Our Latest News - Spring 2005

OVERSEEDING YOUR LAWN IN SPRING

Every year approximately a quarter of the average lawn may die. Overseeding an existing lawn will rejuvenate it without the work of starting from scratch. It will dramatically improve the appearance giving a much stronger more fresh green colour.
STEPS TO SUCCESS....
Firstly, mow the lawn as short as possible, preferably when the lawn is dry. Remove any rubbish from the surface of the lawn before mowing.
Rake the lawn using a spring tine rake to remove and break up layers of dead matted grass or thatch. You could hire a scarifying machine if you have a large lawn.
Next spike the ground with a fork or hollow tine aerator up to a depth of at least 16cm (6in) to eliminate compaction.

Top dress the lawn in with a mixture of sand, compost or loam, proportions will be dependent on soil type. This will result in denser grass growth and level out minor hollows. It will also help improve drainage by getting water and air to the roots as well as nutrients, thus improving the general health of the lawn.

Improve your existing lawn by adding a high Nitrogen feed (a low nitrogen feed if sowing in Autumn).
It is important to fertilise your lawn. Either before you sow the grass seed or within a couple of days of sowing. Scatter fertiliser evenly over lawn surface using the recommended rate on the pack then rake it in to ensure even distribution. Water the lawn after fertiliser if the weather is very dry.

Select a suitable mixture of Lawn Seed. Sow approximately 25g per sq. metre (¾ oz per sq. yard).
Ideally, sow the seed after the ground has been moistened by a good fall of rain. This will give your seed adequate moisture to start with.
Mix the seed in a bucket with general purpose compost and sand for even seed distribution.
Scatter the mixture liberally over the existing lawn area to ensure a good blend with existing grass.

Rake area so that seed comes in to contact with soil. This will improve germination. Lightly roll if possible.
Keep off the newly overseeded area if possible to allow tender young shoots to gain strength and help with establishment.
If dry weather follows overseeding, water copiously with a fine spray keeping the seedbed constantly moist.

When grass is 5-8cms (2-3in) high cut for the first time. Trim lightly and very gradually lower blades to an ideal cutting height of 25mm (1in) for mixtures containing ryegrass and 13mm (1/2in) for non ryegrass mixtures.
Mow regularly but try not to remove more than a third of the growth at any one time.
Sit down and enjoy looking at your new lawn!!!

2010-02-03 21:44

Welcome to Farm Direct, your online supplier for seeds