10 Point Plan to Establish a New Lawn
- Clear Area:
Ensure the area is clear of debris (stones, bricks, wood, etc.) and take time to completely clear weeds.
- Prepare Bed:
Prepare the seed bed by digging or renovating to a minimum depth of 15cm. Removing any further roots, stones or debris. Break down larger pieces of soil.
- Level:
You can create an even, uniform surface by raking and dragging a straight edge (such as a length of heavy timber) in different directions.
- Pre-seeding:
Use a pre-seeding fertiliser at this stage to ensure the correct nutrients are available for good root and shoot development. Spread the fertiliser and rake into the prepared ground.
- Final Preparations:
The area should be reasonably firm before sowing. Use a roller or walk over the area. Finish by raking the area level and remove any remaining clods or stones. This will also help to provide a fine tilth on the surface, ready for sowing.
- Sowing:
The grass seed should be sown according to the recommendation for the selected mixture. This is usually 35 - 50 gms/m2. It may help to divide the area and the quantity of seed to help judge the sowing rate. If you use a seed or fertiliser spreader, test the correct aperture setting by placing a piece of sheeting on a smooth surface and test the flow of seed through the machine.
- Raking:
Once the seeding is complete, give the area light raking to cover the majority of the seed, but without burying it too depp (5mm max). Give the area a light roll once sown and raked; this will help keep the seed in contact with the moist soil.
- Watering:
If conditions are hot and dry after sowing, it may be beneficial to apply water. The best time to do this is early evening.
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Cutting:
Cut the lawn when it reaches 6cm. Frequent (but not short) cuts stimulate shoot growth which increases establishment and improves appearance.
- Cutting Height:
Gradually adjust the cutting height of the grass to your own preference over a period of weeks.