Creating a lush, green lawn from grass seed is a rewarding project that starts with careful planning and preparation. Knowing when to plant, how to prepare the soil, and the right tools and materials to use can make all the difference in achieving a successful lawn.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through each essential step, from preparing the soil and ensuring the best conditions for germination all the way through to maintaining your lawn.
Whether you’re sowing a new lawn or overseeding an existing one, these techniques will help you create a strong foundation for vibrant, healthy grass that enhances your outdoor space.
What will you need?
There’s more to planting grass seed than just buying a bag, scattering it on the ground and hoping for the best. To give your seed the best chance of growing into a vibrant, thick lawn, consider investing in the equipment below…
| Equipment and tools Garden tiller or fork: To loosen and prepare the soil. A tiller is useful for larger areas, while a garden fork can be used for smaller spaces or tighter spots. Rake: For levelling the soil and breaking up clumps. A garden rake is essential for smoothing the soil surface and ensuring an even seedbed. Broadcast spreader: For evenly distributing grass seed over larger areas. There are manual and push-type spreaders available, which help ensure consistent coverage. Hands seeder or seed spreader: For smaller areas or precision seeding. This tool allows you to sow seed evenly by hand. Soil test kit: To test soil pH and nutrient levels. This helps you understand what amendments are needed to optimise soil conditions for grass growth. Sprinkler or hose: For watering the newly seeded area. A sprinkler can cover larger areas more efficiently, while a hose with a fine spray nozzle is useful for smaller patches. Garden gloves: To protect your hands while preparing the soil and handling seeds. Shovel: For digging and moving soil or compost, especially if you’re preparing a larger area. Levelling tool: Such as a straightedge or board to help create a smooth, even seedbed. |
| Supplies Grass seed: Choose high-quality seed suited to your climate, soil type, and lawn conditions. Fertiliser: Our Perfect Prep Fertiliser which is high in phosphorus to encourage root development. Make sure to follow application instructions. Soil amendments: Based on soil test results, you may need lime (to raise pH) or sulphur (to lower pH), as well as compost or organic matter to improve soil structure and fertility. Mulch or seed blanket: Straw, hay, or a commercial seed blanket to protect seeds, retain moisture, and reduce erosion. Watering can or sprinkler system: For initial watering and maintaining soil moisture during germination. |
| Optional tools Aerator: For established lawns or if the soil is compacted. Aerating the soil before planting can improve seed-to-soil contact and root growth. Dethatcher: To remove thatch from existing lawns, which can improve seed germination and lawn health. Tarp or weed barrier: To cover the soil if you’re waiting for optimal weather conditions to plant. This can also help keep seeds from being washed away or disturbed by birds. |
Measuring your lawn
Accurate lawn measurement is essential for getting the right amount of grass seed and materials. Here’s a quick guide for measuring common shapes:
- Rectangular or square areas
Measure the length and width in metres or feet, then multiply them to get the area (e.g. 10 meters x 5 meters = 50 square metres). - Circular areas
Measure the diameter across the centre, then find the radius by dividing it by 2. Calculate the area using the formula: π × (radius)² (e.g., for an 8-metre diameter, the area is approximately 50 square metres). - Irregular shapes
Break the area into simple shapes (rectangles, circles, triangles), measure each, calculate their areas, and add them together for the total. - Triangular areas
Measure the base and height, then use the formula: (base x height) / 2 to get the area.
For larger or odd-shaped areas, a measuring wheel can help trace the perimeter. Remember to clear obstacles, double-check your measurements, and sketch complex shapes for accuracy. This process ensures you’ll have the right amount of grass seed and materials for your lawn.
What to check before planting grass seed
Before you begin planting grass seed, it’s important to check and prepare several key components to ensure the best possible conditions for seed germination and growth.
Soil conditions
- Type: Check if your soil is sandy, loamy, or clay. This will affect drainage and nutrient availability. Loamy soil is ideal, but if you have clay or sandy soil, you may need to amend it.
- pH: Test the soil pH using a soil test kit. Grass typically prefers a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Adjust the pH if necessary with lime (to raise pH) or sulpur (to lower pH).
- Fertility: Assess nutrient levels. Apply our Perfect Prep fertiliser, high in phosphorus to promote root development, based on soil test recommendations.
Weather conditions
- Temperature: Ensure the soil temperature is appropriate for the grass seed you’re planting. Most cool-season grasses germinate well between 8°C and 15°C, while warm-season grasses may require higher temperatures.
- Rainfall: Check the weather forecast. Ideally, you want to plant before a period of moderate rainfall to help the seeds germinate. Avoid planting during heavy rains, which can wash away seeds, or during drought conditions.
Sunlight and shade
- Light conditions: Evaluate the amount of sunlight the area receives. Choose grass varieties suited to the sunlight conditions of your lawn—full sun, partial shade, or full shade.
Site preparation
- Weed control: Remove existing weeds and debris from the area. Weeds compete with grass for resources, so ensure the site is clear.
- Soil loosening: Check if the soil needs to be loosened. Compact or hard soil can hinder seed germination and root growth. Use a tiller or fork to break up compacted soil.
Equipment and supplies
- Tools: Verify that you have all necessary tools and equipment, including a rake, broadcast spreader, watering system, and soil test kit.
- Seed quality: Ensure you have high-quality grass seed suited to your climate and lawn conditions. Check the seed packaging for germination rates and any specific planting instructions.
Irrigation plan
- Watering system: Ensure you have a reliable method for watering the newly planted seeds. This might include a sprinkler system or a hose with a fine spray nozzle.
Timing
- Optimal planting time: Determine the best time to plant based on the season and grass type. Cool-season grasses are best planted in spring or early autumn, while warm-season grasses should be planted in late spring or early summer.
