Growing a lawn from seed has several advantages over turf including being less expensive as well as there being a wider choice of seed mixes to pick from.
They can also be kept until the weather conditions are ideal, whereas turf deteriorates if not laid soon after delivery.
While it may take longer to grow an established lawn from seed, some top tips can help spur the process on.
1. Make sure the conditions are right
Timothy Greene, lawn care expert at iCANLAWN.com, said: “It’s worth noting that the best times to plant grass seed are usually from mid-March until the end of autumn.
“But temperatures can change throughout the year, sometimes and warmer spells come sooner, and cold spells arrive unannounced.”
So, start by checking the local weather forecast before you sow any grass seed.
2. Check your local weather forecast
Britons need to look for a consistent temperature of 10C and above for at least two weeks, day and night, according to the expert.
A cold snap or a heatwave is not good for newly planted grass seed and since grass seed takes six to eight weeks to establish, checking the temperature is a great way to determine if now is a good time to put it down.
The expert added: “Be extra careful with sowing grass seed in early spring as well as in November.
“Keep an eye out for cold weather fronts that can arrive suddenly because the sudden temperature change will immediately stop your seedlings from growing.
“If this happens, it will mean that you have wasted a lot of time and effort, and you will likely need to put more work in or, in the worst-case scenario, you will have to start again.”
First, remove any weeds or moss before mowing and scarifying the lawn before sowing the seed and firming it in before watering.
The pro noted: “You should also make sure that you are using the right lawn seed. If you are struggling with shade, opt for a shade-tolerant mix.
“For a lawn that will withstand the daily activities of the family, try a fast-growing lawn seed mix.
“Or if you want a lawn that will outshine the others, try a more fine-line seed.”
When sowing the seed at the correct time, Britons can achieve a “fuller lawn” quicker, helping to keep it looking great all summer long.
