F&F member MrMcGregor gives tips for reseeding lawns.

Over the course of the autumn season we come out of the house and into the garden, ready to tackle the task of reseeding the lawn. It’s a simple job that can be completed either by hand or with the use of a spreader. However, it’s what we do afterwards that can diminish the opportunity to own a great-looking lawn.

Follow our simple steps below and we’re sure you won’t put a foot wrong.

Watering

For the first seven to ten days frequently sprinkle your lawn with water to keep the seed moist and hasten germination. Afterwards water your lawn for much longer but only once a week.

Reseed

Once the grass begins to grow you may consider reseeding, just to make sure all areas are covered. You may have been very thorough the first time, but there is the chance the spreader missed a spot, or birds have decided to have supper on your lawn.

One area you may want to concentrate on is around borders and beds where it is particularly difficult to get a good coverage. While you’re there you may come across some stray seeds that have germinated. While they’re still young, pull them out.

Protect

Newly emerged blades of grass can be extremely fragile and they will need protecting. Keep fallen leaves off the lawn by raking or blowing them away. If you’re using a rake, be especially careful as the roots of newly grown grass aren’t well anchored into the soil. Raking too vigorously can pull the grass straight out of the ground.

Mulching

By reducing moisture loss (evaporation), mulching protects the seeds from drying out and enhances germination rates. Floating row covers are also ideal for newly sown grass seed as they allow air, light and water through, meaning you can water right over it.
If you are not using mulch it would be advisable to use a fertiliser such as Miracle Gro Patch Magic Grass Seed & Feed to replace any nutrients being washed out of the soil.

Mow

Once your grass has grown roughly 4 inches you can begin to mow it. However, be careful of how much you cut off (no more than a third needs to be mowed, otherwise it may stress the grass beyond the point of recovery.

Mr McGregor is a guest writer for popular garden centre Notcutts, who have a special deal for customers to use over Christmas. When you spend £25 you can save £5 using this discount code: Star2011.

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