Spring has arrived, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to refresh your garden.
After the long winter months, your lawn may need some extra care and attention to look its best for the summer months.
Our guide covers everything you need to know about sowing seeds in spring, from choosing your seeds to preparation and planting.
Can you sow seeds in spring?
Yes, you can sow seeds in spring; in fact, it is one of the best and most crucial times to do so.
Spring brings warmer temperatures, lighter days, and improved weather conditions, all creating the ideal conditions for germination and growth.
However, it is important to take a steady approach when sowing seeds in spring, as your lawn will be recovering from the harsh winter weather.
What month is best to sow seeds?
The best month to sow seeds depends on a few different factors, such as:
- The type of seed you are planting
- Your local climate
- Your garden’s current condition
If you are planting cool-weather crops like kale, broccoli, and spinach, then we would recommend sowing these seeds in March.
These types of seeds prefer cooler temperatures and can tolerate any light frost left over from winter.
For cool-weather and hardy annuals, such as cornflowers and marigolds, April is the ideal month for optimal germination, as any risk of frost will have passed.
In May, you can expect warmer soil and temperatures as we approach summer, which makes it the perfect time to sow warm-weather crops like cucumbers, squash, and sweet potatoes.
What are the best seeds to plant in spring?
March through May provides the ideal conditions to plant a variety of seeds, due to the warmer temperatures and increased sunlight, essential for your seedlings to germinate and grow.
Here are some of the types of seeds you can plant at various times throughout spring:
March
Vegetables:
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Aubergines
- Broad beans
- Beetroot
- Radish
- Spring onions
Herbs:
- Parsley
- Dill
- Chives
- Cilantro
Flowers:
- Cosmos
- Cornflowers
- Nicotiana
- Cleome
- Clarkia
March is also an excellent time for sowing cool-season grasses, such as Perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and Tall fescue, as these grass types thrive in cooler temperatures.
April
Vegetables:
- Chillies
- Tomatoes
- Courgettes
- Celeriac
- Peas
- Marrows
Herbs:
- Thyme
- Sage
- Cilantro
- Basil
Flowers:
- Alyssum
- Borage
- Poppies
- Sunflowers
- Sweet peas
- Zinnias
If you missed your opportunity to sow grass seed in March, do not worry.
April still offers the ideal conditions to plant cool-season grasses like Fescue and Ryegrass.
May
Vegetables:
- Sweetcorn
- Peppers
- Runner beans
- Radish
- Carrots
- Lettuce
- Spinach
Herbs:
- Rosemary
- Oregano
- Basil
Flowers:
- Cornflower
- Scabious
- Nasturtiums
- Bishop’s flower
For those wanting to sow grass seed during this month, May is an ideal time for sowing warm-season grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, and Buffalo grass, particularly for those who live in areas with hot summers.
Preparing your garden for spring planting
Taking the time to prepare your garden before you begin sowing ensures your seeds get off to the best possible start.
A well-prepared lawn not only promotes healthy and quick germination but also reduces the risk of your seeds being affected by issues like pests and poor soil conditions.
Preparing your garden does not have to be a complicated process; in fact, by following a few simple steps, you can create the perfect environment for your seeds to flourish:
- Clear away any debris. After winter, you may find that your lawn has been left with dead leaves, weeds, or dead plant material. This can create a build-up of thatch, which can be removed by scarifying your lawn.
- Test your soil. Use a soil test kit to check its pH and nutrient levels. Ideally, your soil will need to have a pH of 6.0–7.0 for most seedlings to thrive.
- Feed your soil. If your soil is lacking in nutrients, you can apply our specially formulated Nourish & Nurture Fertiliser to enrich the soil. However, if you need to raise the pH levels of your soil, you will need to add lime, while those looking to lower it will need to use sulphur.
- Calculate the amount of seed you need. This step is particularly important for those planting grass seed in the spring. The amount of grass seed you need depends on the size of your lawn, so you will need to ensure you have taken accurate measurements.
- Choose your planting layout. If you are planting flowers or vegetables, we recommend grouping your plants by similar sunlight, water, and nutrient needs. You will also need to ensure that there is adequate space for each plant to grow and receive air, water, and nutrients.
How to sow grass seeds in spring
Now that you are aware of the best way to prepare your lawn, it’s time to explore how to sow grass in spring.
Follow these simple steps:
- Choose the correct seeds. Select seeds that are suitable for your gardens and the conditions in your area. For example, if you live in an area that does not receive much rainfall and has hot summers, then Bermuda grass would be a great choice.
- Follow the instructions. Always check the packaging of your chosen grass seed, as this will detail the recommended seeding rate. You should always follow this to avoid overcrowding your seeds.
- Spread the seed. To achieve your dream lawn, you want to ensure you sow the seed as evenly as possible. If you have a larger lawn, you may prefer to use a spreader for even distribution.
- Lightly rake the soil. Doing this ensures optimal seed-to-soil contact, leading to your seedlings germinating more effectively.
- Water regularly. This is essential for your seeds, particularly during the germination phase, as regular watering helps support initial growth, keeps the soil moist, and promotes even sprouting of seeds.
- The first mow. You must wait at least three weeks before mowing your new lawn, as this gives your seedlings enough time to grow and establish roots.
- Feed your new lawn. Continue to nourish your new lawn and ensure it receives all the nutrients it needs with our well-balanced Perfect Prep Fertiliser to promote continued growth.
What are the benefits of sowing seeds in spring?
It is no secret that spring is one of the best times to sow seeds in order to achieve a lush and enviable lawn.
| Fast Facts Whether you are planting our Bursting Blooms wildflower mix, a thick lawn, or a hearty vegetable patch, here are the benefits of doing so in spring: Warmer weather. More mild and consistent temperatures create the ideal environment for seeds to germinate. Increased sunlight. Spring brings more sun, which is crucial for photosynthesis. More moisture. Occasional rainfalls provide natural hydration to your seeds and soil and reduce the reliance on manual watering. Aids lawn recovery. Your lawn is tested to its limits in winter, so spring provides the perfect conditions for overseeding and thickening your lawn to promote recovery. Seed varieties. This season allows you to plant a variety of seeds in your garden, including vegetables, flowers, grass, and even fruits! Natural weed resistance. Sowing seeds in spring allows them to be fully established before weeds appear. Lack of pests. Pests tend to be less active in the spring months, so your seedlings can germinate and establish without interruption. Perfect timing. Planting grass seeds, flowers, or vegetables in the spring will ensure they flourish by summer so you can enjoy them. |
Ready to put a spring back in your lawn?
Take advantage of spring and the conditions it brings to refresh your lawn and get it summer-ready.
With the right level of preparation and care, sowing grass seeds in the spring can ensure your lawn stays lush and healthy all year round.
Get started today and take our quiz to be matched with your perfect bundle, tailored to your lawn’s needs.
