Putting grass seed on top of snow?

Question

Will the grass really grow in the spring if seeds are sprinkled on top of snow in February? If you've done that before, please share your experience. I'm in Maryland and we still have some snow on the ground (but not for long). Thanks!

Answer 1

I was born and raised in Michigan and it's not an uncommon practice there...although you're not supposed to put it on top of snow but rather on top of the lawn just *before* a snow.

The idea is that during this time of year the earth is freezing and thawing, freezing and thawing which is going to cause the earth to open up and accept the seed to pretty much the perfect depth.

The freezing and thawing will also crack the shell, expose the endospores and start the germination process - as well as stall it if a final cold snap happens at the last minute - such that by the time the real spring thaw hits your little seeds are pre-germinated and are all set and roaring to grow.

The principle behind putting it under a fresh snow is really simple... the birds that did not migrate will be very quickly attracted to a yard full of grass seed so hiding it under fresh powder no only provides that nice safe blanket that will ultimately provide heat and water for them as it melts.

Answer 2

Putting Down Grass Seed

Answer 3

This would be a waste of seed - whatever the birds do not eat, the spring thaw will wash away. As others have mentioned, it should have been seeded in late fall right before a snowfall so it could be protected (snow blanket) and started naturally by the earth until spring.

I would suggest that as soon as there is no longer snow on the area you want to seed, then take a bag of seend and mix it with peat moss or an appropriate dirt mixture that retains water. Spread this on your lawn and rake until flat.

Your lawn will appreciate the extra organic products it gets from the peat moss or earth, and the birds are less likely to pick the area clean of seeds as it is covered at least partially by earth that will retain water and help with the germination process.

Answer 4

No.no-no! Seed must go down on bare ground before snow. Snow drives the seed into the ground and keeps the birds from eating the seeds when covered over till spring. The extra nitrogen that snow contains gives grass a healthy start when the seed is in a germinating position(against bare ground).Once they show themselves keep at least 2ins. of water on them if conditions are dry-per week.Check twice a day in windy conditions.Don't let the ground dry out for the 1st 2 weeks of growth. Don't water after 3pm.when up and growing.

Answer 5

Good answers above... Also if the seed begins to germinate(after the snow has melted and then dries out, it is done. I don't think birds are going to eat commercial grass seed but thhe seed probably will not end up in the yard where you want it. Raking it in is the best way and then it will need water a few times a day for a few weeks. If you don't rake it in, it will wash away.

also don't flood your basement / crawl space / neighbors basement or crawl space by over watering. the ground just needs to remain damp, not a swamp

Answer 6

I live in Maryland. It's theoretically possible, but I would not do it, for 2 reasons: as the snow melts, it might wash the seeds away from the spot you want them on; and also the ground may be too wet and the seeds may rot before they have a chance to grow. I'd wait till late March/early April.

Answer 7

The snow will kill the grass seed. Best time for grass seed is around the 2nd week in March when theres little chance of frosts.

Answer 8

No.. it's a waste of time. What the birds don't eat will wash away the snow melt. Wait until it's warmer. Grass needs warm soil and moisture to germinate.

Good Luck!

Answer 9

It does work. spread some out with some starter fertilizer and you will have nice new grass filling in the old and dry spots in the spring. I would also start with a test patch to see if the birds eat it before it settles in.

Answer 10

Possibly.