There are very few secrets today in the field of lawn care, but there are lesser known methods of keeping lawns in top shape. If your lawn is not looking too well in the spring and you’re regularly finding bare spots at the start of the season when the grass is supposed to be that perfect spring green, dormant seeding is probably going to help cover up for that.
Introduction
What is dormant seeding and what’s the purpose of doing it?
Dormant seeding is a seeding technique used in lawn care and turf maintenance, particularly for cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and rye. It involves sowing grass seeds during periods of dormancy, typically in the late fall or winter months when the ground is frozen or covered with snow.
What types of seeding techniques are there and where does dormant seeding fit in?
There are many types of seeding techniques, including overseeding, slit seeding, and hydroseeding, and more.
- Overseeding is the process of sowing new grass seeds over an existing lawn to improve its density and fill in thin or bare patches.
- Slit seeding involves using a machine to cut small grooves into the soil and insert the seeds into the ground.
- Hydroseeding is a method of mixing grass seeds, fertilizer, and water in a tank and spraying it onto the ground to establish a new lawn.
- etc.
Dormant seeding is a isn’t a separate seeding method, but more like a descriptor of timing and purpose, which we already discussed. It may be applied over bare frozen soil or an existing lawn, and it may be applied by hand or by mechanized tools.
It mostly just refers to spreading seeds at a cerain time that takes advantage of the cold and snowy conditions to protect the seeds until spring for the purpose of giving them a good head start for sprouting.
Explain the mechanism of dormant seeding and how it improves lawn health?
The mechanism behind dormant seeding is based on two key factors: temperature and moisture.
In areas with cold winters, the ground will freeze, creating small cracks and crevices in the soil. The seeds sown during this period will settle into these cracks, providing them with a safe and protective environment to germinate.
The freezing temperatures also help to break down the seed’s outer coating, making it easier for the seedling to emerge when temperatures warm up in the spring. Additionally, snow acts as an insulator, protecting the seeds from drying out and providing them with the necessary moisture for germination.
Disambiguation: Dormant seeding, Fall Seeding, Overseeding and Dormant Planting
- What is happening with all these terms for the same thing?
- Is it really the same thing?
- What is even the point of this nitpicking?
Researching this topic online and through textbooks will surely lead you to find that most authors use the term dormant seeding, but every now and then someone will say “dormant planting” when referring to this seeding technique. In this case, they are synonymous.
If you are writing a serious paper and doing your research online, it’s worth noting that there are other seeding techniques, one of which is called “overseeding”. Here’s where it gets kind of tangled and where hairsplitting (kind of) makes sense, in the service of clarity.
Overseeding can be used as (1) a general broad term, or (2) a more specific method.
- Generally speaking, the definition of overseeding just mentions spreading seeds on an existing lawn without turning the soil. This broad definition of overseeding doesn’t assume timing, which means as long as the dormant seeding is done over an existing lawn, it can be considered overseeding (again, generally speaking).
- In most cases though, “overseeding” refers to a specific method which is defined by certain time frames. Thus, we end up with 2 ways to overseed:
- Spring overseeding
- Fall overseeding
Since dormant seeding is done when the ground starts freezing, it’s safe to say that it’s not a subclass of the specific method of overseeding (#2 above). Not only that, but dormant seeding can be applied over bare soil (since it is defined by timing and temperature, not whether there’s an existing lawn already covering the ground.
However, if we use overseeding as a general term, and we apply the dormant seeding technique over an established lawn, then combining the two gives us “dormant overseeding”. The words basically define exactly what you mean without having to go into explanations. Dormant means you’re sowing in the winter, and overseeding means you’re doing it on an established lawn.
On top of that, you might encounter another term – frost seeding. Here’s an example post where it appears: https://kingsagriseeds.com/blog/dormant-seeding-and-frost-seeding/
Some people apparently separate dormant seeding and frost seeding according to the ground temperature. In these cases, dormant seeding refers to early winter, when the ground hasn’t frozen yet but it’s cold enough to prevent the seeds from germinating. Frost seeding refers to doing the same thing but in late winter when the ground is frozen already.
Since in both cases the seeds stay dormant until spring, we won’t be making this distinction, and will continue to use “dormant seeding” for both early and later winter, but if you hear someone talking about frost seeding, now you know what they’re referring to.
Be mindful of this when writing anything more serous than a blog post, or asking questions in online communities, or just doing research.
Hairsplitting done. Disambiguation finished. Case closed.
