If You Must Seed, Do it Now – Turfgrass Science at Purdue University

If You Must Seed, Do it Now

Late summer is the best time to seed, but sometimes turf must be seeded in the spring. The following points should help improve the success of spring seedings:

  1. Seed as soon as possible (now is not too early) so the seed is in the ground and ready to germinate as soon as the soil temperatures rise.
  2. Improve the seed-soil contact by raking or disturbing the soil before seeding. After seeding, a light raking will further mix the seed and soil or a light rolling will push the seed into better contact with soil.
  3. Water lightly to keep the seedbed moist as soil temperatures warm to 50o and the seed starts to germinate.
  4. Avoid any herbicide applications to the seeded areas until the seedlings are established and mowed at least 3 or 4 times (this might be May or later depending on the weather).
  5. Since the seedlings will not develop a good root system until next fall, keep the newly seeded areas well-watered all summer.

Much more information is available inĀ AY-20: Seeding a Turf Area in the Spring.


Share This Article
Disclaimer: Reference to products is not intended to be an endorsement to the exclusion of others which may have similar uses. Any person using products listed in these articles assumes full responsibility for their use in accordance with current directions of the manufacturer.
Turfgrass Science at Purdue University - Horticulture & Landscape Architecture, 625 Agriculture Mall, West Lafayette, IN 47907

© 2024 Purdue University | An equal access/equal opportunity university | Copyright Complaints | Maintained by Turfgrass Science at Purdue University

If you have trouble accessing this page because of a disability, please contact Turfgrass Science at Purdue University at kkalbaug@purdue.edu | Accessibility Resources