Overseeding is often used to provide green cover through the winter months. In overseeding, a temporary cool-season grass species is seeded over the permanent warm-season lawn. Grasses used for overseeding die out in the spring when the warm-season grasses come out of dormancy.

Timing

It is best to wait until daytime temperatures are consistently in the low- to midseventies Fahrenheit. Seedling survival is reduced if seeds are planted during warmer periods. For North Florida, lawns should be seeded from October to early November. For Central Florida, overseed from October to early December. In frost-free areas of South Florida, lawns generally do not go dormant, and overseeding is probably not necessary for winter color. The two most important steps in overseeding are proper seedbed preparation and proper watering.

Once a winter lawn is established, it requires the same maintenance as a permanent lawn. This includes mowing, watering, fertilizing, and pest control.

Mowing should begin when the overseeded grass is well rooted and tall enough to be cut (about 1–2 inches above the permanent grass). Properly fertilized ryegrass grows very quickly, so weekly mowing is often required. Be sure to have mower blades sharpened to properly care for the overseeded grass.

Water as needed to keep the grass from wilting.

Fertilize to keep the ryegrass healthy and growing vigorously through the winter.

Transitioning Back to Permanent Grass

To encourage growth of permanent lawn grass in the spring, do not encourage the overseed grass to continue growing in the spring. Once the permanent lawn grass has resumed growth, begin a regular lawn maintenance program.

For professional residential or commercial lawn overseeding services in St Johns County, Julington Creek Plantation, Durbin Creek, Nocatee. and surrounding communities. Call or contact us today.

The preceding information provided for informational purposes. Experts courtesy of: UF/IFAS.”Overseeding Florida Lawns“; L.E. Trenholm and J. Bryan Unruh; Photo Courtesy: flickr.com; JohnE777