At lawn-seeds.com we know the difference between patching an existing lawn and re-seeding a new area of ground. Here are the steps you should take to get that perfect English lawn.
Creating a lush, green lawn from scratch can be incredibly rewarding, and seeding your own lawn is not only cost-effective but also gives you control over the grass variety you grow. Whether starting from bare earth or reseeding an existing lawn, this guide will walk you through every step to ensure your new lawn thrives.
Preparing the Soil
Healthy soil is the foundation of a beautiful lawn. Here’s how to prepare it:
- Clear the Area: Remove debris like rocks, weeds, and old plant roots
- Loosen the Soil: Use a rotavator or garden fork to loosen the top 10–15 cm of soil
- Level the Surface: Rake the area to remove lumps and ensure even terrain
- Improve Soil Quality: Add organic matter, such as compost, to improve soil fertility, especially if your soil is sandy or clay-heavy
- Firm It Up: Walk over the area with small, shuffling steps or use a lawn roller to firm the surface without compacting it too much
Seeding onto Bare Earth
Starting from scratch is straightforward when you’re dealing with bare earth:
- Mark the Area Clearly: define the edges of your lawn using stakes or string
- Rake the Soil: Create fine, crumbly soil by raking it thoroughly
- Sow the Seed: Divide your lawn seed into two equal portions. Sow one half lengthways and the other crossways to ensure even coverage
- Lightly Rake Over: Gently rake the soil to cover the seeds without burying them too deeply
- Water Immediately: Use a fine spray to moisten the soil without washing the seeds away
Reseeding an Existing Lawn
If you’re replacing an old lawn or patchy sections:
- Remove the Existing Grass: Use a turf cutter for large areas or a spade for smaller patches. Remove all grass, roots, and debris
- Prepare the Soil: Follow the same steps as for bare earth—loosen, level, and improve the soil
- Sow the Seeds: Sow the seeds as you would for a new lawn, ensuring even coverage
Why Seeding is Better Than Turf
Seeding a lawn has several advantages over turf:
- Cost: Grass seed is significantly cheaper than turf
- Choice: You can select the exact grass variety to suit your needs, whether it’s for shade, heavy foot traffic, or ornamental purposes
- Adaptability: Seeded lawns establish deeper root systems, making them hardier in the long term
How Much Seed to Use
The general recommendation is to use 35–50 grams of seed per square metre. For patchy areas, increase this slightly to ensure good coverage.
Fertilising Your New Lawn
Before seeding apply a pre-seeding fertiliser high in phosphorus to promote root growth. Do this a week before sowing.
After germination, once the grass is about 2.5 cm tall, apply a nitrogen-rich fertiliser to encourage strong growth.
Useful Equipment for Seeding
- Lawn roller or tamper
- Garden rake
- Seed spreader (for even sowing)
- Hose with a fine spray attachment
- Turf cutter (for reseeding existing lawns)
- Rotavator (for large areas)
How Long Does Grass Take to Grow, and When to Seed?
In the UK, grass seed typically germinates in 7–21 days, depending on soil temperature and moisture levels. The best time to seed a lawn is:
- Spring: Late March to early June, when the soil is warming up and there’s regular rainfall
- Autumn: Late August to mid-October, when the soil is still warm, and weeds are less likely to compete
Avoid seeding in summer, as the soil can dry out quickly, or winter, when the soil is too cold.
Post-Seeding Care
- Water Regularly: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation
- Protect the Seed: Cover the area with netting to deter birds from feasting on your hard work
- Avoid Walking: Stay off the newly seeded lawn for at least 4–6 weeks to allow the grass to establish
- First Mow: Once the grass reaches about 7.5 cm, give it a light mow, trimming no more than one-third of its height
Enjoy your new lawn!
Congratulations! You’ve just seeded a new lawn, joining the ranks of determined gardeners battling patchy spots and overly enthusiastic birds. Remember, a perfect lawn doesn’t happen overnight—it takes patience, care, and perhaps a little bribery for the local birds to feast elsewhere. And if it doesn’t work out the first time? Call it “wildlife-friendly” and tell your neighbours it’s all part of a rewilding project. After all, nature always finds a way!