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 to remove 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 soil type and conditions from our range.

Step 3:

Lawn seeding is best done in either spring or early autumn. Suggested seed rates are shown for each mixture, see our product pages for guidance, and view the seed rate calculator below. 

Scatter half the seeds evenly moving left to right across the site. Then, scatter the remaining half evenly across the site from top to bottom.

Rake the seeded area to partially cover the seed (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. In dry weather, water the seeds 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 to less than an inch.