The best way to learn how to overseed an existing lawn is by using our video guide / step by step pictorial guide. You can also scan the QR code on the back of your bag that will take you directly to this link. Alternatively, you can learn by reading our steps below.
Before sowing, have a look at the weather forecast for your area. Temperatures need to be 10 degrees and above consistently for at least two weeks for your grass seed to grow.
Do not sow in flood, frost, snow or extremely hot conditions. This means that typically the best times to sow grass seed are in Spring and Autumn.
• Step One: Your first step is to remove all weeds. For a small amount of weeds use a garden trowel or weedkiller. For lots of weeds use a Feed, Weed and Moss Killer product such as our 3 IN 1 Lawn Rescue https://icanlawn.com/3-in-1-lawn-rescue which will feed your lawn and remove weeds at the same time. If there are no weeds, you should still use a pre-seed lawn feed such as our Pre-Seed First Feed https://icanlawn.com/pre-seed-first-feed to give the soil the nutrients it needs for growth.
• Step Two: Your second step is to create a fine level seedbed. Use a garden fork to spike your soil and dig it over, you should do this to a depth of 20-25cm. Rake the area out to level. If you have lots of dips or the soil quality is poor, you can add top soil to these areas. Think of your seedbed like cake batter, we don’t want any lumps, clumps or bumps – so remove rocks or stones as they appear.
• Step Three: Your third step is to sow the seed. Sow the seed at a rate of 50g per m2. You can do this by hand or by using a seed spreader. When sowing by hand, measure out a metre squared using bamboo canes or string. Measure out 50g of seed at a time in a cup and go back for more seed when you need it. Scatter the seed from side-to-side widthways and lengthways to get good coverage. Your seed needs space to grow and shouldn’t be in a heaped pile.
• Step Four: Your fourth step is to firm in and water. Walk across your seedbed with your feet, firming the seed in. This will help it to embed and grow. At icanlawn.com we call this the penguin shuffle! Water your lawn everyday for 6 weeks after sowing, you can avoid doing this on days where it rains.
• Step Five: Your fifth step is to keep birds at bay. This may or may not be an issue for you, but if you find there are birds surrounding your seed, we have a few tips on how to protect it. Cover your seed with a tarpaulin or net covering in the first few days after sowing or use old CDs to deter them. Alternatively, you can provide some bird food to distract them from your seed!
• Step Six: Your sixth and final step is to give your lawn its first mow. Your lawn will be ready for its first mow when it reaches 5-7cm in height, which is typically around the 6-8 week mark. For the first mow cut your lawn on the highest setting, you can lower this after.
To keep your lawn healthy we recommend regularly and seasonally feeding it https://icanlawn.com/choose-best-lawn-food/and remove moss and weeds as they appear.