How to Seed a Lawn in Winter

Plant a cool season grass for a nice winter lawn.

A variety of cool season grass types exist for gardeners to seed their lawns in the late fall or winter months. Rye grass, bluegrass and fescue types make up the majority of the popular choices. For those who desire a lush green lawn even during the cold months of winter, cool season grass will last until temperatures rise in May. Plant a cool season grass type that contributes to a yard that looks like a picture from summer.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Tiller
• Seeder
• Rake
• Compost
• Grass roller
• Fertilizer

1. Remove your existing warm season lawn by digging the grass up and throwing it away. Till the first six inches of soil to break up any clumps that are larger than a half dollar.

2. Smooth the dirt with the back of a rake. Fill in any areas that are low with dirt. Water the soil for three days in a row prior to seeding.

3. Fill a seeder with your grass seed type of choice. Grass seed should be planted at different amounts per 1,000 feet. For instance, rye grass seed should be planted 3.5 to 7 pounds every 1,000 feet, while bluegrass needs 1 to 3 pounds of seed to be spread every 1,000 feet.

4. Spread 1/8 to 1/4 an inch of compost or dirt over the seeds and roll a garden roller over the lawn area.

5. Water the grass seed four times a day with a light mist from the gardening hose. Return to your normal watering routine after the grass has reached one inch in height.

Tips & Warnings

• Fertilize your cool season grass a few weeks after planting with a fertilizer high in nitrogen or one pound of nitrogen every 1,000 feet.

• Avoid burning your grass by fertilizing at the time of planting.

References

• Seedland: Rye Grass
• American Lawns: Cool Season Grass
• Purdue University: Cool Season Grass