Dormant Seeding: How to Seed a Lawn in Winter (and How Much Seed to Buy)

Dormant seeding means spreading cool-season grass seed in late fall or winter, once the soil is too cold for it to sprout, so it comes up on its own in spring. University of Minnesota Extension says it works any time soil temperatures are below 40°F, typically early November to mid-March there. Purdue Extension gives a window from Thanksgiving to March in Indiana.

How much grass seed to buy

Rates are per 1,000 sq ft, from Nebraska Extension: the full rate for bare soil, about half to thicken a thin lawn. Minnesota Extension suggests buying 10 to 20 percent more so you can fill misses in late spring. For other lawn sizes, use the lawn seed calculator.

Tall fescue, thin lawn (3–4 lb) — 2,500 sq ft: 7.5–10 lb; 5,000 sq ft: 15–20 lb; 10,000 sq ft: 30–40 lb

Tall fescue, bare soil (6–8 lb) — 2,500 sq ft: 15–20 lb; 5,000 sq ft: 30–40 lb; 10,000 sq ft: 60–80 lb

Kentucky bluegrass, thin lawn (1–2 lb) — 2,500 sq ft: 2.5–5 lb; 5,000 sq ft: 5–10 lb; 10,000 sq ft: 10–20 lb

Kentucky bluegrass, bare soil (2–3 lb) — 2,500 sq ft: 5–7.5 lb; 5,000 sq ft: 10–15 lb; 10,000 sq ft: 20–30 lb

How to dormant seed, step by step

Wait for cold soil. Seed once soil temperatures stay below 40°F, so the seed does not sprout before winter (Minnesota Extension). Nebraska Extension sets March 15 as the last date.

Clear the surface. Bag heavy leaf litter so seed can reach the soil (Minnesota Extension). On larger areas, Nebraska Extension calls fall core aeration the best way to prepare, since seed that falls into the holes grows well.

Spread in two directions. Set the spreader to half your rate and make two passes in different directions for even coverage (Minnesota Extension).

Let freezing and thawing work. Winter freeze-thaw cycles open small cracks that work seed into the soil (Purdue Extension). Bare ground is best: Nebraska Extension advises against seeding over snow.

Cover bare slopes. On bare soil, especially slopes, an erosion control or germination blanket holds seed in place (Minnesota Extension).

What to skip next spring

Most crabgrass preventers. Most pre-emergent crabgrass products also stop grass seed (Minnesota Extension). For new seedings, Nebraska Extension lists only siduron or mesotrione. Follow the label.

Early weed killers. Purdue Extension advises waiting on broadleaf herbicides until new grass has been mowed at least three times.

Dry spells. Once seedlings come up, keep them from drying out. Sprinklers may still be off, so plan to water by hand (Minnesota Extension).

Mowing too short. Start mowing once most seedlings pass your normal mowing height; Minnesota Extension says at least 3 inches is best. Apply a starter fertilizer around the first mowing.

Gear for dormant seeding (#ad)

EarthWay 2600A-PLUS Broadcast Spreader — the maker lists a 40 lb hopper, a 3-hole drop shut-off and all-terrain pneumatic tires. Set it to half your rate and make two passes. See it on Amazon

EZ Straw Seed Germination Blanket, 4 × 50 ft — a straw blanket that covers 200 sq ft and comes with 15 biodegradable stakes, per the maker. Use it on bare slopes. See it on Amazon

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Dormant seeding FAQ

When is it too early to dormant seed? When soil is still above 40°F. Seed can sprout and then die in a cold snap, so wait until the soil stays cold (Minnesota and Nebraska Extension).

Can I dormant seed on snow? Bare ground is better. Nebraska Extension advises against seeding over snow, and Minnesota Extension notes thin spots are easier to see without it.

How much grass seed for 5,000 sq ft? For a thin tall fescue lawn, 15 to 20 lb; for bare soil, 30 to 40 lb. Add 10 to 20 percent for spring touch-ups.

Can I use crabgrass preventer in spring? Most products also stop new grass. Nebraska Extension names siduron or mesotrione as options for new seedings.

Sources: University of Minnesota Extension, Dormant seeding; Nebraska Extension, Dormant Lawn Seeding; Purdue Extension, Seeding a Turf Area in the Spring (AY-20).