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Worth it to freeze Summit 3D seed before application?

14 years ago

Hi Everyone,

So my recent overseed turned into a reseed and I ordered a 5lb bag of 3D-Sod from SummitSeed. Previously I had read that it was good to freeze and then allow to thaw prior to application to enhance germination rates. Is this still recommended? I need every edge I can get with how close to the end of the season I'll be planting this KGB mix!

Thanks,

justin

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Comments (8)

garycinchicago
14 years ago
What you are describing is called 'seed scarification'

Lots of info on that is available.
bpgreen
14 years ago
If you're trying to accelerate the germination, freezing and thawing can sometimes help, as can pre-soaking.

To pre soak the seeds, you soak them for 24-48 hours, draining and replacing the water every 12-24 hours. You then dry them enough to spread them. But don't let them dry too much or you'll kill them. The problem with this approach is that it is too easy to let the seeds dry too much after soaking. Then you get nearly 0% germination instead of higher/faster germination.

I tried the soaking method, but I did it with seeds that are huge and I spread them by hand while they were still wet. I'd be nervous about trying to do it with something like KBG seeds.
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enigma7
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks bpgreen! I think I'll do a freeze/thaw but definitely stay away from the soaking. I think soaking would be a great way to repair some patches in my lawn, but I'd imagine it would be a nightmare for a full seeding as all the spreaders I've ever used don't like anything moist and clog.

Thanks garyinchicago, I'll do some searching now that I have the proper terminology.
enigma7
Original Author
14 years ago
I've done a lot of reading and seen quite a bit of "not all grass seeds benefit from freeze/thaw", but never get any specifics. Can someone (bpgreen?) comment on whether KGB benefits from this.

Right now I'm debating whether the day I would spend freeze/thawing would be better spent getting the seed down one day earlier (taking into consideration my fear of running out of time for establishment of a new lawn).
bpgreen
14 years ago
Scarification is used more often with native grasses, and I doubt if you'll see much improvement with KBG seed. If you got the seed in the afternoon and didn't have time to plant until the next day, you could toss it in the freezer, but otherwise, you probably won't see enough difference to make it worthwhile.
enigma7
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks bp that settles it for me. The seed is scheduled to arrive today or tomorrow, and I will get it down ASAP. With a completely new lawn how easy is it to "lightly rake" the spreaded grass seed withouth causing rows? Typically I would scatter the seeds by spreader, then add a very light coat of peat moss and then roll the area to pack it down.

I've read a lot of recommendations to get the 1/8"-1/4" depth with a new lawn by after spreading lightly rake, but I can't imagine this wouldn't mess up the uniform spread of the seed?

I need every advantage I can get because I'm just now (stupid me) reading about just how long KGB takes to germinate. I'm very scared the seed with barely sprout before we get a cold snap....
bpgreen
14 years ago
"Typically I would scatter the seeds by spreader, then add a very light coat of peat moss and then roll the area to pack it down. "

I think that's what I'd do. I don't see a need to rake it. The reason to rake is to increase the seed-to-soil contact. If you roll it, you're accomplishing that.
enigma7
Original Author
14 years ago
Great, thanks again for the quick and helpful replies. We have a large inflatable air bounce for my daughter that rolls up into a large bag (say 3 sleeping bags stacked on top of one another). I'll put some plastic bags around it and push it up and down the yard after adding everything.

Do you recommend a starter fertilizer? And will any do from Home Depot? I tend to not use chemical ferts but to establish I'd do about anything!

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