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When is the best time to sow grass seed
Want a gorgeous, green lawn that makes your neighbours go green with envy? Planting grass seed at the right time is the key to achieving a thriving lawn. Whether you’re starting from scratch or fixing bare patches, timing is everything. We share our expert advice below on the best times to sow grass seed, so you can enjoy a beautiful lawn all year round!
Spring: Nature’s Reawakening
Spring is like a wake-up call for nature, and it’s also a great time to sow grass seed. The soil becomes more welcoming to those little seeds as the weather warms up. Since sunshine is plentiful, it gives them the energy they need to sprout and grow. Sowing grass seed in spring gives your grass enough time to establish and be ready for summer.
Why spring is one of the best times to sow grass seed:
- UK spring weather creates a perfect environment for seedlings to grow
- Temperatures increase beyond 10°C to aid growth
- More frequent rain showers to keep the soil moist
- Additional sunshine encourages your grass to burst through the soil
Summer: The season of rapid growth
Sowing grass seeds in summer involves a bit more work, but it’s achievable if you water your seedlings to keep the soil moist and remember to avoid sowing during heat waves at all costs! The warmer weather means you’ll need to give your seedlings some extra TLC, but the sunlight will encourage rapid growth once the grass starts growing!
Tips for sowing grass seed in summer:
- Make sure the seeded area is moist at all times
- keep a close eye on your weather forecast for any predicted warm spells
- Avoid sowing grass seed when heatwaves or dry periods are approaching!
If you have planted your seed in spring or autumn the year before, summer is a good time to consider giving your lawn food to boost its growth.
Autumn: Sowing in preparation for next spring
If there’s a crown for the best time to plant grass seed, autumn will wear it. Early autumn, as summer winds down and temperatures start returning to normal, is one of the best times for growing grass seed in the UK.
Why autumn is one of the best times to sow grass seed:
- The temperatures are ideal combined with more rainfall
- Autumn offers the perfect conditions for seed germination and root growth
- Nature's helping hand means less watering for you!
So, grab your seed spreader and get to work sowing your seed during autumn for a lush green lawn next year.
Winter: The season of dormancy
Winter isn’t the best time to plant grass seed, but if you live in southern areas of England, you might get away with it. Remember you need at least six weeks of minimum temperatures of 8°C night and day. If the conditions are right, you may be able to begin sowing grass seed as late as October or, in some cases, early November. Once colder conditions are on the forecast, and frost becomes a possibility, it’s best to save your seeds for spring!
Winter tasks to do instead of sowing grass seed:
- Tidy away fallen leaves from surrounding trees and shrubbery to avoid a build-up
- Remove weeds lingering around after summer and autumn
- Use your winter downtime to repair and service your lawnmower
- Sharpen your mower's blades to make sure your grass gets the finest cut when spring comes
- keep foot traffic to a minimum in areas prone to flooding
- Apply a Slow-Release fertiliser in October to keep your lawn in tip-top shape over the colder months
Knowing when is the best time to sow grass seed
Knowing the best time for planting grass seed can make all the difference in achieving a stunning lawn. While spring and autumn are the top contenders, autumn takes the top prize for most parts of the UK due to its milder temperatures, moist soil, and fewer weed competitors. Summer has challenges, but you can still make it work with some extra care when the conditions are right. It’s best to avoid sowing grass seed in winter since grass is dormant during this time and doesn’t grow much.
Our video below guides you step by step on how to sow grass seed:
Remember that timing is just one part of the process. Proper soil preparation, selecting the right seed, watering wisely, and regular maintenance are also crucial for a lawn that makes heads turn.
If you have questions about when it’s best to sow grass seed in your area or the time of year, please get in touch with us; we are always happy to help!
We have also included some further reading to help ensure you get the lawn you've been hoping for:
