Preparing the bare spots for planting grass seed

Before we delve deeper into how to plant grass seed in bare spots, it’s essential that you prepare the seedbed correctly so your grass grows back thick, lush and emerald green! The steps below ensure the bare patches on your lawn are prepared for sowing new grass seed:

• Remove debris: Clear the area of any weeds, rocks, or dead grass to provide a clean canvas for your new seedlings.
• Loosen the soil: Use a rake or garden fork to loosen the soil in the bare spots. This helps improve seed-to-soil contact and allows the grassroots to establish and begin growing quickly.
• Level the ground: Smooth out the bare spots and level them to ensure an even surface. This will prevent water from forming in puddles when it rains and will promote even growth.

Pre-feeding your garden with lawn food

You might consider feeding your garden with a pre-feed at this stage. A lawn pre-feed fertiliser will help accelerate growth and root development - giving you a stronger garden lawn overall. You can also use this pre-seed fertiliser as a general lawn feed from March to September.

Selecting the best grass seed for your garden

Choosing the best grass seed for the bare spots in your garden is essential for successful germination and growth. Things like your garden’s soil type and the amount of sunlight the area receives will affect how well grass grows on your lawn, and our guide on choosing the right grass seed will help with this.

How to plant grass seed in bare spots of your lawn

Now your seedbed is perfectly prepared, and you’ve selected the ideal seed mix for your garden, it’s time to plant your grass seed! Before jumping right into applying the seed, be sure to check your local weather forecast to ensure the growing conditions are perfect – here are a few things to consider before moving on to the next stage:

• Your new grass seeds take 6-8 weeks to establish and grow
• Temperatures of at least 10°C are required day and night for seedlings to grow
• Delay planting your grass seed if hot weather or a heatwave is forecast
• Be wary of planting seeds in November and early spring, as cold weather snaps can arrive without warning, and these will halt the growth of your grass and could even kill the seedlings
• Avoid planting your seeds during winter months, even if temperatures are ideal.

If the weather in your area looks good for the coming weeks, you’re ready for the next step!

• Determine how much seed you need: Do this by measuring the length and the width of your lawn and then use our grass seed calculator to find out how much seed you require.
• Spread the seed: Use a seed spreader or your hands to evenly distribute the grass seed over the bare spots. Aim for a rate of approximately 35 grams per metre squared.
• Rake the seed: Carefully rake the seeded area to cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. This will protect them from birds and help maintain moisture. You can also use your foot to press the seeds softly into the ground.

Watering and aftercare for your seedlings

Watering and proper aftercare are essential during the early stages of grass seed germination, so follow the steps below to ensure your seeds get the moisture they need to grow as best they can.

• Water consistently: Keep the seeded area moist by watering it daily. Avoid over-watering, as it may wash away the seeds or lead to grass diseases
• Avoid foot traffic: Minimise foot traffic on the newly seeded area to prevent disturbing the seed in its early growth stage
• Mow at the appropriate height: You can mow your new grass when it reaches 5-7cm in height. Ensure your mower blades are sharp and set at the correct height to avoid stressing the new grass.

Knowing how to plant grass seed in bare spots

In conclusion, planting grass seeds successfully in bare spots of your garden is easily achievable by following our tips for good growing. By preparing the patchy areas, choosing the correct grass seed and committing to the proper aftercare, you will have a lawn to be proud of in no time! Remember to be patient since it takes time for the grass seed to germinate and establish itself, and don’t mow too soon.

If you have any questions about planting grass seed or lawn maintenance or want advice on what seeds to select, feel free to message us; we will be happy to help.