Sow the lawn perfectly - this is how it works in premium quality

Sow the lawn perfectly - this is how it works in premium quality

When is the best time to re-sow the lawn?

The time window for sowing lawn seeds opens twice a year. So that the light germs grow into a dense carpet after the shortest possible germination period, you should scatter the lawn seeds at this point:

  • When in spring the soil temperature permanently exceeds 10 degrees
  • The best time for the first sowing is from the beginning of May to the beginning of June
  • The second suitable time for new lawn sowing is in autumn from mid-September to early October

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The long time that the grass roots have to grow vitally speaks in favor of sowing in spring. A time in autumn scores with sun-warm soil for a short germination period and reduced watering, as it rains more frequently during this time of year.

The most important types of lawn at a glance

A new lawn is without a doubt one of the most demanding tasks in the garden. Choosing the best possible lawn seeds plays an important role in ensuring that your efforts are crowned with success. The following overview presents the most important types of lawn as a decision-making aid:

Types of lawn for sowingEnglish lawnShadow lawnUtility lawnSports and play lawnDry grassCheap grass
Ideal number of shoots / m²100,00090,00080,00060,00050,00020,000 (minimum)
Shade tolerancehighvery highmedium / lowmedium / lowlowmedium / low
Durabilitydurabledurablevery durablevery durablewalkablewalkable
Weedsvery lowlowlowlowmediumhigh
Water requirementvery highhighmediummediumlowvery high
Fertilize4 times a year3-4 times a year2-3 times a year2-3 times a year0-1 x annually3-4 times a year

Prepare the earth properly - this is how the rough subgrade succeeds

In order for lawn seeds to actually germinate and grow after sowing, careful preparation of the soil is required. When the time for re-sowing the lawn has been chosen, treat the soil as follows:

  • Dig the soil 1-2 spades deep at least 14 days before sowing
  • Remove all weeds, roots, stones and debris
  • Spread the compost and horn meal and work into the top soil layer with a rake
  • Spread a layer of sand on the loamy clay soil and rake in
  • Roll the earth and water repeatedly with a fine jet of water

Now the area should rest until the lawn seeds have been sown so that the earth can settle. In very dry weather, we recommend blasting the ground repeatedly over the next 2-3 weeks. During this time, if possible, do not enter or roll the area in order not to cause unnecessary soil compaction.

Tips

A heavily weed area should not be tilled before sowing grass, because this machine also distributes the weeds in the ground. Soil preparation by means of trenches is advantageous in this case. You dig the ground in stages and throw the earth through a sieve. The last furrow dug is filled with the cleaned earth. The last trench is filled with the clean soil from the first furrow.

This fine subgrade is what lawn seeds want

After a reasonable rest period, make the fine subgrade on the day of sowing. This working step between the rough preparation of the soil and the spreading of the lawn seeds is advisable both in spring and in autumn from mid-September to early October. A soil that is as finely crumbly as possible shortens the germination time considerably. How to do it right:

  • Scrape the surface of the earth with the rake and weed it thoroughly
  • Work the soil with the rake in such a way that a fine crumbly surface is created
  • Should larger clumps show up, roll and rake the earth again
  • Do not step on the area until sowing

Only be satisfied with the surface when it is completely flat and crumbly like sand cake. For this care, you will be rewarded with a short germination time and a disproportionate germination rate of the lawn seeds.

Sow lawn seeds in an exemplary manner - this is how it works

If the perfectly prepared area spreads out in front of you, you have mastered the most strenuous part of new lawn sowing in an exemplary manner. Ideally, a spreader or hand spreader is available for the next step in order to distribute the lawn seeds evenly. How to proceed:

  • Mix the lawn seeds well by hand and pour into the device for spreading
  • Spread the lawn seeds on the ground lengthways and crossways
  • Use the rake to work the light germs a maximum of 1 centimeter deep into the earth
  • Roll the seedbed in a checkerboard pattern for optimal soil contact
  • Finally, water the lawn seeds with a fine shower head

In the next 3 weeks, the main focus of the maintenance work is the adequate water supply for the sowing. Water the lawn seeds 4-5 times a day for 10 minutes each time. Under no circumstances should the earth become muddy. Enter the area only for this measure, so that the seedlings grow and thrive in peace.

As has repeatedly been found in field tests, the simultaneous distribution of lawn seeds and starter fertilizer has a disadvantageous effect on the germination time or has no influence at all. This applies both to new lawn sowing in spring and autumn from mid-September to early October. Therefore limit yourself to regular watering in the first few weeks.

How much lawn seed should be distributed per square meter?

The optimal seed rate depends on the type of lawn selected in each individual case. You can read the exact information on the packaging of the lawn seeds. If this information is no longer available, an amount of 20 to 25 grams of lawn seeds per square meter is considered appropriate. The following table is intended to provide assistance in converting the required amount of lawn seed in kilograms:

Lawn area in sqmKg of seeds at a dosage of 20 g / m2Kg of seeds with a dosage of 25 g / qm
50 sqm1.00 kg1.25 kg
100 sqm2.00 kg2.50 kg
150 sqm3.00 kg3.75 kg
200 sqm4.00 kg5.00 kg
500 sqm10.00 kg12.50 kg
750 sqm15.00 kg18.75 kg
1,000 sqm20.00 kg25.00 kg
2,000 sqm40.00 kg50.00 kg

When is the lawn mowed for the first time after sowing?

A large number of factors determine the further course of growth after re-sowing the lawn. The germination time depends on the quality of the lawn seed as well as on the weather conditions. We therefore do not measure the time for the first mowing pass in days and weeks, but in the height of the stalks. When the grass has reached a height of 8-10 centimeters, you are mowing your new lawn for the first time.

When is fertilization for the first time after new lawn sowing?

If you have mowed your new lawn for the first time after sowing, this is the ideal time for the first application of fertilizer. A soil analysis reveals the actual need for nutrients. You should pay attention to the following aspects:

  • Pamper your new lawn with a nitrogen and phosphate fertilizer in spring
  • Give a preparation rich in potassium after reseeding lawn in autumn
  • Give preference to organic or organic-mineral fertilizers

It is important to note that after fertilizing, you repeatedly irrigate the lawn until the agent has been completely absorbed by the lawn. Until then, the green should not be entered or mowed.

Tips

As light germs, lawn seeds are helplessly at the mercy of pecking birds, because a protective layer of earth has to be dispensed with. Experienced hobby gardeners therefore sift the lawn seeds with the Vermiculite seed helper. The fine silicate platelets let enough light through, store rainwater and protect the fine seeds from hungry beaks.