Considerations for Seeding Lawns in Late Fall
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Is October too late to seed?
The best time to plant new tall fescue and bluegrass seed is in early to mid September. When it's October, people often wonder if it is too late to plant new seed. The good news is if you hurry, seed can still be planted in October with the hope that it will survive the upcoming winter.
Although September is the best time, often we can still plant grass seed up to October 15 with good results. The problem with late season seeding is that Mother Nature is working against us. Shorter days and cooler temperatures prolong the germination of the seed and its establishment.
Establishment of the tender grass is a must for it to survive the winter. Grass that is seeded late can die as a result of the cold harsh conditions, or due to drying out. Freezing and thawing of the soil, coupled with a lack of moisture, leaves the tender roots and crowns susceptible to desiccation.
Seeding late into the season still requires the same steps. Proper soil preparation is a must. This is best accomplished by either verticutting the lawn or through core aeration. These machines open the surface and allow the seed to come in contact with the soil.
Timely irrigation is also very important. Once the seed is sown the upper surface of the soil should remain damp at all times. This may require daily, light applications. It all depends on the amount of sun and wind. Be prepared to water when needed as lack of water will slow establishment.
An application of fertilizer at the time of seeding is also a good idea. This will help nourish not only the new seedlings, but will give the existing turf a much needed boost. Supplying the establishing grass with ample nutrients will also help speed up the process and increase winter hardiness.
Mow the lawn at the normal height, which is between 2 and 3 inches. Avoid the mistake of letting it grow too long as this reduces the seedling's ability to develop a nice crown. Clippings do not need to be caught as long as they do not shade out the new seed. Fallen leaves should be picked up to prevent suffocation.
Do not worry about weeds at this time. No chemical applications can be applied during this process. As a general rule of thumb, no herbicides should be applied until the new grass has been mowed at least twice. Check the product label for specific information.
Late season seeding can still be done, but do not waste time. Today is better than tomorrow. By following a few simple steps, and with the grace of nature, your lawn should be in tip-top shape come summer.
FAQs
Cool evening and moderate daytime temperatures, along with anticipated fall precipitation, are conducive to rapid seed germination. In addition, many weeds including crabgrass are no longer germinating, reducing competition in new turfgrass plantings.
Is it okay to plant grass seed in late fall? ›
Yes, and you should! Autumn is ideal for planting grass seed thanks to all the favorable conditions that come along with it. The high temperatures of summer are gone; so the newly planted seed stays moist. Germination occurs more quickly this way.
Is it okay to put grass seed down in November? ›
Early November to mid-December is usually the best time, but it will vary each year depending on weather conditions. You must be quite sure that the seed will not germinate in the current year and it stays inert until the following spring.
How long does it take for grass seed to germinate in October? ›
It can take from two to four weeks for grasses to grow in October, especially if it is a warm-season grass. Cool-season grasses can still germinate and take root in the cooler temperatures of late fall, though you might not see their full potential until spring.
Can you plant grass seed in September? ›
September is not only good for fertilizing it is also the ideal time to sow new grass seed. September conditions are perfect with warm soils, bright sunshine and cooler nights to establish a new lawn. Successful lawn seeding does require a little thought and a few guidelines to follow.
Is October too late to reseed lawn? ›
When it's October, people often wonder if it is too late to plant new seed. The good news is if you hurry, seed can still be planted in October with the hope that it will survive the upcoming winter. Although September is the best time, often we can still plant grass seed up to October 15 with good results.
What temperature kills grass seed? ›
If you're wondering how cold is too cold for grass seed germination use our rule of thumb and check the weather reports. If the daytime temperature is below 60°F then soil temperature is below 50°F, making it too cold; if there is frost or still a danger of frost, then it's too cold.
Should you water grass seed in the late fall? ›
Watering Thoroughly, but Not Too Much
Once the seeds have been properly sown and lightly incorporated into the existing soil, water the area thoroughly and leave until next spring. By this time of year, our cool to cold temperatures and short days will help keep the areas moist far longer than in summer.
Is November too late to aerate and seed? ›
Mid- to late-fall is usually too late to aerate and overseed for the season. This is because your new grass won't have the time to develop the strong roots it needs to withstand the harsh winter weather. That's why, if you missed this season, you should set a reminder to do this in late summer/early fall next season.
Can I just throw grass seed down on an existing lawn? ›
Will grass seed grow if you just throw it on the ground? Definitely yes! Hand-sowing is the simplest method if you only need to cover a few spots. Take a handful of seeds and spread them over the dead patch, or better yet, involve your kids and introduce them to some basic gardening chores.
Very little soil is actually needed to cover the seeds, typically about ¼- inch, so simple raking will do the trick. If the seeds are not properly protected by existing grass or a thin layer of topsoil, they may dry before germination or be washed away by rain.
Does soaking grass seed speed up germination? ›
Dr. Doug Brede of the Jacklin Seed Co., says pre-soaking and/or priming turfgrass seed can speed germination when you want grass to establish in faster-than-nor- mal times.
What is the toilet paper hack for grass? ›
Use TikTok's Toilet Paper Hack To Make Spreading Seeds So Much Easier. One viral TikTok hack has been shown to help fill in lawn patches and grow seeds fast. It involves dissolving some toilet paper into water, mixing seeds in, and putting the mixture in the areas you want to fix.
What happens if you plant grass seed too late in the fall? ›
Myth: Seeding late in Fall means your lawn will never fill in. Fact: Dormant seeding often yields incredibly satisfactory results. Late Fall seeding often generates an incredibly productive growing season the following year. That seed will lay dormant until conditions are right.
Is late September too late to overseed? ›
In colder parts of the U.S. (Zones 4-5), the ideal fall grass-seeding window falls approximately between Aug. 15 and Sept. 15. In Zone 6, the back end is two weeks later, and in Zone 7, it's September into mid-October.
Is November too late to plant grass seed? ›
While planting grass seed in November is too late to make the fall growing season, there is a method called dormant seeding. Through dormant seeding, grass seed can be planted in November when the weather is cold enough to keep it dormant until the weather warms up in the spring.
What temperature should grass seed be planted in the fall? ›
Early fall is the best time to plant cool-season grasses, such as Fescue, Rye and Bluegrass. These grasses grow best when the temperature is between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit, and benefit from the shorter days and cooler nights.
Can I plant grass in July? ›
It's possible to grow some types of grasses in summer, but they'll need extra TLC. Not all grass varieties are suited for planting during the hot, humid summer months. However, it is possible to grow some types of grasses successfully in summer, they'll just need some extra care.
Can I plant grass seed in December? ›
A series of warmer days could cause the seed to break dormancy and begin to germinate; if that period is followed by more freezing weather, tender new seedlings would be damaged or killed. But where winters are consistently cold, dormant seeding may take place anytime during the months of November through February.
Can you plant seeds in late fall? ›
Choose your site and best planting time.
In heavy winter areas, that means from late September or October up until the ground freezes. (If you don't have much frost in your area, you should plant just before your rainiest season begins.
