A couple of years ago, I found an old bag of grass seed hiding in my garage and thought to myself, “What am I supposed to do with this now?”. They seemed to be in pretty decent shape, so I didn’t know whether to use them or throw them in the garbage.
Generally speaking, grass seed doesn’t last forever – it starts losing its strength after about five years, and each year, fewer seeds will sprout (about 10% less each year, to be exact).
But even if the seeds are a little “aged,” they’re not completely useless!
You can still add a little extra seed to your lawn for a boost. And if you’re not in the mood to plant, there are other fun ways to use that seed – I used mine for a completely different purpose!
Curious about what I did with my old grass seed?
If so, just keep on reading as I am about to share some tips on how you can use your old grass seeds again!
1. Use It For Overseeding Your Lawn
If the grass seeds are still viable, you can simply scatter them all over your lawn – this will help you fix bald patches and thinning grass (if you have any).
Overseeding with extra seed improves lawn thickness and can give your yard a fresh look. Though you should keep in mind that older seed may not germinate as reliably, so use a little more than you normally would to make up for it.
Wondering if your old grass seed is still usable? To check, you can do a quick germination test!
Just place 10 seeds on a damp paper towel, roll it up, and seal it in a plastic bag. Leave it somewhere warm for 5-7 days. Check back – if most seeds sprout, they’re good to go!
Related: Easy Tricks To Overseed Your Lawn In Fall For Stunning Grass Next Summer
2. Or Toss It In The Compost Bin (But Only If It’s Organic)
If the seed is organic and chemical-free, it can make a great addition to your compost. I did this with mine and my compost has significantly improved – believe me, my plants have never looked better!
Grass seed can break down alongside other compost materials, adding a bit of “green” to balance out the “browns” in your bin.
Just be careful – if it’s been treated with chemicals, skip this step to keep your compost eco-friendly.
Related: If You Want To Boost Your Plants’ Amazing Growth, Use Compost
3. Turn It Into Decorations For Your Indoors
This one’s for the DIYers out there!
Old grass seed can be used for a rustic, natural look in decor projects. Fill a vase with some old seed for a farmhouse-inspired centerpiece or add it to craft projects.
It’s an easy way to repurpose seeds without any digging.
Related: How To Make Beautiful Pinecone Flowers For Long-lasting Beauty
4. Use It As Bird Seed (With Caution!)
Have a bird feeder? Mix in some of that old grass seed for a little variety!
While grass seed isn’t as nutrient-rich as other bird feed, it can still make a nice treat when used sparingly or mixed with more nutritious options.
Just remember, stick to uncoated grass seed because birds don’t enjoy the coated kind and may even have trouble digesting it.
Related: 6 Steps For Making DIY Seed Bombs For A Flourishing Garden Easier Than Ever
5. Dispose Of Your Old Grass Seed Properly
If none of these ideas appeal, it’s perfectly okay to dispose of old grass seed.
Put it out with the regular trash or check for local organic recycling programs that accept yard waste. This way, you’ll keep things environmentally friendly and declutter your gardening stash.
And the next time you are about to store your seeds, make sure to do it in a cool, dry spot away from sunlight (basement or garage will do). Avoid heat and humidity, and if it’s unopened, keep it that way!
You see that with a few easy ideas, you can turn old grass seed into something useful or fun. Who knew expired seed could still have so much potential?
Related: Why Isn’t Your Grass Seed Sprouting? Here Are 10 Common Reasons And Quick Fixes