Moving on…
When is seeding a lawn usually done and how is dormant seeding different from normal seeding?
The timing of field operations depends on many factors but since many of them are interconnected, it’s probably best to just factor in climate and seed variety as the main variables.
For the exact timing when planting or sewing new grass, with regards to the climate zone or state you are in, refer to this post.
In general, the rule of thumb is:
- “If it’s comfortable for you to be outdoors, and the weather isn’t going to change to an extreme in the next 25-30 days, it’s a good time to plant grass.”
The above applies to basic seeding when establishing a lawn. It doesn’t necessarily apply to overseeding, and it certainly doesn’t apply to dormant seeding.
When to use the dormant seeding technique?
Dormant seeding is only done when the ground at least starts the process of freezing over, which means it’s expected that the seeds won’t sprout and root-in until spring thawing.
It doesn’t matter if the lawn hasn’t been established yet or if it’s applied on an existing lawn, or just thinned out sections or patches.
Dormant seeding is about timing and climate, i.e. temperature, not about what you use to fling seeds around or whether they’re covered in emulsified wood fiber goo.
Pros and Cons of Dormant Seeding and Overseeding
In this section, we will discuss the pros and cons of dormant seeding and dormant overseeding an existing lawn.
Benefits of dormant seeding
- Firstly, it allows for earlier establishment of new grass in the spring. By sowing seeds during the dormant period, the seeds have more time to germinate and grow before the warmer temperatures and competition from weeds and other plants. Timing is everything! Giving an early start to the specific grass varieties you want will lead to a thicker and healthier lawn in the upcoming seasons and in the long run.
- Second: it helps to introduce new grass varieties into an existing lawn. This is especially true for the parts where you have bare earth spots or thin areas. Over the lifetime of a lawn, some grass species will definitely struggle to keep up with competitive weeds or become less drought-resistant. By introducing new seeds, we can rejuvenate the lawn without destroying it and starting over.
- Third: it is a non-invasive way to patch up and boost a worn-out lawn, at least compared to other techniques.
- Overseeding for this purpose is done at a time when many other lawn care tasks are set aside, so there is very little overlap with other scheduled tasks.
- The preparation process is minimal. You just need to pick the right seed mix, and check the local weather report to make sure the frost is actually there to stay, not just a temporary false winter (i.e. the winter edition of “fool’s spring”).
- It’s one of the most cost-effective ways of maintaining a healthy lawn with only a few potential drawbacks.
- Water-saving: since the snow thawing and spring rains give an ample supply of water to the seeds, this saves you a lot of time, money and effort by not having to worry about watering. Working with mother nature, instead of against it.
What are the drawbacks and caveats people should be aware of before applying dormant seeding?
- First, since dormant seeding is done during a time when the grass is not actively growing, there is a chance that germination may be more sporadic or uneven compared to overseeding. This can result in a less uniform appearance in the new growth.
- Second, dormant seeding may not be suitable for all types of grasses. Some species require warmer temperatures to germinate, so it’s important to research what types of grasses will work best with dormant seeding in your region.
- Lastly, it’s important to consider timing when it comes to dormant seeding. If done too early, there is a risk of the new seeds germinating too soon and being damaged by frost or cold weather. However, if done too late, the new seeds may not have enough time to establish themselves before the ground freezes.
- Mistakes in estimating the start of winter are just as bad as mistakes in estimating the date of last frost. They can be costly. A mild start of winter can leave the seeds vulnerable to more than just temperature damage. Fungi, rodents and birds can get more active and pick off your seeds if weather gets warmer instead of hotter.
- Limited Seed Selection: Not all types of grass can be effectively dormant seeded. Cool-season grasses such as fescue and bluegrass are better suited for this method, while warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia may not perform well.
- Unpredictable Weather: The success of dormant seeding is highly dependent on the weather. If the winter is dry or there is little snow cover, the seeds may not germinate, or the seedlings may not survive.
- Delayed Results: Unlike spring or summer seeding, dormant seeding does not provide immediate results. The seeds will not germinate until the spring, and the lawn may not be fully established until several months after seeding.
Is dormant seeding good for all climate zones or just the ones with strong winters?
While dormant seeding can be effective in all climate zones, it is especially beneficial in regions with strong winters.
As mentioned earlier, the frozen ground and cold temperatures provide a protective layer for the seeds, allowing them to safely establish and grow once the weather improves.
