Even in the colder months, you can take steps towards a healthy lawn, even if you're starting from seed. Winter grass seeding allows certain grass types to settle into the layer of soil before germinating in spring. Weather conditions play a big role, of course. Cold temperatures help keep seeds dormant until the soil naturally warms. If the ground isn’t frozen, you can also focus on reducing thatch layers, improving root development, and adding organic matter for healthier growth.
"Grass seed can be laid in February, but the success depends on whether you're planting cool-season grasses or warm-season grasses, your location, and soil conditions," shares Matthew Koch, Ph.D., Director of Biotechnology, Genetics, and Seed at The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company.
If you're located in a southern state, chances are you can get a good start on your spring lawn care routine (despite record-setting weather patterns in Florida and Louisiana). Daylight remains a factor in much gardening, but dormant seeding can help you check one springtime chore off your list.
"Dormant seeding in February is ideal for cool-season grasses including Kentucky bluegrass, fescues and perennial ryegrass," highlights Koch. "The process involves spreading seeds on frozen or very cold soil. The seeds will stay dormant until the soil warms up in spring, typically when temperatures reach 50°F or higher. The natural freeze-thaw cycle of late winter helps the seeds settle into the soil, ensuring good seed-to-soil contact for germination."
How to Sow Grass Seeds in February
The best regions to practice dormant seeding in February include Northern and transitional areas where cool-season grasses thrive. This includes the upper two-thirds of the United States also known as hardiness zones 1-6, according to the USDA’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
"When putting down dormant seeds in February, the soil surface should be firm and not waterlogged or covered in snow," notes Koch. "For successful germination, rake the soil to expose bare areas and ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Then, spread the seeds evenly using a spreader." He goes on to recommend tools like Scotts® Whirl™ Hand-Powered Spreader or Scotts® Elite Spreader for even application, though, if I'm only doing a few square feet, I usually just use my hand after prepping the soil bed. "When conditions are above 50°F in the spring, the seed will germinate and reveal a lush, green lawn."
Avoid Planting Warm-Season Grass Seed
Don't waste your time and money using warm-season grass varieties this time of the year. "In most areas, February's cooler temperatures aren't right for warm-season seeds. Warm-season grass seeds can't survive prolonged exposure to cold soil before germination. The ideal time for warm-season lawn seeding is later in the spring when soil temperatures are consistently above 65°F." When you're laying thousands of seeds, germination rate matters, no matter what type of grass you're using.
Scotts offers various cool-season grass species that are great options for dormant seeding in the winter months. "Consider Scotts® Turf Builder® Grass Seed Kentucky Bluegrass Mix or Scotts® Turf Builder® Grass Seed Sun & Shade Mix® both of which have a root-building nutrition formula that combines seed, fertilizer, and soil improver to help establish deep roots." Cool-season grasses will have a higher seeding rate come spring.
As the temperatures warm up in the spring/late spring, feel free to switch to seed mixtures that'll thrive in warmer conditions:
- Scotts® Turf Builder® Grass Seed Southern Gold® Mix for Tall Fescue Lawns
- Scotts® Turf Builder® Grass Seed Bermudagrass
Early-Season Prep for Southern States
Universally, warmer temperatures mean it’s time to start prepping your lawn for the season ahead. While spring seeding for warm-season grass types should wait, early care can set the stage for strong root development.
"If you're located in the southern U.S. and temperatures start warming earlier, you might begin preparing your lawn by using a core aerator machine or applying pre-emergent herbicides to prevent weeds before seeding later in spring."
- Aerate compacted soil – Helps healthy roots grow deeper and improves water absorption.
- Remove excess thatch layers – Allows nutrients, air, and water to reach the layer of soil where roots grow.
- Apply pre-emergent herbicides – Use weed controls before weed seeds take over in summer heat.
- Check soil health – A test can guide adjustments for proper care, balancing nutrients and organic matter.
- Use a light layer of fertilizer – Provides nutrients without overwhelming the grass blades.
- Limit foot traffic after heavy rain – Helps prevent soil compaction and damage to new growth.
