The Power of Seed Banking
Maintaining a healthy, resilient golf course requires constant attention to turf density, disease resistance, and overall playability. One of the most effective yet often overlooked strategies for achieving this is interseeding—introducing new seed into existing turf each year. Not only does this improve turf quality, but it also creates a natural seed bank, ensuring long-term sustainability and reducing the need for complete renovations.
What Is a Seed Bank?
A seed bank refers to the reserve of viable seeds present in the soil, ready to germinate under the right conditions. In nature, this system ensures plant populations persist through changing environmental conditions. On a golf course, strategic interseeding helps establish a similar seed reservoir, giving superintendents an edge in turf maintenance.
Why Interseed Every Year?
Annual interseeding provides several key benefits, including:
- Improved Turf Density: Regularly adding seed ensures a constant supply of new, vigorous plants that outcompete weeds and worn-out grass.
- Enhanced Disease & Stress Resistance: Diversifying turfgrass genetics makes courses more resistant to diseases, drought, and foot traffic.
- Recovery from Wear & Tear: High-traffic areas, like greens, tees, and fairways, benefit from a steady influx of new plants, minimizing bare spots.
- Gradual Transition to Superior Cultivars: As new seed is introduced, older, weaker turf is naturally phased out, improving overall playability and aesthetics.
Best Practices for Interseeding
To maximize seed banking benefits, superintendents should follow these best practices:
- Timing Matters
The best time to interseed depends on the course’s location. Mid-summer to early fall is ideal, while Poa annua is at its least aggressive. At the same time, spring and fall may work with the newer bentgrass cultivars that are aggressive against poa invasion. - Use the Right Bentgrass for your location and application
Choose disease-resistant and drought-tolerant cultivars that complement the existing turf. Over time, these traits become dominant in the seed bank, naturally improving turf quality. Not all seeds are created equal, so do your homework with onsite real-world trials. Look for blue-tag bentgrass grown by quality growers. - Proper Seed-to-Soil Contact
Use techniques like slit seeding, aeration, or topdressing to ensure seeds reach the soil and aren’t just sitting on the surface. - Adjust Mowing & Fertility Programs
After interseeding, temporarily raise mowing heights and apply light and frequent fertilization to encourage seedling establishment. - Keep the Surface Moist
A consistent watering schedule is crucial for seed germination. Light, frequent irrigation helps seedlings establish quickly.
Long-Term Benefits of Seed Banking
By making interseeding a regular practice, golf courses develop a self-sustaining seed bank that naturally enhances turf resilience. Over time, this leads to lower renovation costs, improved playing conditions, and healthier, more sustainable greens, fairways, and roughs.
Investing in annual interseeding isn’t just a short-term fix—it’s a long-term strategy that ensures the course remains in peak condition for years to come.
