We may think it is winter already and the growing season is done, but November is the best time for dormant seeding! 

This is a late-fall technique that involves sowing grass seed after the growing season has ended and before the ground is permanently frozen. The benefits of the cold will prevent the seed from germinating this year, leverage our Minnesota's natural freeze-thaw cycle of winters to work the seed into the soil, and allow the new grass seed to germinate very early in the spring when it is still wet and cold. Dormant seeding gives the lawn a head start next year before the summer heat and annual weeds emerge. 

Is this good for every lawn? 

This is great for sparse lawns, bare patches, and thin lawns that need to be thickened. It is not as effective if the lawn is already thick and dense as the seed needs good seed-to-soil contact. 

When to Dormant Seed the lawn? 

Timing is very important as grass seeds should not germinate this fall. If the seed germinate/sprout this fall, the immature seedlings may not survive the winter. The target is to apply the dormant seeds before the first major snowfall between mid/late October to mid-November when the temperature is too cold for germination.

The seed must be put down while the ground is not frozen but is cold. Day time temperature should be around 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit, and soil temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. 

** Tip: if the lawn is actively growing and being mowed, it is too early for dormant seeding.

How to Dormant Seed - the steps: 

1. Select the desired grass seed:

   1.  For Minnesota lawns look up options based on site conditions and maintenance on the UMN extension. (see additional resources below) An average Minnesota lawn may have a mix of Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, and small amounts of perennial ryegrass.

2. Prepare the lawn:

   1. Mow the existing lawn slightly lower than normal to approximately 2 inches in order to allow the seed to reach the soil. 

   2. Loosen the soil surface so the seed can have easier seed to soil contact.

      1. Using a hand rake for small areas of bare or thin lawn is an option.

      2. For larger areas, a vertical mower, dethatcher, or scarifier is an option.

   3. Rake up any debris

3. Spread the seed & ensure contact:

   1. Use the recommended rate for the grass seed and lightly incorporate it into the existing soil with a hand rake.

4. Water lightly & thoroughly

   1. Water the area lightly and thoroughly after laying the seed. Do not water too much, the soil should be barely damp - between dry and damp. Only in extreme drought, is additional watering needed. Continuous watering is not needed until the seed germinate in the spring.

What to expect in the Spring: 

The results of dormant seeding depend on Minnesota winter conditions. With more snowfall that can cover and protect the areas, the higher chance of success. Seedlings will germinate by late April and early May as the temperature warms. 

Be patient as it takes 10-14 plus days for grass to sprout. If the area is a little thin, give it some time and it is not unusual to have additional reseeding in the spring. Avoid heavy traffic on the young seedlings and consider fertilization to assist with lawn establishment

Warning: Do not apply a pre-emergent weed preventer in the spring as it will prevent grass seed from germinating. 

Happy dormant seeding! For more information, please see links and resources below:

Learn More here: 

Dormant Seeding: https://extension.umn.edu/lawn-care/dormant-seeding 

Dormant Seeding Bee Lawns: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/dormant-seeding-bee-lawns#:~:text=Dormant%20seeding%20provides%20the%20best,soil%20moisture%20for%20germinating%20seeds

Turfgrass Seed for Minnesota Lawn: https://extension.umn.edu/lawn-care/buying-turfgrass-seed-minnesota-lawns 

Gall Dormant Seed: https://www.gertens.com/learn/fall-dormant-seeding#:~:text=Photo%20by%20the%20University%20of,your%20new%20seed%20will%20sprout.

Photo Credit: University of Minnesota Extension (1,2,3)