How to Sow Grass Seed

You're in the right place as learning how to sow grass seed is the first step. We will walk you through everything from preparing the ground for a lawn to proper watering and maintenance. Follow these tips to ensure your grass seed germinates and you can enjoy a beautiful lawn for years.

Apart from warmth, which means an average soil temperature of at least 10 degrees, there are three crucial factors when sowing grass seed:

• Ensuring good seed-to-soil contact
• Even distribution of the seed
• Maintaining constant moisture

Make sure to read all sections below before starting the seeding process.

Preparing the Ground for Grass Seed

The first step is preparing the ground, so pick up a rake and remove stones and debris. Properly preparing the ground for a new lawn ensures years of easier maintenance, healthier grass growth, and a stunning result. Taking the time to do this right will save you trouble.

Read our advice on how to prepare the ground for a new lawn

Achieving Good Soil to Seed Contact

Begin by raking the surface to loosen it for seeding. Spread the seed and lightly drag the rake over the soil to incorporate the seed into the top layer. Afterward, use a light roller, such as a half-filled water roller or a lawn mower roller, to roll the lawn in two directions. This will help press the seed into the soil, improving contact and germination rates.

Sowing the Grass Seed Evenly

Grass seed can be spread by hand or with a fertiliser spreader, such as the shoulder seed spreader in our store. A shutter setting of one-third to one-half open is usually sufficient. For a more professional approach, divide the seed into two portions: sow one portion in one direction and the second in the opposite direction. Consider splitting it into four portions for an even better distribution and sowing in four directions.

Before beginning, remove any excess seed you ordered and keep some extra aside. When seeding near edges, avoid wasting seed on patios or driveways and prevent grass from growing into flower beds. Holding back some seed allows careful hand spreading along the last 30cm of lawn edges for a neater finish.

Now is the ideal time to add a pre-seeding fertiliser if not already applied.

Watering Your Newly Sown Lawn

The most critical aspect after sowing is preventing the seed from drying out. Light, frequent watering with a delicate spray is necessary once or twice daily for the first two weeks. When the weather is warm and dry, increase the frequency as needed. Do not use heavy watering or large droplets, as they can disturb the seed distribution, leading to uneven growth.

Managing watering can be challenging, so consider pre-watering heavily for a day or two before seeding to create a moisture reservoir in the soil. Then, allow the surface to dry for 12 to 24 hours before seeding so it is firm enough to walk on.

If watering is a concern, covering the area with light polythene after seeding can help retain moisture in dry conditions or incubate the seeds in cooler weather. Secure the edges with bricks to keep it in place. Once the seedlings reach an inch or more in height, remove the polythene.

After removal, follow the watering schedule below:

• Weeks 3-4: Water once daily or every other day, adjusting as needed based on soil dryness.
• Month 2: Water more heavily but less frequently, around twice weekly.
• Month 3: Reduce watering to once a week, continuing as needed to prevent drying out.
• New grass remains susceptible to drying out for the first six months. Sowing in wetter spring or autumn months is beneficial, but with sufficient watering or polythene coverage, summer seeding can also be highly effective.

For more tips on how to water grass seed, read our lawn advice.

Mowing Your Young Grass

Grass shoots should appear within 10 to 14 days, depending on the seed variety and temperature. Once the grass reaches a height of 5cm (2½”), this is the ideal grass mowing height. Ensure the grass is dry and use a freshly sharpened mower blade. For the first few mowings, go slowly to ensure clean cuts and set the mower at its highest to remove no more than 2cm (¾”). The young grass is delicate, so make wide, slow turns or use a three-point turn technique to avoid damaging the turf.

After the fourth mowing, gradually lower the cutting height over the next four to five cuts to achieve the desired lawn height. If reducing it below 2cm (¾”), ensure sufficient moisture is available to avoid stressing the new lawn.

Read our advice for more information on how often to mow your lawn.

Using Your New Lawn

Different grass seed varieties establish at varying rates. Ryegrass germinates the fastest and can be used lightly after about eight weeks. Other grass types take 10 to 12 weeks to be ready for regular use. Allow an additional month or two of light use before transitioning to full use.

Weed Control for New Lawns

Newly seeded lawns often experience weed growth due to airborne seeds settling in or dormant seeds germinating after soil disturbance. Most weeds will not survive the first few mowings, but persistent weeds should be controlled. Pulling weeds by hand is effective but press the surrounding soil down afterward to avoid uprooting grass plants.

If chemical weed control is necessary, ensure the chosen product is safe for young lawns. Some weed killers are unsuitable for new grass, so consult the Resolva and Verdone Weed Killer page for appropriate options.

Feeding and Ongoing Lawn Care

After approximately three months, begin a regular seasonal feeding routine with lawn fertiliser. The young lawn remains delicate, so ensure good soil moisture conditions when applying fertiliser.

Avoid using liquid fertilisers or ferrous sulphate until the lawn is six months old. Additionally, refrain from aerating or scarifying in the first year. A lawn maintenance programme can be implemented in the second year to support continued health and growth.

For additional guidance, refer to the Lawn Problems section.