Hi there - first time posting since joining the horticultural society.
I’m planning on putting some alternative lawn blend in the part of my yard where kids are still actively playing. I’ve been looking for something grass-ish (in terms of accepting traffic and being soft) but friendlier to pollinators and just generally more interesting. It seems like Bee Turf from West Coast Seeds checks off a lot of boxes, but definitely open to other ideas - Bee Turf Alternative Lawn Blend – West Coast Seeds
I’ll be sowing it onto hard-ish packed soil that has been barren for a long time (it was under tall Hemlocks). I was going to give it a hard rake and bring in some top soil, then hopefully get it sowed in the next two weeks.
Is this an ok plan? Am I too late / too close to frost? Any suggestions gratefully accepted from anyone who knows a bit more about this than me, which will be pretty much everyone.
Based on what West Coast Seeds is saying, it probably is too late this year to plant. I seeded some areas in our yard 5 to 6 weeks ago, and the bee turf, and other grass mixes that I used, including clover, is growing but is still quite small. The issue I understand for late seeding is the grasses/plants do not have deep or strong enough root systems to survive the heavier frosts. It will all die and you would have to start all over again next year. And, these seeds are expensive.
That’s super helpful - thank you Gordon! I will definitely wait. I’d be curious to hear the other grass mixes you used, Sounds like we might have similar goals.
Many thanks to Milner Gardens & Woodland’s Gardening Advice line (a partnership between Vancouver Island University’s Milner Gardens & Woodland and the Vancouver Island Master Gardeners Association) for the following response:
This mix is suitable and can be fall sown, 6-8 weeks before the first average frost date. The ideal time to plant seed, however, is in the spring as the soil temperature is warmer.
Sow onto bare, prepared soil, with no other vegetation present. The seeds do not need to be buried, but they do need to be in direct contact with the soil. Because lawn spaces tend to be large, we recommend erring on the side of caution and withholding 15-20% of seeds for filling in any bald areas later.
Seeding over existing lawn or turf rarely works since the seeds must be in contact with the soil.
Try to direct sow wildflower seeds during the period two weeks before, and eight weeks after, your last average frost date. Sowing when there is some risk of minor frost may improve germination. Wildflower seeds can also be sown in the autumn, but a certain percentage of seeds may be lost to water, birds, and animals. To make the most of the annual species, direct sow in early spring.