Seeding PDF Print E-mail

To obtain a successful lawn by the seeding method requires more preparation work than when laying turf.

PROCEDURES FOR SEEDING:

The best time for seeding is in spring and autumn when the ground is warm and there are no frosts.

(See the notes in the Turfing section - ‘Working Out the Area’ and Preparation 1).

1.  Rotavating:

Rotavate in several directions to break up the soil.  The advantage of using a rotavator is that it is the quickest way to produce a good tilth. The disadvantage is that the ground will need consolidating later.

2.  Rough Level:

Rake over area to get a rough level.  Avoid accumulating loads of stones and rubbish.

3.  Firm with your feet.

4.  Raking:

Rake over the area with a landscape rake in several directions using a push/pull technique keeping the rake as parallel to the ground as possible.

5.  Pre-seed Fertiliser:

A pre-seed fertiliser can be used before applying the seed.  A general application rate for this would be in the region of 30gm per square metre.  This should be applied in two halves, one half in one direction and the other half in the other direction to ensure even coverage.

6.  Seed Sowing:

Seed should be applied by hand or using a lawn spreader in the same way that pre-seed fertiliser is applied in two halves  The application rate is 30gms per square metre or one ounce per square yard. On very large areas this rate can be dropped to 10gms per square metre.

7.  Raking:

After spreading the seed run the back of a springbok rake over the area.

8.  Cutting:

The lawn should be cut when the grass reaches 1.5” in height.

9.  Rolling:

This should only be done after the first cut.