October 24, 2003

 

Give Your Lawn a Head Start

The passing of Columbus Day marks the point at which it is acceptable to sow grass seed over bare areas of turf without it germinating, according to Ron Smith, North Dakota State University Extension Service horticulturist.

"The seed will begin the process of germination, but no plant parts will emerge," says Smith. "When the ground freezes, the seed shuts down biologically to continue the process of germination when the soil warms next spring."

The rate for fall seeding needs to be higher than that of growing season sowing. With Kentucky bluegrass, the seeding rate is normally 1 to 1 1/2 pounds per 1000 square feet; with dormant seeding, it is suggested that the rate be increased to about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds per 1000 square feet. "This is because of the higher mortality rate caused by seeding in the fall: some seeds will actually sprout if the weather is warmer than expected, some will erode away, and some will be eaten by birds," says Smith.

However, fall seeding is still preferable. With unpredictable spring weather, spring planting of grass seed is often delayed, and finally sown when competition from weed seed is greatest. "Fall sowing tends to somewhat level the playing field," says Smith.

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Source: Ron Smith, (701) 231-8161, ronsmith@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Writer: Teresa Oe, (701) 231-8731, teresa.oe@ndsu.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, richard.mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu