Winter Time Seeding

[Stromeyer]

Long time forum reader, first post though.

I am planning to try some winter seeding this season to rejuvenate some pasture (located in upstate NY). Wanted to see if the seed will take without having to run a planter. Any tips would be appreciated. Do I need to worry about seed or seedlings drowning if standing water forms on the field from snow-melt.

Thanks,
William

 

[radioman]

What are you trying to plant ? At this time in rochester, ny its too cold to plant anything outside. ground is frozen, soil temps too cold, and anything planted before soil has chance to warm up will rot out the seeds.

 

[Stromeyer]

I read in an ag extension newsletter that you can plant grass seed in the winter. Supposedly the cold will prevent the seeds from germinating and the cycle of freezing and thawing will drive the seed into the ground. This also allows the grass seed to get started sooner and dominate the weed crop.

 

[ampsucker]

better to do this in the fall. the seed needs to germinate and start growing roots before the soil freezes. that allows the roots to grow and establish via the "dark" reaction (not photosynthesis, roots take in oxygen and put out co2) and then they are ready to out compete the weeds in the spring.

you can plant now, but as other posted mentioned, you'll get very little benefit and the early weeds will take over. most grass seed doesn't germinate until soil temps hit the low 50s. in new york, that's proably late april/early may. use a thermometer to get your local average as sun exposure makes a big difference.

amp