How to Grow a Lush Lawn from Seed

This guide is for homeowners who want to sow a new lawn on bare ground, or start again on a lawn that is too far gone to save. You will learn when to sow for your climate, how to prepare the soil properly, how to choose and spread seed evenly, and how to water and mow during the critical first months. Seeding costs far less than turf, and with good preparation the results can be just as good.

Timing Is Half the Battle

Grass seed needs warm soil to sprout and steady moisture to establish. Sowing at the wrong time is the most common reason new lawns fail. The right time depends on which type of grass suits your climate.

In cool and temperate climates, early autumn is usually best because the soil is still warm from summer, rain is more reliable, and weeds are growing more slowly. Grass sown then has time to root well before winter. Spring sowing works but needs more watering in summer and faces more weed competition. Avoid sowing in the heat of midsummer or when frosts are likely.

As a rough guide, cool-season grass germinates well when soil temperatures are above about 8 to 10 C and daytime air temperatures are mild. Warm-season grasses need warmer soil, often above about 18 C. Local garden centres, agricultural extension services or national horticultural organisations can tell you the usual sowing windows where you live.

Choosing the Right Seed

Grass seed is sold as mixes designed for different uses. Picking the right mix for your garden makes a bigger difference than any amount of feeding later.

• Hard-wearing or family mixes usually contain a lot of ryegrass. They establish fast and cope with children, pets and football.
• Fine or ornamental mixes use fescues and bents for a soft, dense, show lawn. They need more care and do not take heavy wear well.
• Shade mixes include grasses that cope better with lower light, though no grass thrives in deep shade.
• Drought-tolerant mixes often include deep-rooted fescues and suit dry, sunny sites or areas with watering restrictions.
• Warm-season grasses are often sold as seed, plugs or turf; some varieties are only available as plugs or sprigs.

Buy fresh seed from a reputable supplier, check the packing date, and buy a little more than you think you need so you can patch any thin spots later. The pack will state a sowing rate, usually in grams per square metre or the equivalent per square foot. Measure your area so you know how much to buy.