Dormant seeding -- Now in the north?
zhotster
16 years ago
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deerslayer
16 years agogarycinchicago
16 years agoRelated Discussions
want to dormant seed now
Comments (2)Joen, as far as what type seed would be best for your zone 6 area, the usual recommendation is to use a northern type, cool season grass. That suggests any number of types that fit your requirements for your conditions. Since you have full sun....that is ideal conditions for a combination of 3 types......Kentucky Blue 40%, Perennial Ryegrass 20% amd 40% red fescue. As any shade interferes any area, a larger percentage of fescue can be given. Overseeding should be done when the soil temperature is high enough to start the seed germination. Putting down seed before that happens, it will just sit and wait for the most opportune time to start germinating. If you are near the ocean, moderating temperatures may allow you to think zone 7. This then may allow you to plant a type of grass more suited to southern areas. Speak to your local garden nurseryman who sells grass seed in bulk....not necessarily, but he will have some, packaged grass seed. Before the intended day to seed the area, things can be done to help improve the soil. The ground should be level with regard to how it drains. If you feel it may be compacted from traffic, you can do either of two things; just rake hard the area with a fan rake to open the surface a bit or do a wholesale aeration with a tool rented from a rent-all or have it done by a professional. You can read further material on what aeration is all about and why, if you feel its needed, aeration should be done. Then, a 1/2" - 1" layer of topsoil/triple mix/compost -- you decide--is laid dowon over the area. You can also decide whether the area needs rolling. Sometimes, over winter, ground can heave from how moisture has infiltrated. Rain, snowmelt may gain entry to your soil well and be left to freeze/thaw which can heave an area. Rolling with a roller 1/3 full - or less--can put these mounds back level. This should be done though when the ground has thoroughly dried. Rolling wet or damp ground can press the soil to a compaction level; this you don't want. The very reason why you might need or want to aerate. Then lay down the grass seed of your choice either by hand or by spreader. Whether you put a dusting of soil over this is up to you--usually not needed. Any birds that find your seed, unless they are in numbers, you shouldn't worry about. A starter fertilizer can be given the seed if you think its necessary. It helps the seed germinate sooner than later. Then a constant sprinkling of water over the seeded area--you stay off of it--twice or three times a day for the first week, then 2 or 3 days apart the next week; then as the seed needs it and with rain in mind. To maintain the lawn in the best shape, the layering of one half inch to one inch of topsoil/compost over the area every spring and fall for at least four years, is the way to make your lawn the envy of the neighborhood. Me, I like to do the layering every year as a matter of routine. I save most of my made-compost for this purpose every year and it has paid dividends. Persons often use the word 'carpet' when they refer to my lawn. Now some will argue against it--fertilizer--it is one of the best ways to guarantee a lawn that grows well, stays green throughout all summer's heat and fills in those areas that winter might kill or damage. A high nitrogen type with the added trace elements will help keep your lawn in good health. A regular fertilizer regimen is one of the best ways to keep the lawn looking good for years and years. Maintain the height at 3" - 3 1/2" and let the clippings stay --unless they are too much, then throw them into your composter. Don't have one? Start one and save all that goodness for your lawn and gardens....See MoreDormant Seeding or Slit Seeding Today?
Comments (7)Soil temperatures for optimal germination should be between 50 and 70 degrees for cool season grasses. Seed does not germinate at all well if the seed is planted deeper than 1/4 inch deep. As seeds are so near the surface, soil tempertures at the surface are closely related to the air temperatures. Recommended air temperatures for germination of cool season grasses varies from 60-85 degrees--KBG being at the low end and TTTF being able to germinate up into the higher temp. range. Cool season grasses take between 1 and 4 weeks to germinate. Seedlings need to then develope a root system and time to to get to the stage where they can store carbohydrates in order to survive freezing temperatures and winter dormancy. So seeding now will be a real crap shoot. Dormant seeding is the second best process for lawn establishment. Seeding is done after temperatures fall (and will not rise until Spring) below the temperatures needed to induce germination (e.g. below 40) Usually sometime after Thanksgiving....See MoreUGA's beautiful North Campus: Seeding fescue now
Comments (1)>"My question is what is going on here?" Looking at your average temperatures for December and January, link below, what they are doing is call 'dormant seeding'. The grass WILL germinate once the soil temperature is conducive, about 55 degrees, in early spring. Here is a link that might be useful: Season Weather Averages for Athens...See MoreShould I dormant seed in November seed now or just leave it
Comments (1)Now. The reason for starting these projects early is so you have time to evaluate it and redo what you need to redo....See Morezhotster
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