping technique that involves over-seeding lawns in the late fall or early spring seasons, typically when soil is too cold for grass seed to germinate on its own.

Conventional wisdom may lead you to believe that dormant seeding is ineffective. After all, why would you want to seed a lawn when it’s too cold for the seeds to germinate?

Well, dormant seeding works by using the natural freeze-and-thaw cycles to move the seeds deeper into the soil. The seeds won’t necessarily germinate immediately – and that’s okay.

Dormant seeding isn’t an overnight solution for a lush-green landscape. It’s a lengthy process that often takes several months before you see the “fruit” of your labor.

Tips for Successful Dormant Seeding:

• Wait until the temperatures are cool enough to seed your lawn. The grass should NOT be growing at this time, and the temperatures should be cool enough to cause dormancy in plants and grass.
• Choose your seeding method.There are several different ways to perform dormant seeding, some of which include slit shedding or broadcast seeds. Broadcast seeding is the least expensive option, while slit seeding is typically more effective (it involves a special slice seeding machine to create a stronger contact with the soil).
• Choose the right type of seeds. Not all grass seeds are suitable for all environments. Choose a variety that’s specifically tailored for your climate and region. If you need help, ask for assistance at a local plant nursery.
• Consider aerating your lawn before spreading the seeds. Aeration creates small holes in the soil, encouraging seeds to dig deeper into the ground.
• Remove pine straw, leaves and other debris covering your lawn before applying the seed.

Once the seed has been applied to your lawn, it will remain dormant until the temperatures are warm enough for it to germinate (usually around 55 degrees Fahrenheit for the spring).

Hopefully, this gives you a better understanding of dormant seeding and how it works.

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