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Spreading grass seed in the winter months can help set the stage for a greener, healthier lawn—but timing and technique matter.
Some homeowners describe overseeding as simply adding seed to an existing lawn; however, true overseeding works best when grass is actively growing, which isn’t the case in most regions during February. Instead, dormant seeding (where seed is spread over frozen or very cold soil)can be a better approach. As temperatures rise in spring, the seeds will germinate and improve lawn density.
“February can be an ideal time for dormant seeding of cool-season grasses in particular like Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass,” shares Matthew Koch, Ph.D., Director of Biotechnology, Genetics, and Seed at The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company.
He adds, “However, while overseeding in February can work, it’s not always most effective. If your goal is to fill in bare spots or improve density, dormant seeding (on frozen soil) may be a better option. For true overseeding, wait until later in the spring or in the fall when growing conditions are optimal.”
Dormant Seeding vs. Overseeding Process
Many homeowners completely ignore their lawns during the cold weather, but with the right method, you can get a step ahead of spring.
Dormant seeding is a winter-friendly approach where grass seed is spread over frozen or cold soil, allowing it to settle naturally through the freeze-thaw cycle. Once the soil warms to around 50°F in the spring, the seed germinates and starts growing. This method works well for cool-season grasses in northern and transitional zones with cold weather conditions.
Overseeding, on the other hand, involves spreading seed over an actively growing lawn. It's our go-to technique for fixing a patchy lawn. This process is best done in early fall or late spring when soil temperatures are higher and existing grass is still in its growth phase. Overseeding in January and February might not yield the results you expect, and that's because lawns remain dormant during winter. If your goal is to improve lawn density or fill in thin areas, dormant seeding is usually the better approach at this time of year.
How to Dormant Seed in February
- Check the soil condition. The late winter ground should be firm and not covered in snow, ice, or standing water.
- Prepare the soil surface. Rake up dead grass and debris to improve seed to soil contact.
- Spread the seed evenly. Use a rotary spreader or drop spreader for large areas, or spread by hand for smaller sections.
- Lightly rake the area. This improves the seeding rate by helping settle the seed into the loose soil (without burying it too deeply).
- Avoid heavy foot traffic. Walking on newly seeded areas can compact the soil, affecting the development of healthy roots.
- Choose the right grass seed mixture. There's a range of lawn seed out there. Cool-season grass is a must if you're trying to jumpstart a healthy lawn.
Once temperatures consistently rise above 50°F in the spring, grass roots will form and the immature seedlings will begin to germinate. If you're experiencing drought, an occasional light watering can help support earlier growth. By summer, you'll be impressed.
Should You Fertilize Dormant Seed?
“I wouldn't advise fertilizing while things are dormant and ground temps are below 50 degrees," consulted Ace Hardware's home expert Lou Manfredini. "While the fertilizer will expel nutrients, nothing will be absorbed and you run the risk of burning areas, and you will end up creating more work for yourself. Enjoy the winter months and get back at it in the Spring!”
That's all to say, while seed can handle the wait, fertilizer works on a different clock. It needs active growth to be useful. Hold off on fertilization until the grass begins to sprout, and even then, Manfredini cautions that you should only choose fertilizer “for seeding.”
One way homeowners get timing right based on your geography is to subscribe to a service like Ace YardRx. Ace's prescriptive yard care service delivers homeowners a customized lawn care plan, curated with the right products with instruction on how to apply them on the recommended timeline.
Preparing Southern Lawns for Spring
In warmer regions, February is a good time to start prepping for the growing season, even if it's too early to plant warm-season grass seed. Here are some steps to take now for healthier grass later:
- Use a core aerator on compacted soil – Yes, across your entire lawn. Removing plugs of soil improves root growth and water absorption.
- Remove excess thatch in the lawn – Helps nutrients and moisture reach the soil.
- Apply pre-emergent herbicides – Prevents weeds from sprouting before seeding later in spring.
- Test lawn soil health – How's your soil type? Adjust pH and nutrients as needed to maximize the chances of healthy turf.
- Use a light fertilizer – Feeds existing grass without overstimulating growth.
FAQ
Does snow help or hurt dormant grass seed?
Would you be surprised to learn that snow usually helps more than it hurts? A light to moderate snow layer protects seed from wind and birds and helps keep moisture in place. As the snow melts, it slowly works seed into the soil through natural freeze-thaw cycles. (In our experience, problems only show up with heavy ice layers or repeated refreezing that moves seed downhill... and in Rochester, NY, we have a lot of that right now.)
Can I walk or let pets on areas where I dormant seeded?
Occasional foot traffic is OK, especially when the ground is frozen. The main concern is repeated traffic once the soil starts to thaw. It can push seed out of place or compact soft ground. Do what you can, especially if your pets free-roam, but try to limit activity in seeded areas until the springtime thaw.
Can I overseed my lawn in February?
Overseeding works best when grass is actively growing, which isn't the case in most regions during February. If you’re looking to add seed this time of year, dormant seeding's often a better approach. True overseeding is best done in early fall or late spring when temperatures support new grass growth.
Will birds eat my grass seed before it germinates?
Maybe. Some birds may peck at newly spread seed, but this usually doesn’t affect the overall germination rate in your lawn. If you're concerned, lightly raking the seeds into the soil or covering them with a thin layer of straw can help keep them in place and improve soil contact.
