How to Plant a Lawn

Seeding a Lawn

For large areas of lawn, seeding is the cheapest option. Although it will be about a year before the grass can take heavy use, it should start to green up and look good in under a month. Worn patches in existing lawns can also be repaired by re-seeding with an appropriate grass mix. Sow in early fall when the soil is warm and moist, or in spring when plants start to grow actively.

Dig, firm, level and rake the lawn bed at least five weeks previous to seeding (image 1). A few days before sowing, remove any weeds and add a top layer of fertilizer. Rake level, removing any stones.

Select a seed mix that suits your conditions and lawn use - for example, is your lawn for hard-wearing family use or fine, ornamental beauty . Weigh out seed for 1 square yard following pack directions. Pour into a paper cup; mark where the seed reaches (image 2).

Mark out 1 square yard sections using canes, and measure out the grass seed using the marked paper cup (image 3).

Scatter half the seed in one direction, and then go over at right angles with the remainder, keeping within the template (image 4). Move the template along and repeat the process. As a guide, one handful of seed weighs roughly 1 ouce.

Work over the seeded lawn lightly with a rake until the seed is just covered with soil (image 5). Protect from birds using netting. Seedlings should appear within 14 days. Once the grass has reached 2 inches, cut with the mower blades set high.