Lawns that looked impressive in summer can look dreary by January and February, primarily because the cold temperatures drastically slow down grass growth.
This can cause the grass to go dormant and turn brown, meaning it’s not actively producing new green blades.
While it is a natural process and not necessarily a sign of an unhealthy lawn, many gardeners wonder how they can improve the appearance of their grass ahead of spring.
Growing fresh blades from seed is the obvious solution, but it has limitations. Paul Hicks, Product and Marketing Manager at STIHL GB, a leading manufacturer of power and garden tools, said: “When it comes to sowing grass seed, there are certain seasons when your seed will germinate best.”
He continued: “Ideally, the soil should be warm and moist and the weather not too hot or cold, so early autumn or mid-spring are the ideal times to sow to give your new grass the best chance to take root.”
Many gardening experts would advise that autumn is generally the best time to sow grass seed as the conditions mean seedlings will have a chance to establish before the cold weather kicks in.
But Paul claimed it is possible to use grass seeds a little earlier. “If you want to get a lush lawn this year, you can sow grass seed in spring as well—you just need to make sure it is well watered through any dry spells,” he said.
The benefits of doing so are worth the gamble when sowing pays off, especially for those who are house-proud or are thinking about selling their homes.
Rachel Stringer, a real estate agent at Raleigh Realty, told Express.co.uk: “Because of my commitment to every detail that can improve a home’s presentation, I’ve learned a few things about growing fresh grass before spring arrives.
“If you’re considering sowing lawn seed now, it is possible in many regions, provided the ground isn’t frozen, and daytime temperatures are starting to inch above 10C.
“Grass seed needs a combination of warmer soil and consistent moisture to germinate properly, so if your climate still hovers in freezing territory day and night, it’s best to hold off a bit longer.”
Rachel said that as soon as the soil can be worked without large clumps of frost and overnight temperatures are reliably above freezing, “you can take that as your cue to begin”.
How to oversee your lawn: First, remove debris like thatch or moss to work the topsoil. This can be done with a rake—gently scrape at the top layer of sparse grass and soil.
Next, spread your seed as per the packaging instructions. To give it a faster start, keep the soil surface evenly moist but not waterlogged, and ideally, water gently a couple of times a day.
Laying a fine mesh over the area until the grass starts to sprout is effective in gardens populated by birds that may feed on the seeds.
Alternatively, decoy birds of prey or reflective items like CDs or foil strips can help deter them, or they can be a light covering of straw that can protect the seeds without smothering them.
Some seed loss to birds is inevitable, so it is always advisable to scatter more seeds than needed.
Rachel said: “If you manage the seeding process with proper timing, steady moisture, and protection against birds, you’ll set yourself up for a beautiful, vibrant lawn in the spring.”
