Too early to plant grass seed?

thatguy · Feb 26, 2010

I want to get some grass seed down this spring.. They are calling for possibly ANOTHER major snow storn (We have had three 12" snows since Dec) next week..

Would it be advantageous to get some grass seed down before (if) the snow hits? I am thinking that the seed will really get good ground contact, be kept wet enough, and insulated from the cold until the snow thaws.. I am using K31 and/or a fescue blend

IF the wind will die down, I am going to get some fertilizer down tomorrow. I didnt get my fall/winter fertilizer down.

thoughts

Brian

Jstpssng · Feb 26, 2010

My grandfather could grow tomatoes on asphalt, (well, almost).

He always planted grass seed in the fall, and let the frost work the seed in.
I've done conservation seeding right on the snow; it won't germinate (or rot) until the snow is gone and the soil temp is right.

thatguy · Feb 26, 2010

Thanks Jstpssng... we have the problem of the ground being too wet one day and 2 days later the wind has dried it out too much - so i think the seed may get worked into the ground nicely as the snow melts

brian

ray66v · Feb 26, 2010

The "experts" up here, say put it down on frozen ground. That has never worked for me.

I wait. I have done much better, putting it down when the ground thaws.

dave1949 · Feb 26, 2010

thatguy said:
Thanks Jstpssng... we have the problem of the ground being too wet one day and 2 days later the wind has dried it out too much - so i think the seed may get worked into the ground nicely as the snow melts

brian

It should work okay. The seeds germinate when they are ready. The worst problem is, after they germinate and grow a bit (1/4-1/2 inch), if you get drying winds, etc. on bare dirt, they may not survive. But that can happen no matter when you plant and will be less likely if you seed now and let Spring rains and snow melt settle them in. They will get a chance to get some root depth established before hot weather that way.
Dave.

Bear Foot Farm · Feb 26, 2010

Fescue does better when planted in the Fall

When to Plant Fescue Grass Seed|Soil Temperature|Fescue Dormancy|Fescue.com

Tall & Fine Fescues are planted from the upper south and Midwest to Northern areas. These year round green grasses are best planted in the fall and spring of each year. Early fall is considered by turf experts to be the best planting date because this allows for more growing time under ideal growth conditions (fall and spring growing season). Spring is considered second best.

Tim D · Feb 27, 2010

I am hoping it works for you and for me. I had sown smooth brome last fall on labor day weekend. Weatherman was calling for rain and I got seed planted and it did not rain for 3 weeks. The ground that worked the best has the worst stand. There must have been just enough moisture to get it started and then no rain finished it off. In the rough ground, soil dryed completely out and seed did not germinate until it rained. So I ended up with a crappy stand. I waited until there was 1 inch of snow on ground and broadcast more brome then ran over it with a flex pasture harrow to shake seed to ground so wind would not blow snow and seed together. We have since had 1 foot of snow in 2 snows. All the experts say that brome is not good for frost seeding so I think it might work. Had to do something as weeds are a real problem and wanted the brome to hold weeds down. We have had 5 years that are the worst I can remember for trying to start new seedings. It has been either to cold, hot, wet, or dry. I do believe that fescue is an easier grass to frost seed than some others. I am done complaining about my own situation, so good luck with yours.

Richard · Feb 27, 2010

I was always old that you can plant grass in any month that has the letter "R" contained in it. If there is no "R" then you should avoid planting in that month.

I have no clue if that is true or an old wives tale. Come to think of it, I believe it was my old wife that told me.... hmmmmm

thatguy · Feb 27, 2010

Richard said:
I was always old that you can plant grass in any month that has the letter "R" contained in it. If there is no "R" then you should avoid planting in that month.

I have no clue if that is true or an old wives tale. Come to think of it, I believe it was my old wife that told me.... hmmmmm

HMMM.. I thought that was when you were suppose to eat oysters.. lol

At 630am there was no wind at all, but by the time I got to walmart to get fertilizer and seed the wind picked up quite a bit.. I ended up gettingn one side yard and the front yard fertilized.. I got seed down on the side yard - it needs a lot of help due to it being cut down while building and it gets A LOT of summer afternoon sun..

I may try to do the other side tomorrow..

Brian