Preparing the seed bed
Preparing a seed bed properly is crucial for successful grass seed germination and growth. Here’s what you need to do.
Clear the area
Clear the area of any debris, such as rocks, sticks, and old grass or weeds. You want to create a clean seedbed for the new grass.
If there are existing weeds, remove them using a garden hoe, weed puller, or a non-selective herbicide. Weeds can compete with grass seeds for nutrients and water.
Test and amend the soil
Conduct a soil test to determine pH levels and nutrient content. The test will help you understand if you need to amend the soil.
If necessary, adjust the soil pH. Incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure, fertility, and moisture retention.
Loosen the soil
Use a garden tiller, fork, or spade to loosen the top 2-3 inches of soil. The process improves aeration and helps the seeds make good contact with the soil.
Ensure the soil is crumbly and free of large clumps or hard pans. Breaking up these clumps helps create a better environment for seed germination.
Level the soil
Use a garden rake to smooth out the soil surface and remove any remaining debris. Rake the soil in a crisscross pattern to level it and create an even seedbed.
Fill in any low spots to prevent water from pooling, which can lead to uneven growth and potential seed washout.
Apply fertiliser
Apply a starter fertiliser that is high in phosphorus to promote root development. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct application rate.
Ensure the fertiliser is evenly distributed across the seedbed to avoid concentrated areas of high nutrients, which can harm the grass seeds.
| Don’t forget to dethatch If you’re overseeding, and your lawn has a thick layer of thatch (more than 1/2 inch), consider dethatching. Thatch can prevent seeds from reaching the soil. Use a dethatching machine or rake to remove excess thatch. Be gentle to avoid damaging the existing grass. |
Planting your grass seed
You’re now ready to lay down your seed – here’s how to do it so you ensure your grass has the best chance of thriving
Apply the seed
Distribute the seed evenly across the prepared soil. Follow the recommended seeding rate on the seed package.
For overseeding, you’ll want to use about 1/4 to 1/2 of the rate used for starting a new lawn.
Lightly rake the soil to cover the seeds with a thin layer.
Water the seeds
Water the area thoroughly right after sowing. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate.
Avoid overwatering, which can lead to seed washout or fungal problems.
Protect the seed bed
Consider applying a thin layer of straw or a seed blanket to protect the seeds, retain moisture, and reduce erosion.
Keep an eye out for weeds and remove them to reduce competition with the new grass.
Avoid walking on the newly seeded areas to prevent disturbing the seeds and compacting the soil.
Monitor the area
Monitor the seeded areas for signs of germination. Depending on the grass type, it may take 7-14 days for seeds to start sprouting.
Caring for your lawn
Your grass seed is beginning to grow, but what comes next?
Mow and fertilise
Wait until the new grass reaches about 3-4 inches in height before mowing. Set the mower to a higher setting to avoid cutting the new grass too short.
After the new grass has established, apply our Nourish & Nurture Fertiliser to promote healthy growth. Follow the recommended application rates and timing.
Perform regular maintenance
Adjust your watering schedule as the new grass establishes and matures. Reduce the frequency as needed.
Continue with regular lawn maintenance practices, including mowing, fertilisation, and weed control, to keep your lawn healthy and lush.
| Sowing by hand or using a spreader? How to decide When sowing grass seed, you have two main options: using a spreader or sowing by hand. Each method has unique benefits and is suited to different situations. Spreaders are ideal for large areas, offering efficient, even distribution and reducing seed waste. With consistent coverage, spreaders make quick work of big lawns, especially if calibrated well, and come in types like broadcast spreaders (for wide coverage) and drop spreaders (for more precise placement). Hand sowing, on the other hand, is best for small or irregular areas where precision is needed. It’s cost-effective as it requires no equipment, though it can be labor-intensive and may result in uneven germination if not done carefully. Dividing the seed and sowing in different directions can help improve coverage. |
FAQs
Do you plant grass seed on top or under soil?
Grass seed should be planted on or just below the soil surface. The seeds need to be in contact with the soil for proper germination. Generally, grass seeds are very small and don’t need to be buried deeply. For most types of grass seed, a thin layer of soil covering the seed (about 1/8 to 1/4 inch) is sufficient.
Do I need to cover grass seed with soil?
It is beneficial to cover grass seed lightly with soil. Covering the seeds with a thin layer of soil helps protect them from birds, prevents them from drying out, and improves seed-to-soil contact, which aids germination.
Can I just throw grass seed on soil?
While you can scatter grass seed on the soil, it is not the most effective method. Simply throwing seeds on the soil can lead to uneven distribution and poor seed-to-soil contact. For better results, lightly rake the soil after seeding to ensure seeds are in contact with the soil and have good coverage.
Should you wet grass seed?
Grass seed should be kept consistently moist until germination occurs. Water the area lightly and frequently to keep the soil surface moist but not waterlogged. This helps the seeds germinate and establish. Avoid heavy watering that can wash the seeds away.
What months are best to put grass seed down?
Generally speaking, seeds are best sown in early spring (March to May) or late summer to early autumn (August to September) when temperatures are cooler.
Warmer-seasons seeds are ideal for sowing between late spring and early summer (April to June) when temperatures are warmer and frost risk is low.
Do you put topsoil or grass seed first?
If you are preparing a new lawn or overseeding an existing one, apply and prepare the topsoil first. This involves clearing the area, amending the soil, and creating a suitable seedbed. After preparing the soil, sow the grass seed. For overseeding, it’s also helpful to lightly rake the soil to create a good seed-to-soil contact before seeding.
Ready to take your lawn to the next level?
You are now equipped with all the knowledge you need to create a new lawn from scratch or overseed existing grass with finesse.
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