This makes dormant seeding a viable option for areas with shorter growing seasons or regions that experience harsh winter weather.
What climate zones benefit most from dormant seeding?
Climate zones that experience cold winters and have cool-season grasses benefit the most from dormant seeding.
Cool-season grasses prefer cooler temperatures and are often better adapted to survive colder climates.
Dormant seeding is also helpful for areas that experience heavy snowfall, as the snow can provide the necessary moisture for germination.
Is there a danger of too much water being bad for dormant seeding after the snow melts in the spring?
While dormant seeding does not require irrigation, there is a risk of too much water being bad for the seeds after the snow melts in the spring.
Excessive moisture can drown the seeds or lead to the development of diseases. It is important to monitor the soil moisture levels and only water if necessary.
If there is heavy rainfall in the spring forecast, it will already be too late to react in terms of seeding (because the seeds are already on the field).
Well drained soils shouldn’t have much problems. More dense and clay-rich soils with a water-stopping soil layer may be an issue depending on the type of clay.
Some clay soils expand and then contract when gaining and losing water. These will have cracks on the surface that will allow water to reach deeper layers more easily, despite the top layer being resistent to quick water infiltration.
Environmental Factors To Keep An Eye On
Temperature is probably the main factor influencing all others. Even soil moisture is secondary because whether or not there is water in the soil is less important than the form of water: is it iced up or liquid?
You don’t have to be a meteorologist or a professional farmer to track this one major parameter and get accurate local data in order to make informed decisions. Just tracking temperature prognosis will get you 80% of the information you need to make decisions in this regard.
What is the best temperature for dormant seeding?
The right way to ask this question is “what kind of weather report am I supposed to see in order to safely start dormant seeding?”
Generally, cool-season grasses such as fescue, bluegrass, and ryegrass prefer soil temperatures between 45-50°F for successful seed germination.
On the other hand, warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia require slightly higher soil temperatures, ranging from 60-65°F.
So, if the weather looks like there will be a consistent 10 days of temperatures lower than the germination minimum, that should be a good signal to get ready to start seeding.
If the long-term weather report shows that there will be another warmup with temperatures reaching 45+ degrees F for more than 2 days, that means it’s better to wait for the next cold wave.
What other environmental parameters should be taken into consideration?
The top 2 factors to consider are soil moisture and sunlight abundance.
Seeds react to moisture and light (within the right temperature range) in their activation process. What we want to aim for is more clouds and less liquid water around the place where we intend to cast the seeds.
Adequate soil moisture is crucial for seed germination, so it is important to make sure the soil is evenly moist before and after planting. Sunlight is also essential for seed growth, so it is recommended to plant in areas with at least six hours of sunlight per day.
The third important thing is the time of day, and as you’ll see later, seeding in dusk is going to be much better to avoid birds picking the seeds off the turf. Combing the turf with a rake is also going to push the seeds into the deepeer layers where they’ll be protected from pests.
What grass species and variants are best for dormant seeding?
The most suitable grass species for dormant seeding will vary depending on your location, climate, and soil conditions.
Cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass are popular choices for dormant seeding in northern regions. These grasses thrive in cooler temperatures and can withstand the freeze-thaw cycle during the winter months.
In warmer climates, warm-season grasses like Bermuda grass, zoysia grass, and centipede grass are best for dormant seeding. These grasses could tolerate colder temperatures but are more commonly used for overseeding existing lawns to improve their appearance and density.
It is also recommended to use a mix of different grass varieties to increase diversity and resilience in the turf.
When selecting a specific grass variant for dormant seeding, it is important to consider factors such as shade tolerance, drought resistance, and maintenance requirements.
Consulting with a local turf expert can help you determine the best grass species and variant for your specific needs and region.
How can i protect seeds against birds when overseeding a lawn?
Send the drone swarm to dispatch them.
Just kidding… Although, one of these days, that’s going to become a very creepy reality to deal with, for sure.
Birds are a common problem when it comes to dormant seeding. They are attracted to the seeds and will often eat them before they have a chance to germinate.
To protect the seeds against birds, there are a few steps you can take:
- Use a Seed Coating: Some seed coatings contain substances that make the seeds less desirable to birds. These coatings can help increase the chances of seed survival.
- Deterrents: You can also use visual or auditory deterrents such as scarecrows, reflective tapes, or noisemakers to keep birds away from the seeded area.
- Timing: Birds are more active during the day, so consider seeding in the evening or very early morning when they are less likely to be present.