Growing a lawn from seed is one of the most satisfying feats a gardener can perform. It is much quicker to lay turf but preparing the soil, planting the seed and then nurturing it towards becoming an established lawn is a unique and yet fairly simple task that feels like much more of an accomplishment than just buying the turf ready-grown.
For everyone wanting to achieve a growing lawn they seeded themselves, here is a quick guide for all the steps needed to grow lawns from grass seed.
Remove Old Sod and Weeds
The first thing to do is get rid of all the material that won’t help your new lawn to grow strong and healthy. That means removing all the old sod (or dead lawn) and weed roots that are scattered around. Use a shovel to dig up stubborn roots and then a rake to smooth out the topsoil once you have removed the unwanted sod and weeds.
Improve Your Soil
After the planting surface has been primed by removing the unwanted material, you can give the soil a nutrient boost by adding a layer of quality topsoil from a topsoil supplier. You can also mix in some compost to give it some extra punch.
Choose a Grass Seed
For a strong and healthy lawn, you probably want a slow-growing grass seed that will be tougher than faster-growing grass seeds that are vulnerable to foot traffic and other detrimental conditions. Another option is a grass and wildflower mix which will provide you with a beautiful meadow-like lawn.
Plant the Grass Seed
Once the soil has been improved with fresh topsoil or compost, and you have selected your grass seed, it is time to plant. Smaller areas can be done by hand, though a seeder is recommended for larger areas to better guarantee an even distribution. Always follow the instructions on the grass seed packaging you receive as different grass seed types will require different spacing.
Fertilise the Lawn
Once the seed is sown, it can only help to apply some fertiliser to help the seeds sprout and the roots establish themselves. This is not absolutely necessary as a well-prepared topsoil that has been improved with the relevant products from a specialist topsoil supplier should have provided the soil with enough nutrients, but if you have the budget then it can be worthwhile to absolutely maximise the new lawn’s health.
Water Regularly
The seeds will now need water and regularly too. Also keep in mind that different areas might have different watering requirements, such as a shaded patch not needing quite as much watering as a patch in direct sunlight. Some of the soil may also be more porous than other areas, so keep an eye on the shoots as they begin growing.
If you require grass seed for new lawns or for a growing lawn, or other gardening products like topsoil, then contact Springbridge via our website or call today on 0845 370 1921 to speak to an expert grass seed and topsoil supplier.