[MinneapolisJeff]

We have a frost warning coming up tomorrow and Friday here in Minnesota. This past Sunday (3 days ago) I just laid down some new seed with straw blanket on top. Size of seeding area is about 10ft x 15ft. So my questions for the forum are:

1) Would the straw be enough protection for the seedlings? Or the additional blanket would be needed to protect?
2) Do the seedlings even need protection? It's been 3 days, probably not much germination or growth to protect even?

TIA

 

[DoomsDave]

YIKE!

I think what saves you this time is the fact that you seeded a very short time ago, before the grass has even had a chance to sprout.

I'd just wait and pray for warmer weather, then reseed if you have to.

I'm in California now, but I'm from Ohio and we had that problem one year, and luckily the grass grew after the frost had passed.

Let us know what happens.

 

[MinneapolisJeff]

YIKE!

I think what saves you this time is the fact that you seeded a very short time ago, before the grass has even had a chance to sprout.

I'd just wait and pray for warmer weather, then reseed if you have to.

I'm in California now, but I'm from Ohio and we had that problem one year, and luckily the grass grew after the frost had passed.

Let us know what happens.

thanks Dave, we do have warmer weather coming next week (60s, then 70s forecast) but the $10 frost blanket from Menards is tempting. I do have plenty of seed left so maybe you're right, gamble a little bit

 

[DoomsDave]

Jeff what kind of grass seed is it?

 

[MinneapolisJeff]

Jeff what kind of grass seed is it?

Scotts Turf Builder Sun&Shade mix

 

[Old Thomas]

I would leave it without covering it. If it is not frost proof you will be disappointed eventually.

 

[lenaitch]

Most grass seed takes 10-14 days to germinate so it sounds like you will be okay. Most frosts this time of year aren't generally considered 'killing frosts' anyways. It it makes you feel better you could water the area but I don't think it will be necessary.

 

[CodeMatters]

I routinely seed right on top of snow in the late winter/early spring.
No protection, just seed on melting snow. Sometimes it snows again.
Works well.

 

[MinneapolisJeff]

I routinely seed right on top of snow in the late winter/early spring.
No protection, just seed on melting snow. Sometimes it snows again.
Works well.

that's something I've never heard before, wow

I get what everyone is saying, them seeds are tough and should make it, which is positive info since my wife was just looking at the revised forecast and looks like we're gonna have 4/5 days of low temps in the 30s, just crazy since its middle May

 

[CodeMatters]

that's something I've never heard before, wow

I get what everyone is saying, them seeds are tough and should make it, which is positive info since my wife was just looking at the revised forecast and looks like we're gonna have 4/5 days of low temps in the 30s, just crazy since its middle May

Search "grass seed on snow" if you'd like to read more about it.

 

[lenaitch]

I'm not sure I've seeded on snow but I will often seed very late in the autumn. The seed won't germinate until the soil temperature is at a certain point a the snow pack helps press the seed into contact with the soil. Otherwise, it just sits there.

 

[MinneapolisJeff]

good news, the yard survived the 5 nt near-freezing temps and I'm seeing germination/growth in the soil, so I think it's gonna make it!

I'll be back with more questions about how I can turn my city lot craptastic grass into a more lush lawn experience.