Sowing Grass Seed

Sowing grass seed is an economical alternative to buying turf. We give advice on clearing the plot and preparing the soil as well as tips on after-care, watering and cutting.

**A selection of products for sowing grass seed**

Multipurpose	Shady Lawn	Fine Lawn

Growing a new lawn by sowing grass seed isn't a difficult task at all. The main thing you need to do is to prepare the area for the new lawn thoroughly. The major part of the work ahead is in the preparation. Sowing grass seed should be done in Spring or early Autumn. September is traditionally the month for making new lawns but other times are just as good if the weather is not too cold.

Preparing the Site

First of all you must clear the ground of all weeds and stones; dig over the entire area using a garden fork. It would be a good idea to add some well rotted organic matter from your compost bin as you dig. Rake over the entire area to get it level and remove any further stones or debris that may have risen to the surface.

Next, you must firm the soil. This is best undertaken by you, wearing a pair of sturdy boots. Basically, you start at one end of the plot and methodically trample down the soil with the heels of your boots. This compressing action ensures there are no voids or air pockets in the ground. Then rake over the plot once more to leave the surface firm and level. This preparatory work is essential prior to sowing grass seed.

Technique for Sowing Grass Seed

**Sowing grass seed with a spreader**
You have done the bulk of the hard work in preparing the ground; now comes the tricky bit! When sowing grass seed by hand you must ensure that you get an even spread. You don't want great clumps with bald patches interspersed everywhere. The supplier will tell you the quantity per square metre needed. Mark out a square metre with string, weigh out the required quantity of seed and get on with the spreading. As you move on your technique for sowing grass seed by hand will improve. If you are not confident about your technique then invest in a mechanical spreader. This may also be a sensible option for sowing grass seed over a large area. When you have finished sowing grass seed lightly rake over the area again.

Looking after your New Lawn

If you are lucky it will rain within a couple of days of you sowing grass seed and all will be well. If it doesn't rain then you will have to water the whole area. Use a fine spray on your sprinkler or hose gun attachment. If it remains really dry weather then you may have to water again. Then stand back and watch your lawn grow. Once it is about 5 to 8 cms high, give it its first cut. Set the mower blade high and just cut off the tips.

Sowing grass seed is a low-cost option when creating a new lawn. Buying turf is significantly more expensive. There are numerous different varieties of grass seed available depending on the type of lawn you want. For a very fine ornamental lawn, choose varieties that do not contain rye grass. For most family lawns however, which will need to withstand regular traffic then choose varieties that include a proportion of rye grasses. When you create your own lawn by sowing grass seed you will feel a great sense of achievement as you watch the lawn grow before your eyes.

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