Grass seed sprouting - Ask Extension
Hi, I domant seeded late last fall. Its now early may and most of the seed hasnt sprouted. Im wondering if maybe last winters conditions caused sprout...
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Grass seed sprouting #866837
Asked May 02, 2024, 10:01 PM EDT
Hi, I domant seeded late last fall. Its now early may and most of the seed hasnt sprouted. Im wondering if maybe last winters conditions caused sprouting issues? When should I start reseeding if Im not seeing a good % of the seeds sprouting? Just trying to no longer be the worst yard in the hood lol. Tks much
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Unfortunately, last winter was not a good one for dormant seeding because we never got the snow cover that is critical to its success. Most year, it works well.
Now is a great time to reseed. The best temperature for grass seed germination is between60 and 75 degrees. That’s where we are now and with it raining every other day this is ideal.
If we don’t get rain, be sure to water the seed. Make sure the seed gets good soil contact and plenty of sun.
https://extension.umn.edu/lawn-care/seeding-and-sodding-home-lawns
Thank you for information. Sorry but one last thing if you would. When seeding i raked lightly to insure contact with ground. When I reseed do I need to do the same or is it better to lightly spread dirt on top. Guess I'm worried about pulling up the seeds that germinated but havent established roots.
I would rake it lightly again. The topsoil has probably compacted a bit with the rain we have had. Just don’t go at it too harshly.
