Best Grass Seed for Overseeding in Minnesota – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide [March 2022]

Minnesota is located in the north part of the USA within zones 3a to 5a of the USDA plant hardiness zone map. The map shows the average lowest temperatures the respective zones record. Minnesota experiences lows of -40℉ to -15℉.

The annual average precipitation and snowfall are 30.61 and 55 inches, respectively. This information is crucial when selecting the pasture to overseed in Minnesota. Explore this article to find out which best suits your zone.

Among the points elucidated entail ;

1. Prime season to overseed in Minnesota 
2. Top five types of grass pip for overseeding in Minnesota
3. USDA hardiness map zone and how it influences the choice of sod 
4. How to overseed a turf

	Outsidepride Creeping Red Fescue	Festuca Rubra	Pennington Kentucky 31	Jonathan Green Ultra	Scotts EZ Seed
Types of Grass	Creeping Red Fescue	Creeping Red Fescue	Tall Fescue	Tall Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass perennial Ryegrass	Tall Fescue,Kentucky Bluegrass, andRyegrass
Mass of the product in lbs	10	50	25	7	20
Coverage area in sq ft	2,000 – 2500	10,000	6,250	2800	445
Germination period in days	12-22	15-20	7-14	10 -14	4-9
Season of active growth	Cool and temperate	Cool	Cool and humid	Cool and moist	Both cool and hot

Outsidepride Creeping Red Fescue – Best Grass Seed for Overseeding in Minnesota

This pasture thrives excellently in cold temperate conditions with lowest temperatures ranging from -40℉ to -15℉ found in zones 3a to 5a. It needs more moisture than other fescue varieties, hence demanding more than 18 inches of precipitation. 

Its growth is supported by soils of acidic pH between 5.5 to 6.5 and should have excellent drainage. This grass species is best for overseeding as it grows by spreading rhizomes and covering patches and also thrives in full and shady areas. It is best planted in spring when the soil temperature is 60℉.

Pros 

• Spreads rhizomes for extensive growth 
• Excels in shaded areas 

Cons  

• Cannot grow in dry conditions > 15-inch average annual precipitation

Festuca Rubra – Best Grass Seed for Overseeding in Northern Minnesota

Northern Minnesota is in zone 3a and 3b with the lowest mean temperature range of -40℉ to -30℉. These conditions sustain the growth and development of the cold season tolerant Creeping Red Fescue grass. This locality also offers slightly acidic water-logged soils that promote the pasture growth rate. 

Once established, this sod requires low maintenance in terms of fertilization, mowing, or irrigation. It has an unmatched tolerance to extremely low temperatures and shaded areas—short rhizomes aids in its lateral spread to patch up your sod. Plant your turf in spring for great results when the garden warmth has exceeded 55℉. Overseeding requires 3 pounds for every 1,000 feet.

Pros 

• Hastened germination 
• Tolerant to chilly winter cold 

Cons 

• Needs frequent sprinkling in summer 

Pennington Kentucky 31 – Best Grass Seed for Overseeding in Central Minnesota

The middle region of Minnesota in zone 4a is slightly warmer. The lowest temperatures are between -30℉ to -25℉. Tall fescue can be grown in this area. This versatile, low-maintenance, heat resistant, and slightly shade tolerant grass species establishes well in the moist loamy soils found in the middle of Minnesota. 

The pip is penkoted to give it prophylactic ability against fungus when planted ¼ inches into the soil. The overseeding portion is five pounds for every 1,000 square feet of garden. Don’t use this seed in full shade as it is likely to fail there. Grass’ mowing height is 3 inches and requires little irrigation.

Pros 

• Low budget maintenance 
• Penkoted against fungus 

Cons

• Fails in full shade 

Jonathan Green Ultra – Best Grass Seed for Overseeding in Southern Minnesota

This part of Minnesota is the warmest and covers zones 4b and 5a. It has clay and sandy, well-drained soils with a pH of 7.8 and 79% moisture content that support the root penetration grass species in this mix up to 4 inches deep. This crates anchorage and facilitates water uptake making it drought resistance in Summer aided by the waxy coating on the leaves that locks in moisture. 

This assortment of different breeds of grass gives them a natural immunity against pests. The recommended overseeding rate is 3 pounds/1,000 square feet and should be done during spring’s commencing in May.

Pros 

• Drought and pest resistant 
• Deeper root penetration

Cons 

• Wilts in dry conditions 

Scotts EZ Seed – Best Grass Seed Mixture for Overseeding in Minnesota

This grass mixture includes controlled-release fertilizer to aid in the quick development of the seed. It is ideal for turfs exposed to sunlight and in complete shade. It can survive in the cold climate of Minnesota, with its planting season being spring. 

It has a tackifier that increases seed adhesion to inhibit wash-off. It survives with mild irrigation in the hot Summer. The pasture pip has a unique formulation, including a protectant to shield newly emerged sod from infection. It is ideal for planting in zones 3a to 5a.

Pros 

• Has protectant 
• Unsusceptible to wash off 

Cons 

• Must be watered after seeding

Buyer’s Guide

Does Grass for Seeding and Overseeding differ?

In terms of species, no. The only difference is in the quantity where seeding requires more seeds per 1,000 square feet than overseeding.

What Is the Ideal Time to Overseed in Minnesota?

This should be done during Spring or Fall in the first fortnight of March or September when the soil temperatures are favorable for growth between 50℉ and 75℉.

Can I Overseed with a Grass Mix?

Yes, on a condition that it has been approved to grow in your area. You can check with the USDA zone map to determine seed viability.

If I Overseed in Fall, will the Turf Survive Winter?

Ensure you use a cold-tolerant grass species that will not be destroyed by the biting cold of winter. Outsidepride Creeping Red Fescue is an excellent choice.

How do I Overseed my Lawn in Minnesota?

Here are some quick tips:

• Establish the correct timing 
• Prepare your lawn 
• Sow the right variety of pasture 
• Fertilize 
• Irrigate 
• Observe regular so maintenance practices 

FAQ

Author’s Opinion

Minnesota has a unique climate that needs highly specific kinds of pasture that can tolerate its weather. Consulting the Hardiness zone to select the correct type of pasture to plant is as imperative as proper timing for a healthy area. The following species have been cleared for farming in Minnesota’s zones; Creeping Red Fescue, Tall Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Ryegrass.