Spoiler alert: Yes, you can plant grass in November—but only if you do it the right way. Welcome to the world of dormant seeding, a clever lawn care strategy that gives your turf a head start for spring. If your lawn is looking a little thin, patchy, or tired after a long season, this blog is your go-to guide for making the most of late fall in Southeast Michigan.
What Is Dormant Seeding?
Dormant seeding is the process of spreading grass seed when the soil is too cold for germination, typically in late fall or early winter. The seeds lie dormant through the winter and germinate naturally in early spring when the soil warms up.
Think of it as planting tomorrow’s lawn today—without the springtime rush or muddy mess.
Is November Too Late to Seed in Michigan?
Not necessarily! In Southeast Michigan (Zone 6a–6b), early to mid-November is often the perfect window for dormant seeding. The key is to wait until soil temperatures are consistently below 50°F, but before the ground freezes solid.
The ideal window for dormant seeding in Southeast Michigan is late October through mid-November. Timing is everything, here’s why:
- Too early? If you seed while the soil is still warm, the grass might start to germinate. That sounds good—until winter hits and those tender sprouts freeze and die.
- Too late? If the ground is frozen solid, the seed can’t make proper contact with the soil, which means it won’t stay in place or germinate properly come spring.
Why Dormant Seeding Works
Dormant seeding might sound fancy, but it’s actually a super practical way to prep your lawn for spring. Here’s why it works:
- Seeds sprout early: As soon as the soil warms up in spring, your grass gets a head start.
- Fewer weeds: Most weeds are dormant through winter, so your grass has less competition.
- No messy spring prep: You skip the mud and chaos of spring seeding.
- Fixes bare spots: It’s perfect for patching up areas worn down by summer heat or heavy foot traffic.
Pro Tips for Successful Dormant Seeding
Here’s how to do it right:
1. Choose the Right Seed
Choosing the right type of grass is key to successful dormant seeding in Michigan. Stick with cool-season grasses that thrive in our climate:
- Kentucky Bluegrass – Lush, self-repairing, and loves the sun
- Fine Fescue – Perfect for shady spots and low-maintenance lawns
- Perennial Ryegrass – Germinates quickly and works great for over-seeding
2. Prep the Lawn
Before you spread any seed, give your lawn a little TLC to make sure it’s ready:
- Mow low – Cut the grass to about 2 inches so seeds can reach the soil easily.
- Loosen the surface – Rake or aerate to break up the top layer and improve seed-to-soil contact.
- Clear the clutter – Remove leaves, sticks, and any debris that could block the seed.
- Skip the fertilizer – Hold off until spring when your new grass is ready for a boost.
3. Spread the Seed
Now it’s time to get those seeds on the ground! Here’s how to do it:
- Use a spreader – A broadcast spreader works best for even coverage, but you can also spread by hand for smaller areas.
- Measure it out – Aim for about 3 to 4 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet.
- Help it settle in – Lightly rake the area or add a thin layer of compost to help the seeds make good contact with the soil.
4. Let Nature Do the Work
Once the seed is down, it’s time to let Michigan’s winter take over:
- Don’t water — You actually want the seeds to stay dormant until the spring.
- Snow is your friend — It acts like a cozy blanket for your lawn, helping insulate the soil, protect the seeds, and keep them in place until spring.
- Keep off the grass — Avoid walking on seeded areas so you don’t disturb the seed placement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make sure your dormant seeding pays off in the spring, steer clear of these easy-to-make mistakes:
- Seeding too early – If the soil is still warm, seeds might sprout too soon and die when winter hits.
- Using the wrong type of grass – Warm-season grasses won’t survive Michigan’s cold winters. Stick with cool-season varieties like Kentucky Bluegrass, Fine Fescue, or Perennial Ryegrass.
- Skipping lawn prep – If the seed doesn’t touch the soil, it won’t grow. Rake, mow, and clear debris before seeding.
- Not keeping track of your seed mix – Write down what you used so you can match it later if you need to patch spots.
Pro tip: Keep a note in your phone or lawn care journal with the seed type and date you seeded—it’ll save you time next season!
Bonus Tip: Soil Testing
Before you start seeding, it’s a smart move to test your soil. A soil test tells you exactly what your lawn needs—like its pH level, nutrients, and whether it’s ready to support new grass.
You can purchase a mail-in soil test kit from Michigan State University Extension, or even better—Lush Lawn can test your soil for you! We’ll help you understand the results and recommend the right products to get your lawn in top shape. Click the link here to get started.
Ready, Set, Grow: Your Lawn's Spring Starts Now
Dormant seeding is one of the smartest ways to prep your lawn for a lush, green comeback in the spring. It’s simple, affordable, and works beautifully with Michigan’s unpredictable weather.
Just follow the right steps—seed at the right time, prep your lawn, and let nature take care of the rest.
So grab your seed spreader, throw on a cozy jacket, and give your lawn a little love before winter sets in. Come spring, you’ll be glad you did!