Can I Sow Grass Seed in Winter?
Growing grass seed in winter can be difficult, especially when the weather conditions aren’t optimal. However, it is possible, if you use specially formulated grass seed designed to withstand the harsher conditions of the colder months.
At Boston Seeds, our winter grass seed is formulated to germinate in temperatures as low as 5 degrees, making it perfect for use between October to February.
How cold is too cold for grass seed?
If soil temperatures drop below 9 degrees, it can get too cold for regular grass seed to grow. The ideal soil temperature for grass seed germination is 9-12 degrees and just like any seed, grass seed needs the right conditions, with warmth and moisture being the key to grass seed germination.
However, the great thing is, some grass seeds can grow below this, and our specially formulated Winter Grass Seed contains high-quality tetraploid perennial ryegrass that can germinate in soil temperatures as low as just 5 degrees. Choosing a suitable winter grass seed that can withstand colder temperatures can be the difference between successful, healthy growth and a more lacklustre result.
From the middle of February onwards, soil temperatures are generally warm enough to choose from our full range of lawn seed.
Can I sow grass seed in the rain?
Whilst you can sow grass seed after a period of heavy rain, too much moisture may also hamper growth. If your soil drains well, grass seed will have a better chance of germination.
TOP TIP: You can give your grass seed a helping hand by adding topsoil if the ground is very wet, and by aerating your lawn. Aeration is the process of adding holes with a fork or aeration machine, this will loosen compact soil and aid drainage.
When is the best time to reseed my lawn?
The ideal time to reseed your lawn is between mid-February and October, but our Winter Grass Seed extends the season whilst the soil temperature is over 5 degrees.
WHat is Dormant Seeding?
Dormant seeding is when seed is sown during extremely cold weather, and it then stays in a dormant state until the conditions are right for germination.
Doing it this way will mean the job is already done and you’ll be ahead of the game when the warmer weather returns. The seed simply waits for the right conditions.
Can new grass seed survive a frost, freezing temperatures and snow?
Yes! A snowfall after you’ve planted grass seeds can actually be beneficial. It helps create a protective layer over the seeds and keeps them dormant. What can cause issues is a warm spell in winter, this can start the germination process and the new growth can struggle to cope when the temperature lowers again.
Sowing Grass Seed in Cold Weather Steps
If you’ve decided that sowing grass seed in winter works for you, here’s how to go about it for the best results:
Preparation
Prepare your lawn or soil for grass seed by raking and levelling just like you would at other times of year. Check our full guide to growing a great lawn using grass seed for more details. If the ground is excessively wet, add a layer of topsoil and aerate thoroughly.
Choose the right grass seed
Certain grass seeds are more suited to winter sowing than others. We’d recommend our Winter Grass Seed containing high-quality and robust grass cultivars, but choose from our full range of lawn seed from mid-February onwards.
Sowing
Sow evenly and make sure the seed makes good contact with the soil. You can do this by rolling or treading the grass seeds in once it has been spread.
Watering
If the ground isn’t already wet, water the area thoroughly. Winter weather should keep the soil moist so further watering will probably not be necessary.
Wait
Sit back, relax and enjoy watching your lawn return to its former glory!
Whilst winter might not be the ideal time as far as sowing grass seed goes, you can certainly lay the groundwork. Put in the effort during winter and when the temperature rises, your grass seed will be ready to grow into the lush lawn you were hoping for!
