Plant seeds are genetically engineered to stay dormant until the conditions are right for germination and initial sustenance of the plant. The grass is no different. Planting your grass too soon after winter is not good for your turf.
Instead of getting that lush tuff before everyone, you will end up with slow germination, dead sections or fierce weed competition that will pull down your lawn’s progress.
Does Frost Kill Grass Seeds?
Grass seeds can resist low temperatures for long by lying dormant in the soil. This is how the seeds grass naturally produce in the fall survive to germinate in spring. However, if there is a series of thaw/freeze cycles, the water formed in the process could get to the seed prompting it to rot or form mold.
In this case, the seed will die. A steady winter that gives one permanent from won’t affect the grass seed at all.
Planting too Soon Can Still Kill Grass
Even though the grass seed can survive the cold, the young seedlings will definitely die from the cold. Fresh grass shoots are very susceptible to freezing as their roots aren’t thick enough to take up the little moisture available in the cold temperature.
Hold off your sowing until the last frost has thawed away. You might be a bit late, by days perhaps, but at least a high percentage of your grass seeds will germinate to healthy plants.