In short, throwing grass seed on top of snow is not recommended. While throwing grass seed on top of the snow in the winter months can cause very small seeds to take hold in the soil and sprout, the snow cover prevents adequate sunlight from getting through to encourage growth, so the likely result is a poor establishment rate, which can leave much of the seed wash away after the snow has melted.
Additionally, heavy snowfall can cause the seed to move about with the snow, resulting in a lack of uniformity in the newly seeded area. Plus, due to lack of air circulation and trapped moisture, the seed runs the risk of rotting and developing diseases.
The best time to sow your grass seed is in the early fall, when the soil is still warm, the temperatures are cool and there’s plenty of sunlight to encourage germination. If the soil temperature is above 65°F, the grass seed will have a hard time sprouting due to lack of moisture.
If you get some snow, it’s not ideal, but it should not hinder the establishment of the grass seed.
What temperature is too cold for grass seed?
Grass seed will typically germinate at temperatures of about 10°C (50°F). If exposed to temperatures that are much lower than this, the seed will struggle to prosper. That said, some varieties of turf grass, such as Kentucky bluegrass, can still germinate in temperatures as low as 2 ºC (35-38°F) with good results.
However, as a general rule of thumb, soils should not drop below freezing temperatures (0°C / 32°F) to ensure successful germination of grass seed. Some grass species will successfully germinate even in cooler temperatures, but it’s essential that the seeds remain dry and the temperature doesn’t dip too much.
Extremely cold temperatures can slow germination and reduce the rate of successful seedling vigor.
Will grass seed germinate in 40 degree weather?
No, grass seed will not germinate in 40 degree weather. The soil temperature needs to be between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit for the seeds to sprout and grow. If the temperatures dip below 45 degrees, the seeds may not get enough energy to sprout, and if the temperatures rise above 85 degrees, they may dry out and die.
Additionally, warm-season grasses typically need soil temperatures of at least 55-60 degrees to germinate. Cool-season grasses can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but 40 degree weather is still too cold for either type of grass seed to germinate.
In order for grass seed to germinate successfully, it is important to ensure the soil temperatures are within the ideal range.
Is October too late to plant grass seed?
No, October is actually an ideal time to plant grass seed. Cool air and rain, longer days with plenty of sunlight, and slightly cooler soil temperatures make October a great month to plant grass seed.
It is recommended to wait until the temperatures drop to around 55-65ºF, so wait until the cooler temperatures in October. Grass seed should also be planted in a moist soil to ensure successful germination.
October also gives your grass seed plenty of time to germinate and establish itself before the even colder temperatures of winter. Planting grass seed in the fall winter will help promote a lush, thick lawn in the spring.
Make sure to prepare the ground for planting and fertilize after sowing for best results.
How long does grass seed need before frost?
The amount of time grass seed needs to grow before frost varies depending on the type of seed used. Generally, the best time to sow grass seed is when temperatures are consistently warm and the soil is moist.
This provides the best environment for new grass growth. The seed will need to develop roots, so it is best to sow grass as soon as soil temperatures reach 55°F. Grass should also be sown at least 6-8 weeks before the first frost date of the fall to give it a good chance for success.
Tall fescue and perennial ryegrass require significantly more time than other grass seed varieties to become established. These two types of grass should ideally be sown in late summer, 8 to 10 weeks before the first frost is expected.
Is it OK to plant grass seed just before winter?
It is generally not recommended to plant grass seed just before winter. Grass seed needs warm temperatures to germinate, an adequate amount of sun exposure, and consistent moisture to grow properly. Most grass seed varieties are not able to survive cold temperatures.
Planting grass seed at the end of the summer or early fall will give it enough time to become established before the winter season arrives. Additionally, it is important to consider the type of grass seed being used.
Cool season grass varieties are more likely to survive in cooler climates with less intense winters, while warm season grasses usually require higher temperatures and will not survive colder winter temperatures.
Can I plant grass seed in November?
Yes, you can plant grass seed in November, although the optimal time to do so varies based on where you live. In some areas, grass seed can be planted in late fall or early winter as long as the ground is not frozen.
In northern climates, late fall can be a great time to plant cool-season grass seeds like fescue, bluegrass, and rye. In warmer climates, winter is often too cold for seed to germinate, so wait until early spring when temperatures start to rise again.
If you’re planting late in the season, be sure to choose a variety that is designed for cold or cold-temperature climates. You will also want to make sure you are providing your newly planted grass with plenty of water to keep it healthy.
What month should I put grass seed down?
The best time to plant grass seed depends on your geographical location and the type of grass seed you are planting. Generally, for areas that experience cool summer or cold winter climates, the best time to plant grass seed is in the late summer to early fall, from August to September.
If you live in a warmer climate, the best time to sow grass seed is in the early spring, from March to April. In most cases, you should avoid putting down grass seed in the midsummer, as extreme heat and dry conditions at that time of year can reduce the chances of germination.
Additionally, some cool season grasses may have a difficult time surviving during the summer heat. If you live in an area that experiences mild winter weather, you might have some luck planting in the late fall or winter months, as the cold weather helps with germination and growth.
