How to seed a lawn from scratch

Assessing your lawn

Before you embark on the journey of seeding a new lawn from scratch, it’s important to find out what condition your lawn is in. The first thing to look for before you seed a lawn with grass seed is to check if there are weeds that you need to get rid of, if there are areas of damp and boggy areas covered in moss and if your soil is level.

Most weeds should be easy to remove by hand, but if there are many weeds, then use a feed, weed and moss killer like our 3 IN 1 Lawn Rescue. Then, clear away any debris and sticks and remove stones and rocks. Some newly built houses may also have leftover building materials in parts of the garden, so be sure to remove these, too!

Preparing the soil for seeding your lawn

Proper soil preparation plays a major part in the success of your new lawn. Once you have removed weeds and debris, you can inspect your soil to determine if you have heavy clay soil (many new builds will). If so, choose a grass seed mix that grows best in clay soil. You might instead discover that your soil is compacted and needs aerated. You can use a garden fork to break up, loosen and create holes in your soil. Doing this will increase drainage and give your seeds better conditions for germinating and growing.

Choosing the right grass seed

Selecting the right grass seed will ensure you establish and grow a healthy lawn. Consider the temperature and weather conditions, the level of shade in your garden, and the intended use of the lawn (e.g., will kids and pets be running amok, or will it be a "please don't want on the grass" lawn?). We have a range of grass seed mixes to ensure you get the perfect garden lawn.

The best time to seed a new lawn

When it comes to planting grass seeds, the first and most important thing at this stage is the temperature outside! To determine the ideal time for planting, follow these simple steps.

• Begin by checking your local weather forecast. Look for consistent day and night temperatures of 10°C and above for at least two weeks. This ensures the newly planted seeds have sufficient warmth to germinate and thrive.
• Keep in mind that it takes approximately 6-8 weeks for grass seed to establish and grow completely. It’s also important to be cautious of sudden cold weather that is more likely to occur at certain times of the year.
• We recommend that come November time, it’s a good idea not to sow grass seed, and the same applies to early spring and during winter. This is because an unexpected cold snap can abruptly stop the growth of your seedlings! And you wouldn’t want to invest a significant amount of time and effort only to see your progress halted.

Seeding a new lawn from scratch

Now the time has come to seed your lawn, and following the steps below is the easiest way to get it done right:

• Sow your seeds at a rate of 50g per square meter when seeding a lawn from scratch (or 35g per m2 when overseeding).
• You can either spread the seeds by hand or use a seed spreader.
• Mark out a square meter area using bamboo canes, sticks or string if spreading the seeds by hand. Then, measure 50g of seeds using a cup and spread them evenly.
• Repeat this process for the length and width of your lawn.
• Make sure to spread your seeds evenly instead of forming a pile.
• Use a rake to gently bed the seeds into the soil.
• The seeds need to be planted to a depth equivalent to about three stacked pound coins. This depth provides suitable access to water, heat, and sunlight for optimal growth.
• Then, carefully but firmly walk across the area to push the seeds into the soil.
• Water the seedlings daily for the first six weeks, but you may need to do this more frequently during dryer periods.
• You can skip watering on days when it rains.

Watering and mowing

Keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering because watering it too much will not help it grow. Instead, it’s better to follow a watering schedule to promote better root development and thick, lush growth! Once the grass has reached a height of around 7cm, you can begin mowing. But be careful not to cut too low and stick to the rule of thirds (where you only cut a third of the grass’ height each time) – this way, you will not stress its growth and will actually be helping it grow stronger. It is also important to make sure your mower’s blades are sharp since blunt blades will damage the grass as it cuts!

Patience and care

Growing a new lawn from seed requires patience and ongoing care. It takes time for the grass to establish deep root systems and develop into a full, healthy lawn. Keep an eye out for any pesky weeds and remove them as soon as they appear! Feed your grass with lawn food to maintain nutrient levels and aerate the soil to promote healthy growth.

Protection and prevention

Protect your new lawn from excessive foot traffic, and make sure you don’t mow it until it is fully established! You can cover the newly seeded area with netting or tarpaulin if birds are being a nuisance. Be sure to monitor your lawn’s condition and don’t let the soil dry out to ensure its long-term health and beauty.

To seed a lawn from scratch is easy if you follow the steps

Seeding a new lawn from scratch requires some planning, preparation, and follow-up work, but it’s not a challenge if you follow our advice. The steps outlined above ensure you can create a beautiful and vibrant lawn that enhances the overall appeal of your garden! Just remember to prepare the soil, choose the right grass seed, and then use the proper sowing techniques, followed by daily watering and patience throughout the growing process. With this amount of dedication and care, you’ll soon enjoy the rewards of a lush, green oasis right outside your door.

If you have any questions about seeding a lawn from scratch or planting new grass seed in your garden, feel free to send us a message, as we are always happy to help.