There are many reasons for overseeding a lawn area with grass seed. This could be due to general maintenance after raking or scarifying, replacing patches/minor repairs, or you may want to add specialist grass seed for shady areas to improve appearances around trees and buildings.
Whatever the reason, you should evaluate the current usage of your lawn and decide on a suitable product. If you are unsure, please give us a call on 01205 280069, where our expert advisers will be delighted to advise.
What grass seed should I use for overseeding my lawn?
At Boston Seeds, we stock a range of grass seed mixtures that are great for overseeding.If the needs of your lawn have changed, this is a great time to take this opportunity to add new grasses to your lawn.
Our BS Renovator - Lawn Repair Grass Seed is the simplest, most effective and economical way to overseed an existing lawn. This mix is a blend of three amenity dwarf perennial ryegrass varieties - the same blend used each and every year in professional sports to repair and improve grass playing surfaces. This mix of professional quality grass seed can germinate in as little as 7-10 days in ideal conditions.
Other mixes that can be used include our BS Childs Play Lawn Seed for lawns with mixed usage and BS Premier Lawn Grass Seed, which will not only repair and thicken your lawn, but also add in exceptional quality grasses, improving the quality and appearance of the lawn with each overseed.
Use a grass seed spreader for a more even spread, and follow the sowing rates on individual products.
How much grass seed do I need for overseeding a lawn?
By rule of thumb, you’ll need around 15-25g per square metre. If you are overseeding a large area then you may need around 35-30 grams per square metre. The rate for overseeding is usually lower than the rate for starting a new lawn, although sometimes adding more, particularly if ryegrass is included, will speed recovery.
If you are trying to improve your lawn by changing the type of seed then adding more will cause more of a change.
Using too much grass seed can cause dense growth that creates unnecessary competition between the grass plants, so it is important to be mindful of this.
How to Overseed Your Lawn
Ensure your lawn has some moisture
A dry lawn is not the ideal condition for overseeding. Turning on a sprinkler for a couple of hours each day, for a few days before seeding will remedy this. You don't want the ground to be soggy, but seedlings need water to germinate and root.
Spread your seed evenly by hand or with a seed spreader
The grass seed should be split into four equal quantities. It should then be spread, by hand or using a spreader, in a different direction with each lot, e.g. top to bottom, bottom to top, left to right and right to left. This will ensure even coverage.
Roll your lawn after sowing your seed
The lawn should then be rolled. Using the roller on your lawnmower (with the engine switched off) is fine if you don't have a separate roller. As a last resort, treading up and down the lawn will have the same effect of increasing soil contact and improving the end result.
This step is essential, as good seed to soil contact is necessary for successful germination. Seed left loose on the soil surface will not germinate or root effectively.
Fertilise your lawn
At this point, it is the most convenient time to fertilise the lawn, helping both the old and the new grass. Here at Boston Seeds, we stock a wide range of granular lawn fertiliser products for you to choose from. However, if you are not sure which is best for your lawn then read our article about 'Which Fertiliser To Use?' for more information and guidance.
Keep your lawn watered with daily watering
Lastly, a light daily watering, if there is no rain, will keep the seed moist without washing it away. Mowing should continue as normal, however, keep your blades sharp and keep it no lower than 1 inch for the first couple of months.
For any further information, don't hesitate to get in touch.
When should you overseed your lawn?
You should overseed your lawn when the temperature is mild and the ground is moist, typically during Spring and Autumn. These conditions give your grass seed the best conditions to grow.
Should I overseed my lawn every year?
It completely depends on the appearance and health of your lawn, however, adding overseeding into your yearly lawn care schedule can be great for ensuring your lawn remains healthy, green and overall looking great each season.
Buy your grass seed from Boston Seeds
At Boston Seeds, we stock a range of grass seed mixtures that are great for overseeding.If the needs of your lawn have changed, this is a great time to take this opportunity to add new grasses to your lawn. Take a look at our grass seed.
