Okay, so you didn’t get around to seeding your lawn this fall, and you’re really regretting it. Don’t worry. All is not lost. At Custom Lawn & Landscape, we know a little secret. You can still help your lawn look great this spring with dormant seeding. There is a window of opportunity in late November thru December that you can spread seed and see results in the spring.
What Is Dormant Seeding?
Dormant seeding is so named because the seeds lie dormant all winter until they are ready to germinate in the spring. In November and December, the soil is so cold when the seed is spread that the seed will neither germinate nor rot on the ground before spring. Repeated cycles of freezing and thawing, melting snow and rain help the seeds merge with the surface of the soil so it is ready to easily absorb moisture in the spring.
Advantages of Dormant Seeding
- You don’t have to water twice or more frequently with dormant seeding.
- Soil preparation such as verticutting and core aeration is not necessary unless a thatch layer exists that would prevent seed-to-soil contact.
- Fall leaf cleanup is much less problematic without tender seedlings and daily watering. Additionally, spring soils are naturally wet so less water and labor is required then too.
- The seeds have been repeatedly frozen and thawed in moist soil over the winter and are primed for early germination as soil temperatures begin to rise.
If You Procrastinated, Now Is Your Chance to Seed
If you live in the Johnson County area, late August through September is still the best time of year to seed. But if you missed your window, you can still seed in November and December – you just have to be patient because the gratification will be delayed till spring. You must also make sure your lawn gets decent watering in the spring, but Mother Nature usually takes care of that. If you have any questions about dormant seeding in the Johnson County area, give us a call at Custom Lawn & Landscape. We provide lawn care in Overland Park to Olathe to Lenexa. We’ll be happy to answer any questions and give you any advice we can. Call today for a FREE lawn inspection, and written recommendations on how best to improve your lawn. Call 913-782-8315.
