Half the people I talk to say I should wait til spring, the rest say that it's almost better to plant now so the seed can take in the moisture from the snow that we will get this winter and get a good start.
2007-11-23 05:31:18 · 4 answers · asked by Marc F 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
No, now is not the time to try and start grass seed. Half of the people are right. Wait until spring when the weather warms up a tad bit. It will never germinate in the SD winter weather. It is too severe. Don't waste the seed. Ask yourself this question... "what are the advantages of putting down seed now, as opposed to next spring"? If you come up with the answer "there aren't any" then you would be absolutely right.. Its winter, and plants shut down during this time..Hope this answers your question.
**Billy Ray**
2007-11-23 06:16:46 · answer #1 · answered by ♥Billy Ray♥ Valentine 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I would agree with the first half of the people you talked to. The seed will not germinate until well into the spring after the snow is gone anyway. In the mean time it may be washed away, eaten, or simply rot. Most grass seed is the size of a grain of rice, so it will get all the moisture it will need (or use) from a quick spring shower.
2007-11-23 15:35:38 · answer #2 · answered by Brian A 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I live in southeast Missouri and I know that our winters are not as severe as yours, but, I have actually gone out into the snow and broadcast my grass seed. With wonderful results I might add.
You probably have a week or two of opportunity before the really bad stuff starts so I'd give it a chance and a good head start. The grass seed might freeze but as in mother nature she thaws it out as well. Logic: if forest fires don't prevent new growth then mr winter won't prevent it either.
Using the facilities you have in state is also a good source of information.
I've included a couple of websites.
SOUTH DAKOTA EXTENSION:
South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service
http://www.lawngrass.com/states/southdakota.html
http://sdces.sdstate.edu/
Dr Gregg Carlson,
Interim Extension Director
AGH 154 Box 2207D
Brookings, South Dakota 57007
(605) 688-4792
E-mail
Elizabeth Christianson,
Sr. Secretary
AGH 154/Box 2207D
Brookings, South Dakota 57007
(605) 688-4792
E-mail
2007-11-23 14:19:52 · answer #3 · answered by LucySD 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I agree with Billy..
It will be a waste of time and money...
Wait til the last freeze is over in the spring or almost that time if you plan on covering it with straw or a garden soil tarp.
2007-11-23 14:48:55 · answer #4 · answered by huntnikk2000 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