Sowing grass seed at the right time of year is essential for cultivating a healthy and vibrant lawn.
Timing is everything, especially when ensuring your grass not only germinates successfully but also continues to thrive for months ahead.
Whether you are starting on a new lawn or sowing grass seed on an existing lawn, we are here to provide you with the essential information you need to achieve the best results, come rain or shine.
Continue reading to find out when to sow grass seed to achieve your perfect lawn…
Planning when to sow grass seed in the UK
The UK experiences a variety of weather conditions and temperatures throughout the year, so careful planning is key when you want to ensure the successful germination of your seeds.
Key factors to consider when preparing to sow grass seed are:
- Timing. Choosing the right time of year, which is typically spring or autumn in the UK/
- Soil conditions. Checking that you have the correct soil type (clay, sandy, loamy), and testing its pH level, aiming for a range of 6.0-7.0 for optimal growth.
- Seed selection. Selecting the grass seed most appropriate for your existing lawn condition, such as shade-tolerant or drought-resistant mixes. Our Special Thick & Thriving Seed Mix is formulated for quick growth and a durable, lush lawn.
- Area preparation. Ensuring your lawn is clear of old weeds, stones, and debris to provide your mix with a clean seedbed.
- Fertilisation. Applying our high-quality Perfect Prep Fertiliser, which is packed with essential nutrients to promote germination.
If weeds are present throughout your lawn, these must be removed before you start sowing.
You may consider manually removing them or using weed killer to remove these common garden pests.
Our specialised Weed Wipeout is designed to remove weeds effectively without causing harm to your lawn.
When should I be sowing grass seed?
When you should be sowing depends on the type of seed you are planning to use.
This is because different seeds grow at various temperature ranges.
Cool-season grass seed – September to October
These are seeds that will thrive in cooler temperatures, ideally between 12.8°C and 23.9°C.
Types of cool-season grasses include:
- Kentucky Bluegrass
- Fine Fescues
- Perennial Ryegrass
- Tall Fescues
To reap the benefits of a lush lawn, you are best sowing cool-season grass seeds in autumn (September to October).
Warm-season grass seed – March to May
If you’re located in a warmer region, you may want to opt for a warm-season grass seed to achieve optimal lawn growth.
These types of grass seeds flourish in warmer temperatures of 21°C to 32°C.
Varieties of warm-season grass seeds include:
- Bermudagrass
- Zoysiagrass
- Centipedegrass
- St.Augustinegrass
- Buffalograss
Warm-season grass seeds should ideally be planted in spring (March to May), as the soil temperatures will be heating up, promoting germination.
| Top Tip Avoid seeding warm and cool season grasses before their optimal temperatures, as this can lead to growth being unsuccessful. |
Why should I not sow grass seed in summer or winter?
It can be easy to think that you can sow grass seed at any time of the year; after all, it will still grow, won’t it?
However, this is a common misconception which is often put into practice by many, leading to disappointing results.
In summer, the higher temperatures can add stress to young grass and contribute to a lack of moisture in the soil.
However, in winter, low temperatures can lead to frost, which can prevent germination and root establishment.
Best practices for sowing grass seed
To achieve the best results when sowing your grass seed, it is important to combine your knowledge of sowing grass seed with some best practices.
Here are some tips to help you achieve an enviable lawn:
Monitor the weather. Ideally, for sowing your grass seeds on an existing or new lawn, you want a forecast of mild temperatures and light rain. This will ensure your seeds have the ideal amount of moisture for germination.
Water regularly. While this may seem obvious, this is particularly important during the germination phase, as it supports initial growth, promotes even sprouting among seeds, and prevents seeds from losing moisture.
Prepare your soil. In addition to testing your soil, you want to ensure your soil is well-aerated. You can do this by using a rake to level the surface and creating small holes in the soil to improve drainage and seed-to-soil contact.
Sow evenly. This is easily done when using a seed spreader to evenly distribute the grass seed across your prepared area. After you have done this, you can lightly rake the soil to promote contact with the seeds.
Follow the seeding rates. Your chosen grass seed will have a recommended seeding rate on its packaging. Ideally, you should follow this, as failure to do so can result in overcrowding of your seeds.
Pest protection. Seeds and young grass are more vulnerable to pests, as they are not yet fully matured and have weaker structures. Consider using netting or fencing to protect your seeds from garden visitors such as rabbits and birds.
Post germination care. Approximately 2-4 weeks after germination, you should plan to fertilise your newly grown grass. At this stage, your grass should have reached a height of 5–7 cm and established its roots.
| Top Tip You should plan to apply a second round of fertiliser to your lawn 6–8 weeks after the first application. |
Ready to take your lawn to the next level?
Knowing when to sow grass seed is essential for achieving a thriving and healthy lawn.
Now that you understand how to prepare and have learned more about the specific requirements of certain grass types, you will be able to choose the best sowing period and provide the perfect level of care for your seeds.
To help you get started on your sowing journey, why not take our online quiz to find out which products are the perfect fit for your lawn?
