Conjure up a dazzling DIY lawn in time for summer
Those hoping to lay a new lawn this spring might be finding it hard to get their hands on turf during the lockdown, with many traditional outlets shutting up shop. Well, don’t despair. There’s another way to create the perfect lawn in time for summer… grow your own from seed.
It might take longer to establish than a lawn formed from turf, but starting from seed has several advantages. Apart from being cheaper, especially when covering large areas, there’s a wide range of different mixes available, from those suitable for shady gardens to ones that will result in showpiece lawns.
Prior to sowing, prepare the ground. Dig the soil over to a depth of 6in, chopping up lumps and removing weeds, along with any large stones. Roughly level with a rake and then compact by walking up and down the length on your heels.
Then begin raking the surface of the soil backwards and forwards in one direction until any lumps have gone – and draw soil into depressions and break down humps. Then rake in another direction, 90 degrees to the first. Aim to leave a flat, even surface, where the texture of the soil resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Sprinkle fertiliser over the soil and lightly rake into the top surface. This will replenish nutrients flushed out of the ground over winter and ensure that growth is strong, thick and even.
Divide the area to be sown into square yards or square metres, and then, following the instructions on the back of the packet, weigh out the appropriate amount of seeds for each square.
To avoid patchy results, sow half of the seeds in one direction and the rest at right angles. Rake into the surface.
Hungry birds can disturb seeds, so cover the newly sown area with a net held down with camping pegs or large stones. Water with a can fitted with a sprinkler or spray gently with a hose.
Seeds should germinate within seven to 21 days. During this time, ensure the ground is kept moist When seedlings are about 2½ in high, the lawn can be given its first cut. Avoid too much traffic on the lawn for at least ten weeks after sowing.