Establishing a lawn

Guidance notes for Establishing a Lawn

For establishing a lawn, good preparation is normally the key to success and before you sow the seeds it is important to prepare the soil adequately.

Step 1: How to prepare a seed bed for sowing a lawn 

Clear the area to be cultivated of growing weeds, grass, nettles, stones etc.  If necessary treat with a non-residual herbicide to kill off all growth. 

Dig or fork over the soil to a depth of about 15cm (approx.6"). Level out the soil with a rake after digging and allow this to settle for a week.

Rake the area again removes any new weeds and form a fine seedbed.

Firm the soil down by treading the site evenly and then rake until level.

Step 2:

Choose the appropriate mixture for your circumstances from our range.

Step 3:

Lawn seeding is best done in either spring or early autumn. Suggested seed rates are by each mixture, see each of the product pages for a guideline, and a seed rate calculator below. 

Scatter evenly moving left to right, top to bottom.

Then rake the seeded area to partially cover the seed (to a depth of 0.5cm - approx. 1/4" - is fine). Seed left on top should still germinate.

Step 4:

New grass seedlings will appear over the next 7- 21 days depending on the weather. Water the seeds if it is dry to keep them moist. 

When the grass has reached a height of about an inch, give the area a gentle roll. Use the back roller of your mower (with the cutter head held high).

Step 5:

Hold off mowing your new lawn until it has reached about 8cm (approx 3") high and then only take off about 1.5cm (approx. 1/2").

On subsequent cuts you can gradually lower the blades, but don't go lower than an inch.