question about dormant grass seed planting - Ask Extension
I didn't get to lay grass seed in October. Now I'm interested in doing dormant seeding. The reason why I have bare patches to begin with is a rowdy ...
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question about dormant grass seed planting #922329
Asked November 23, 2025, 5:57 PM EST
I didn't get to lay grass seed in October. Now I'm interested in doing dormant seeding. The reason why I have bare patches to begin with is a rowdy dog. After laying seed about nowish or before a big snow, should I cover it over with leaves or something? If it's not covered over, she is likely to disrupt the seeds. She is getting older and actually, she had LOTS of doggie friends to help her wear away the grass. That will not be the case next year. Also, it is a shady area. Not dense shade, but the grass is gone from there because it was not strong to begin with.
Ingham County Michigan
Expert Response
Thank you for your question. It's a good thing you didn't sow grass seed in October as barely germinated the new, tender seedlings are likely to be harmed by frosts. There is such a thing as dormant lawn seeding where seed is sown between December and February. Sone studies have found February has more dormant seeding success than earlier in winter. More info in the attached links:
Fall Dormant Turf Seeding-2 -UMN
Dormant Lawn Seeding-K-State
Fall Dormant lawn seeding-UMN
As you probably know; late August/early September is the best time to seed a lawn. Preparation tips in the attached link: Establishing A New Lawn Using Seed (E2910)-MSU
Here are some articles on spring seeding as well:
Spring Reseeding Tips-MSU
Spring Lawn Seeding-OSU
Remember you should not use any herbicides on the newly seeded areas this spring.
You state the lawn is shaded some. Here is an article on selecting a grass seed mixture suited to a location with some shade: Turfgrass species ID & Cultivar Selection (E2912)-MSU
For a (light) covering after seeding I recommend some clean straw (not leaves). But it might be good to put some temporary fencing around the seeded areas to keep the dog off them until the seed has germinated and been mowed at least once
I recommend doing a soil test if you haven't done one in the past 2-3 years. Knowing the type and fertility (pH, macro-nutrient levels, CEC, etc.) of your soil is the starting point to establishing & maintaining a strong/thick turf that can resist diseases, weeds, moss and insects/grubs and look great without wasting material or $. More info here: Don't Guess-Soil Test-MSU and MSU Home Soil Test-self mailer Soil test results will identify any fertility concerns that you can work to correct, to improve turf health (it’s a well spent $26). Your report will provide recommendations to correct deficiencies found, fertilizer type and a fertilization schedule.
Fall Dormant Turf Seeding-2 -UMN
Dormant Lawn Seeding-K-State
Fall Dormant lawn seeding-UMN
As you probably know; late August/early September is the best time to seed a lawn. Preparation tips in the attached link: Establishing A New Lawn Using Seed (E2910)-MSU
Here are some articles on spring seeding as well:
Spring Reseeding Tips-MSU
Spring Lawn Seeding-OSU
Remember you should not use any herbicides on the newly seeded areas this spring.
You state the lawn is shaded some. Here is an article on selecting a grass seed mixture suited to a location with some shade: Turfgrass species ID & Cultivar Selection (E2912)-MSU
For a (light) covering after seeding I recommend some clean straw (not leaves). But it might be good to put some temporary fencing around the seeded areas to keep the dog off them until the seed has germinated and been mowed at least once
I recommend doing a soil test if you haven't done one in the past 2-3 years. Knowing the type and fertility (pH, macro-nutrient levels, CEC, etc.) of your soil is the starting point to establishing & maintaining a strong/thick turf that can resist diseases, weeds, moss and insects/grubs and look great without wasting material or $. More info here: Don't Guess-Soil Test-MSU and MSU Home Soil Test-self mailer Soil test results will identify any fertility concerns that you can work to correct, to improve turf health (it’s a well spent $26). Your report will provide recommendations to correct deficiencies found, fertilizer type and a fertilization schedule.
