I just reseeded and redirted my entire yard. They say not to plant grass seed until March 15th (soil temp has to warm up) but what I've found is the grass will indeed sprout, just not as fast. And, the last few years the rain has stopped in February so I wanted to plant while Nature was still supplying that all-important moisture so I don't have to slosh thru the mud with the sprinklers.

2 cemetery groundskeepers told me that they reseed every day of the year in the PacNW and it works. Just not as optimally as March 15 which is now too hot and dry to work. Used to be folks worried about winter seed getting too wet and rotting but it just does not rain as much anymore.

One thing to keep in mind: if ground is soggy, and you use heavy equipment, it can damage the structure of the soil and compact it. So go lightly if wet.

I have a worm bin and compost pile where all leaves and yard debris and kitchen scraps go, happy worms = awesome wormcasting = best possible mulch/fertilizer.

More experienced gardeners will weigh in ...;^D

We thatched and reseeded too early a couple years ago and had a muddy mess for a couple of months. I would wait.

The recommended time for lawn work in this area is April into early May or alternately, September into early October. Prior to the first period, the soil is too cold and too wet to be able to do major lawn work without damage to the soil and seeding is a waste of money - a very low percentage of the seed will germinate with cold soil temperatures. It tends to rot or the birds get it. After the second, the same conditions tend to apply, and although it CAN be done in the hotter summer months, much greater care is required with regards to keeping the seeds and soil moist enough to encourage germination and growth.

Cascadian, despite your experiences, I'd have to say that apparently your specific location is unique enough (although I can't say why) that your climatic conditions are not common throughout much of the PNW. In fact, February and sometimes March can offer some of the worst weather we get all year.

Like buyorsell, I'd recommend waiting at least another month to 6 weeks, if not longer.

Ellen, I'm not a lawn expert - I manage to keep my own 'nice' with aerating, organic only fertilizers, regular mowing but if it were up to me I'd have even less grass, more plants.

If I were to take a tip from my own, I'd say too early. My established lawn isn't growing, I don't think that speaks well for renovating, germinating grass seed. Sometime after snow followed by flooding right at years end, I mowed - but more to vacuum (with grass bag attached) than to actually cut grass. I think you'd be happier with your results if you waited until the lawn you do have begins to look less like winter and starts to put on some growth - maybe take that as your signal it's time to start.

Cascadians is from a different space time continuum when global warming is more advanced. ;)

Yes, I'm on Mars, but right now it's very lightly raining, watering my grass seeds which have begun to sprout, yea! I am SO relieved when any moisture falls out of the sky. That original fleur de lawn was full of perennial dwarf rye and it's starting to green up and become visible again.

May have a jungle this spring, may have gone overboard, just want it green.

Those who have automatic timed irrigation are SO fortunate!

Can't wait to start going on Nature walks and harvesting bright green fluffy moss to puree and paint the slurry on lots of retaining walls. Still trying to find miniature ivies for sale.

Those who have lawns have it easy.

BTW my evergreen conifers are visibly growing now. Might be the extra watering and fertilizer but the neighbor's are also growing. Not fluffy with spring growth but tips are definitely elongating and a little lighter. Deodars very noticeable!

What about your evergreens?

Also a couple of my neighbors mowed their grass yesterday.