The fall window for seeding is short, and we don’t recommend putting any seed down after October 15th – you are better off waiting for colder temps to consider dormant seeding.

What is Dormant Seeding?  

Dormant seeding involves spreading grass seed when the soil is cold but not frozen, so that the seed remains dormant through the winter and germinates in spring when conditions improve. Wait until average soil temps are consistently below 40°F, ideally mid-November to early December. If soil temperatures are still in the low – mid 50°F’s, you run the risk of the seed germinating. Dormant seeding is often used when you’ve missed the optimal fall seeding window, or have leftover seed, and want to get seed in place ahead of spring growth.

Why Timing Matters (Fall vs Winter Window)  

In many cool-season turf grass regions (like New England) the normal “seeding window” lands late September to early October. Dormant seeding therefore offers an alternative when you’re beyond the ideal fall window: seed goes in very late fall or early winter, lies dormant, then comes up in spring.

Benefits of seeding this time of year include minimal weed, disease, and insect pressure since everything is dormant. The freeze/thaw cycles of winter can help seed settle and improve seed-to-soil contact.

The Importance of Grass Seed in an Organic Turf-Care Program  

Seeding is an integral cultural practice in an Organic Turf Care program.For an organic turf-care program (i.e., fewer or no synthetic pesticides/fertilizers), building a dense, vigorous stand of turf grass is a core cultural practice. Overseeding (including dormant seeding) helps improve turf stand density, covers bare spots, thickens the lawn, and thereby reduces weed invasion; all of which are hugely important in organic systems where chemical weed control is limited. Therefore, grass seed is not a one-time cost but a year-over-year investment in the resilience and performance of turf.

Choosing the Right Seed Variety

We love to see a large variety of turf grasses in our stands for resiliency and diversity. For dormant seeding, consider a Kentucky Blue and perennial ryegrass mix. If cost is a bigger factor, consider a Tri-Rye blend.

There is a lot of different research to suggest field playability with certain varieties – however, we assume 10-12 months for full establishment. Our recommended seeding cycles follow when the turf grass is going to perform best – Rye Grass in the Spring, Turf Type Tall Fescue in the Late Summer, and Kentucky Blue in the Fall.

Summary of Tips & Best Practices for Dormant Seeding

Ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Dormant seeding is most successful when seed is placed in contact with mineral soil (not thick thatch or leaves).

• Timing: Apply seed when the ground is cold enough to prevent germination now, but not frozen and ideally before major snow/ice cover sets in.
• Be aware of risks: if you seed too early and some germinate, they may be damaged by winter. Also, if winter has long warm spells, early germination and then freeze can cause failure.
• In some instances, turf blankets can increase the success of dormant seeding by protecting seed over winter. Read our Turf Blanket and Overseeding Blog for more info.
• Use leftover seed or place an order; this is a strategic window to place seed rather than waiting for spring scramble.

Remember that, while dormant seeding provides a head start, good expectations are key; it’s not fool-proof, and busier spring soil conditions still may affect outcome. We’re here to help you finish the season strong and set you up for success next spring. Reach out for info on seed.