Can I Compost Centipede Clippings With Seed Heads?

Q: With the seed heads now evident in my centipede lawn is it okay to compost the clippings or will my compost be full of grass sprouts next spring? 

A: Typical centipede grass lawns do not produce many viable seeds on the seedheads. Centipede grass is quite variable in how many seeds each plant produces and how many of them will germinate. The seed is thinly covered in wax, which resists germination. Seeds quickly die if they dry for just a short time after they sprout. You probably know that even commercial centipede grass varieties, like ‘TifBlair’, take a long time to germinate for this and other reasons. I don’t think you need to worry about grass in your compost.