When the temperatures drop and lawns turn brown, most people assume lawn care is done for the year. But winter offers one of the best opportunities to improve your lawn for the upcoming growing season. This technique — known as dormant seeding — sets the stage for thick, healthy grass as soon as spring arrives.
If your lawn struggled this year due to heat, foot traffic, pests, or thinning, dormant seeding may be exactly what it needs.
What Is Dormant Seeding?
Dormant seeding is the process of spreading grass seed when soil temperatures are too cold for germination. The seed remains dormant through winter and naturally germinates once soil warms in early spring.
This gives your lawn a jump-start on growth before weeds wake up — leading to a denser, healthier yard.
When Should You Dormant Seed?
Timing is everything.
For dormant seeding to work properly, you want the soil to be consistently below 40°F, so the seed won’t germinate too early.
Ideal Dormant Seeding Window
Mid-November through early March
The key is ensuring there won’t be a warm streak that could trigger seed germination before the next freeze.
This winter window varies slightly by climate, but the rule is simple:
Cold soil now = green grass later.
How to Dormant Seed Your Lawn
1. Prepare the Area
Good seed-to-soil contact is crucial. Start by prepping the lawn:
Mow to 1.5 inches
Rake thoroughly to remove:
Leaves
Thatch
Debris
Expose as much bare soil as possible
This step ensures that when the seed settles — through snowfall, wind, or freeze-thaw cycles — it has a place to grow.
2. Spread the Seed Evenly
Using a broadcast or drop spreader, distribute the seed following proper application rates.
Fescue blend: Approximately 5 lbs per 1,000 sq. ft.
Adjust quantities based on your grass type and the size of your lawn.
Tip: Spread seed in two passes (north–south and east–west) for better coverage.
3. Let Winter Do the Rest
Unlike spring seeding, dormant seeding requires no immediate watering.
What happens next:
Snowfall helps press seeds into the soil
Freeze-thaw cycles naturally “plant” the seed
Seeds stay dormant until soil warms in early spring
In spring, once you see germination, you can begin:
Light watering
Your fertilization schedule
Normal lawn care practices
No fertilizer is needed until the new grass has sprouted and established.
Why Choose Dormant Seeding?
Dormant seeding offers several advantages:
Earlier spring germination than traditional spring seeding
Stronger roots because seedlings are established before heat arrives
Thicker turf that naturally chokes out weeds
Ideal moisture conditions — winter and early spring provide more natural precipitation
Plus, it’s easier now since yard activity is low and weeds aren’t competing.
Need Help Improving Your Lawn This Spring?
Dormant seeding is one of the best ways to set your lawn up for success — but timing and preparation matter.
If you’d like help assessing your lawn, choosing the right seed, or scheduling spring follow-up care, we’re here to help.
Reach out to the experts at Blue Sparrow Lawn & Landscape and get your lawn on track for a greener, healthier spring!