Sowing Grass Seed

Grass seed can be used to either create a brand-new lawn from scratch, or to fill in bare patches of a pre-existing lawn to inspire new growth. Sowing seed is easy and can be done by both professional and novice gardeners.

For optimal results, grass seed should be sown either in the springtime (March-May) or early autumn (September-November) to allow time for the seed to root and germinate in the warmer climate. In ideal climates, you can expect to see results in 7-21 days.

The way that you sow seed will vary based on your lawn’s needs. If you’re looking to fill in patches/ repair a damaged lawn, overseeding is likely your best option. If you’re wanting a brand-new lawn from scratch, you can sow an entire lawn with seed, though this does require patience and optimal climate.

Sowing A New Lawn

Preparing your area is key when it comes to laying a new lawn from seed, if your plot of land isn’t ready to sow, you likely won’t see the best results. You should remove any weeds, stones and general debris from your soil, and then rake it so it is level. If your soil is of poor quality and is significantly waterlogged or has a clay-like consistency, you may want to invest in some high-quality topsoil and mix in with your pre-existing soil to ensure a new, optimal mix. You can also use this soil to help level out the area.

Overseeding a Lawn

If you’re looking to cover up slightly patchy/ thinner areas of your lawn, you can overseed areas to encourage re-growth and have your lawn back to looking full and lush in no time. You should mow your lawn quite short before overseeding, being careful not to scalp the lawn. Aim to mow at a height of 1.5-2 inches, enough to expose the soil so that the seed can make contact with the ground. You can also aerate your lawn with a garden fork to encourage drainage and allow the seed to develop strong, stable root systems.

Aftercare

Ensuring you’re looking after your newly seeded lawn is crucial for successful germination of the seeds.

Usage

You should limit foot traffic on the lawn for the first 2-3 weeks to minimise damage to the seeds as they begin to root in. Walking on the area can compact the soil which could limit the flow of water and nutrients to the area and possibly displace the seeds, affecting their germination.

Mowing

Once your grass has grown to a height of around 3 inches, you should set the height setting on your mower blade to be significantly high, and only mow to a height of 2 inches. You should also avoid mowing too frequently/short whilst the grass is still rooting in, as it could scalp/damage the lawn.

Pest Control

Pests such as birds will be attracted to the seed and will likely eat them if given the chance. To offset this chance, you can sow more seed than you will need to account for some lost seeds, or you can apply a net to the freshly sown area. If using a net, make sure you’re not limiting the sunlight or airflow to the seeded area. You can also use various pest deterrents, such as bird tape or feeders in other areas to lure the birds away from the newly sown seed.

Why Rye Gold?

When it comes to choosing a hard-wearing, good looking and top-quality lawn, our Rye Gold Seed is the way to go.