Here’s a sneak peak at what’s happening under the white germination blankets that are covering the repaired areas after last fall’s cart path improvements. Once the asphalt installation was completed, all edges and truck damage were backfilled with topsoil and seeded. The seeding was considered a dormant seeding as environmental conditions did not favor growth of any new grass. The seed absorbed water and then sat waiting for this spring’s warmer temperatures. The sun’s radiation is able to pass through the white blanket and warm the soil, jump starting the germination process. The germination blanket traps the heat and helps reduce temperature fluctuations, essentially creating a green house atmosphere.
This picture shows the many new seedlings emerging. Most are already one-half inch tall. As the new growth continues, the plants will push up against the blanket. If the new plants begin to grow through the blanket, the blanket will need to be removed. Hopefully at that time, the warm spring temperatures are here to stay. The new plants will still require time to spread and fill the areas. But, by performing a dormant seeding of these areas last fall, these areas will be 3-4 weeks ahead of normal spring seeding.
