How to Plant Grass in December in Any Climate

When December rolls around, many homeowners assume their lawn care duties are on hold until spring. But planting grass in December isn’t just possible—winter seeding can be a smart move if approached the right way. Depending on your location, you can use a specific seeding method like dormant seeding or sowing cold-tolerant grass varieties to achieve success. Whether you’re battling frost in the north or taking advantage of milder soil temperatures in the south, this guide will help you understand how to plant grass during the colder months with confidence.

A neighborhood street after light snowfall. — Sprinkle grass seed in December if you plan to overwinter dormant seed in your yard. Credit: Grace Cary / Getty Images

Sprinkling a handful of grass seed. — If you're going to chance planting grass seed in the fall, make sure you know what will work. Credit: Imagesines / Getty Images

Dormant Seeding: A Northern Solution

For those living in northern regions with a harsh winter season, dormant seeding can set the stage for a thriving spring lawn. Dormant seeding involves planting grass seed when the ground is too cold for the germination process, allowing the seeds to overwinter and sprout as soon as conditions warm up. This technique works especially well in December when freezing air temperatures are consistent.

Here’s how to dormant seed successfully:

Pick the right grass seed: Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass are perfect for dormant seeding.
Prep the soil: Rake and loosen the top layer of the soil surface before sowing the seeds. Loose soil is better for seed to soil contact.
Spread the seed: Evenly distribute the grass seed across your lawn using a broadcast spreader.
Skip the water until spring: Watering isn’t necessary since when the warmer weather returns, melting snow or early spring rain will take care of moisture levels.

Dormant seeding is low-maintenance but requires patience. It won’t look like much is happening during winter, but those seeds are ready to spring to life as soon as the winter snow melts.

A lawn with long grass and some fallen leaves. — A neglected lawn can intensify fall allergies. Credit: yunxi xie / Getty Images

A midcentury house with minimalist landscaping. — Step 9. Backfill Dirt and Patch GrassReplace dirt into trench, firmly packing it around the pipePuzzle-piece the layer of sod you removed, and stomp them back in placeWater the ground to help the grass rootsWait for a good rainstorm to see how your ground drainage system performs Credit: Emily Fazio

Two Strategies for Southern Grass Planting

In southern regions, winter doesn’t bring the same cold weather and extreme chill, opening up more options for planting grass from seed. Some warm-season grasses can still be planted during December in areas with a mild winter, while overseeding with cool-season grasses can help maintain a green lawn.

If you’re in the south, consider these approaches:

Warm-season grass sod: Although planting warm-season grass seeds like Bermuda or Zoysia is better suited for spring, laying sod in December is often effective.
Overseeding with ryegrass: Overseeding your lawn with varieties of ryegrass provides a temporary green cover during winter and helps prevent soil erosion.

Keep in mind that while mild southern winters are more forgiving, timing and soil preparation are still important for successful seed growth.

Tips for Planting Grass in Challenging Conditions

No matter your climate patterns, some basic practices can make planting grass in December more successful:

Test your soil: A soil test reveals nutrient deficiencies and helps you amend the soil conditions for better seed establishment.
Choose the right seed: Match the grass seed to your region’s climate conditions. Cool-season grasses thrive in cold weather, while warm-season varieties require warmer weather to aid in germination.
Prepare the ground: Remove debris, aerate compact soil, and spread a light layer of compost if necessary.
Time it right: Aim for dormant seeding in areas with frost or sowing cool-tolerant grasses in regions with milder winters.
Protect your seeds: Use a layer of topsoil or a protective layer of straw or mulch to prevent erosion or loss from wind and birds.

Circle of dark grass demonstrates mismatched grass in a yard.

How to Blend Mismatched Patches of Grass in Your Yard

You chose the wrong grass seed… now what?

What is dormant seeding, and when should it be done?

Dormant seeding involves planting grass seed when the ground is too cold for germination, typically late fall or early winter. The seeds remain dormant in the ground until spring, providing a head start on a lush lawn. This method works best in regions with consistent freezing temperatures and snow cover.

Can I plant grass in December in warm climates?

Yes! In warm climates, December is suitable for overseeding with cool-season grasses like ryegrass. Alternatively, laying warm-season grass sod can be successful during winter as long as the ground isn’t frozen and the winter temperatures remain moderate.

What types of grass grow best in colder weather?

Cool-season grasses, including Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and perennial ryegrass, perform well in colder climates. These grass types are designed to thrive in cooler temperatures and will start growing as soon as the ground begins to warm in early spring.

Should I fertilize after planting grass seed in December?

It depends on the timing and type of seed. For dormant seeding, avoid fertilizing immediately after planting. Wait until spring when the grass begins to germinate. For lawns overseeded with cool-season grasses in warmer climates, a light application of winter fertilizer can encourage healthy growth.

Army worms escape to the sidewalk after lawn is treated with insecticides.

Will My Lawn Recover from Moth Larvae (Like Armyworms)?

Armyworm moth larvae feed voraciously, and an armyworm infestation can leave your entire lawn looking devastated, but the good news is that recovery is possible.

Using the wrong seed type: Warm-season grass seeds won’t germinate in cold temperatures, so choose cool-season grass varieties for dormant seeding.
Skipping soil preparation: Poorly prepared soil can lead to uneven growth or seed loss.
Overwatering: In dormant seeding, watering isn’t needed until spring germination, and overwatering can wash seeds away.
Neglecting to cover seeds: Without straw or mulch, seeds may be eaten by birds or displaced by wind.

Can grass seed survive snow and freezing temperatures?

Yes! Dormant grass seeds are surprisingly resilient. They remain inactive during the dormant season freezing temperatures and will germinate once conditions are suitable in the spring. Snow coverage can even provide some protection by creating an insulating layer over the soil.