Sowing A New Lawn From Seed

The first step in sowing anew lawn is to apply a turf starter fertiliser that has an N:P:K (nitrogen: phosphorous: potassium) ratio of 8:10:8. This is low in nitrogen compared with normal fertiliser, but is the best balance for new grass. Nitrogen helps leaf growth, which is not important at this stage. Phosphorous and potassium are needed for root and stem development. Read the fertiliser pack and apply at the recommended rate, normally 25-40 grams per square metre.

By this time you should have purchased the best type of grass for what your client needs. To calculate the amount of seed, measure the area of lawn you intend to sow and multiply by the application rate printed on the seed pack.

Eg. The lawn area is 75m2 Application rate say 40gm/m2 Amount of seed required 75 X 40 = 3,000gm or 3kg

So, for an area of 75m2 you will need 3kg of grass seed. The best way to apply this is to divide the quantity of seed in half and sow one half in one direction and the other at right angles to the first. This will ensure an even coverage.

Also weigh out the correct amount for a metre square and measure out with string a metre and sow this small area with the measured amount and see how it looks, this will give you a visual idea of the coverage needed.

Now that the seed is all in, rake the area lightly to mix with soil. Do not be tempted to roll as you can cause compaction.

The next stage will be the most difficult - watering. Once the sowing process is complete, water the area thoroughly but not to the point of run off. If puddles start to form the seed will be washed into these areas and an uneven germination will result. You may also find the seed ends up in the drain or on the paths and garden beds.

Ask the client to water the new sown seed daily until germination begins. This will vary according to the time of the year, temperature and grass type, but it will be from 5 to 30 days. Once it has germinated, watering can be reduced over several weeks to the standard once or twice per week.

Remember the watering of new sown turf is important. If your client does not perform this simple task, the chances of success are limited. This will reflect on you.

Also remember that too little water is worse than none at all. If not enough water is used the roots will stay near the surface near the water, but by watering the correct amount the roots will follow the water down. If the client cannot water then see if you can get the job, at least you know it will be done correctly.

Once the grass has reached 50-75mm in height it is time for the first mow. Do not take any more than the top 10 mm off the new grass. This high mowing will encourage the grass to tiller or produce new shoots from the base. At each subsequent mow, lower the cutting height until you reach the ideal cutting height for that particular type of grass.

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