Once the ground hardens up in late November or December, get that grass seed in the ground. There is virtually no weed competition, and you won’t have to worry about disease or insect pressures. The soil isn’t too wet to use equipment, and labor isn’t an issue because generally all the seasonal projects are finished for the year. Dormant seeding doesn’t generally require irrigation since there should be enough precipitation before the seed germinates in spring. With the freeze/thaw cycle, the seed works its way in the soil which improves the germination chances (Seed-to-soil contact is extremely important in ensuring optimum seed germination).
Some downfalls include the need to use more seed, and the possibility of quick germinating seeds dying due to rapid changes in weather patterns. Dormant seeding isn’t generally as successful as early fall plantings as well. Research has also shown that the later in the winter the seeding is done, the better the results are.
So bundle up and get out there and seed!!!
To see some other great information on seeding check out Purdue and Ohio State’s sites:
http://www.agry.purdue.edu/turf/tips/2007/10_25seed.html
To see the complete line of ATS seed blends click here:
