Grass goals: how to achieve a Wimbledon-worthy lawn!

A well-maintained lawn offers countless benefits that go far beyond just looking good. It improves air quality, absorbs carbon dioxide, and produces oxygen. Plus, it filters rainwater, reduces soil erosion, and lowers the risk of flooding. A lush lawn also provides an inviting space for leisure activities and encourages social gatherings. To fully enjoy these perks, it all starts with sowing your grass the right way. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about proper lawn seeding.

Preparing the soil for lawn seeding

Getting the soil ready for seeding is crucial for a lush, healthy lawn. Follow these steps to create the perfect foundation:

• Thoroughly clear the area of weeds, stones, and other debris to provide optimal growing conditions.
• Loosen the soil with a garden tiller or spade to improve aeration and promote root growth.
• Evenly spread organic compost, high-quality topsoil, or a specialised lawn fertiliser to ensure the soil has all the nutrients it needs.
• Level the surface carefully so that the seeds can be evenly distributed and worked into the soil effectively.

Before you start working on the soil, it’s worth thinking about planning a garden irrigation system. For example, a 30-metre garden hose on a reel can reach even the most remote areas of your garden.

	Automatic Hose Reel – 15 + 1.5 m	Automatic Hose Reel – 20 m	Automatic Hose Reel – 30 + 2 m
Hose length	15 + 1.5 m	20 + 2 m	30 + 2 m
Pressure range	8 bar	8 bar	8 bar
Connection size	3/4″	3/4″ NPT/BSP	3/4″
Temperature range	-5 to 45°C	-5 to 45°C	-5 to 45°C
Dimensions	46.50 x 19.00 x 35.50 cm	18.50 x 51.00 x 34.50 cm	51.50 x 22.50 x 41.00 cm
Weight	5.60 kg	6.30 kg	10.50 kg

Should I remove old grass? How do I do it?

Removing old grass makes sense if the lawn is severely damaged, overgrown, or matted. Such areas often lack the desired quality and hinder the healthy growth of new grass. We recommend removing old grass in the following situations:

1. If the lawn is heavily matted with moss and dead plant material, water and nutrients struggle to reach the roots. A complete removal allows a fresh start with new seed.
2. When weeds dominate the lawn, simple weeding isn’t enough. Completely removing the overrun grass eliminates the weeds along with their roots, giving new grass a better chance to grow.
3. If there’s significant pest infestation or disease damaging the lawn beyond repair, reseeding after removal can restore the area to a healthy, resilient state.
4. For lawns that are uneven and patchy due to years of wear and tear, removing the old grass provides a smooth base for reseeding.
5. If you want to replace the lawn with a hardier or lower-maintenance grass type, starting fresh is the best option.

To remove the grass, start by marking out the area. Mow the grass as short as possible to make the job easier. Then, use a sharp garden spade to cut under the turf and lift the grass, roots included. For larger areas, consider using a turf cutter, which slices the turf into strips that you can easily roll up and remove.

After removing the turf, loosen the soil thoroughly and carefully remove any remaining roots and weed debris. Add organic compost or soil conditioners to optimise the soil’s nutrient content. Finally, level the area with a rake to create an even base for reseeding or planting.

When is the best time to sow grass?

The best time to sow grass depends on the type of grass and your local climate. In the spring, aim for a period between mid-April and early June when soil temperatures are consistently above 10 to 15°C. This timeframe provides enough warmth for germination and gives the grass time to establish before the heat of summer. Autumn is another excellent time for sowing, typically from mid-August to October. Cooler temperatures and frequent rainfall promote even germination and growth. The young grass will have enough time to root firmly before winter and continue growing vigorously in spring.

Avoid sowing grass during the hot summer months or tackling winter garden tasks in freezing conditions. Extreme temperatures can hinder germination and growth. Heavy rain or prolonged dryness can also reduce the success of your seeding efforts.

Which seed mix is best for your needs?

When choosing grass seed mixes, look for the label RSM (Regular Seed Mix). This designation guarantees testing by independent laboratories and ensures the mix is suitable for its intended use. There are 21 different RSM types:

RSM 1.1 is ideal for ornamental lawns, while RSM 2.1 suits standard utility lawns in sunny areas. RSM 2.2 works well for utility lawns in dry areas, RSM 2.3 for intensively used play lawns, and RSM 2.4 for herb lawns. Sports turf options include RSM 3.1 and RSM 3.2 for new installations and regeneration. The 4-series caters to golf lawns, covering areas like greens, fairways, and tees. For specific needs like parking lawns, extensive roof greening, and landscape grass, choose from RSM 5.1 to 7.4.1, adapted for conditions such as wet areas, dry areas, and shaded locations.

The choice of the right seed mix depends on the intended use and location. For sunny areas, standard utility grass is a good choice, while shaded spots benefit from shade-tolerant mixes. Heavily used areas are best suited for sport and play mixes, and those dreaming of a traditional English lawn should opt for an ornamental mix.

Step-by-step guides for hand and machine seeding

Sowing grass can be done either by hand or with a seeding machine, depending on the size of the area and the gardening tools available. Both methods require careful preparation and execution. Here’s how to go about it:

Hand seeding method

• Divide the area into sections. Measure the seed required for each section to ensure an even distribution.
• Split the seed for each section into two halves. Sow the first half evenly in one direction, then spread the second half at a right angle to the first.
• Use a rake to gently work the seed into the soil to a depth of 0.5 to 1 cm. This improves seed-to-soil contact and aids germination.
• Water the area lightly and evenly. Keep the soil consistently moist during germination, but avoid waterlogging.

Once germinated, continue to water regularly and mow the grass when it’s grown enough.

Machine seeding method

• Divide the area into sections and measure out the seed. This helps ensure even and efficient machine sowing.
• Fill the seeding machine with your chosen grass seed mix and adjust the seeding rate according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Sow the first pass, slightly overlapping with adjacent rows to ensure full coverage. Repeat for all sections.
• If necessary, lightly rake the seed into the soil and water evenly. Maintain soil moisture during germination for best results.

Monitor the lawn’s growth, water regularly, and mow as needed. By following these steps, you’ll achieve the best results and enjoy a beautifully maintained lawn.

Choosing the correct seed density

Using the right amount of seed when sowing grass is key to ensuring healthy and uniform growth. For most grass seed mixes, the recommended amount is around 20 to 40 g/m². This varies depending on the type of grass and its intended use:

• For ornamental lawns, a seed density of about 25 to 30 g/m² is ideal. This results in a dense lawn with a fine texture for an attractive appearance.
• Utility lawns require a slightly higher seed density, around 30 to 40 g/m², to create a robust and durable surface.
• For sports and play lawns that see heavy use, aim for a higher density of 40 to 50 g/m². This ensures quick recovery and durability under frequent use.
• Shaded lawns, which grow more slowly, need a slightly lower density of 20 to 30 g/m².

These figures are general guidelines. You’ll often find specific recommendations printed on the seed mix packaging, so check there for the best results.

The ideal depth for grass seeding

Sow your grass seed at a depth of approximately 0.5 to 1 cm. This ensures good soil contact and sufficient moisture for germination. Planting the seeds too deep can make it harder for them to sprout. Use a rake to gently incorporate the seeds into the top layer of soil. Preparing loose, aerated soil beforehand will further promote germination and healthy growth.

Achieve a perfect lawn with proper seeding

A healthy, lush lawn starts with precise seeding and thorough soil preparation. Choosing the right seed mix and ensuring an even spread of seeds are the foundation for vibrant greenery. Regular watering and protecting the area during the early stages of growth will help the grass establish firmly. By following these steps, you’ll create a durable lawn that brings you joy for years to come.