Not Preparing the Soil Properly
If you just scatter seeds on hard, uneven, or weedy ground, they won’t have a good chance to grow. Before you sow your seeds, you need to prepare the soil. This means clearing away any weeds, loosening the soil with a rake or garden fork, and making sure the ground is nice and level. If you don’t rake your garden, its more likely that the seeds won’t contact the soil as debris like moss, leaves and in worst cases thatch can create a barrier between the two.
You might even want to add some fertiliser or compost to give your seeds a nutrient-rich start. Fertiliser will help your garden soil to encourage strong and dense growth. When adding fertiliser its important to choose a carefully formulated one that provides nutritional benefits while being easy to apply.
Sowing Seeds Too Deep or Too Shallow
Grass seeds are pretty small, and they need just the right amount of soil cover to grow. If you bury them too deep, they won’t be able to reach the sunlight they need to sprout. If you leave them too shallow, they might dry out or get washed away by rain. The proper placement of grass seed is crucial. Firstly, grass seed should be positioned on the soil’s surface, ensuring it is no deeper than 2-3mm.
Secondly, for optimal germination, grass seed requires firm contact with the soil, which can be achieved by gently treading or lightly rolling the area. Thirdly, if the seed is planted too deeply or covered with an excessive amount of soil or top soil, its ability to sprout may be severely hindered as the sun can’t reach it. You’ll significantly increase the likelihood of a healthy and vibrant lawn by lightly covering each seed.
Over or Under-Watering
A main component for a healthy grass lawn is using the correct amount of water. If you over or under water your grass seed, this can cause problems. If you over-water, the seeds can rot or get washed away. If you under-water, they’ll dry out and won’t sprout. You need to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Gentle watering with a fine spray is best, especially in the first few weeks. Imagine you are giving the seeds a gentle drink, not a bath!
Sowing at the Wrong Time of Year
Most grass seeds prefer to be sown in the spring or early autumn, when the weather is mild and there’s plenty of moisture. Sowing in the middle of summer, when it’s hot and dry, isn’t ideal as the soil lacks moisture. In recent years, dry springs are happening more and more. It can also be problematic if you try to plant your seeds when it’s too cold. When it’s cold and frosty, can make it much harder for the seeds to grow.
The best time to sow grass seed where you live is most likely to be spring, but if its too dry consider building a ‘moisture reservoir’ by watering the soil a few days before seeding. If you have issues with dry soil, you can also cover the newly watered soil and seeds with a polythene sheet. This will trap the moisture, creating a moist atmosphere while protecting the seeds from birds and the weather.
Ignoring Weeds and Pests
Weeds and pests can turn your nicely seeded grass lawn into a patchy mess. Weeds can prevent water and nutrients from reaching your grass seeds, making it hard for them to grow strong. Before you sow your seeds, make sure you’ve removed any weeds from the area. Once your grass starts to grow, keep an eye out for any new weeds or pests and deal with them quickly. There are lots of ways to deal with weeds and pests, like pulling them out by hand or using natural pest control methods.
Get in Touch!
Sowing a lawn doesn’t have to be a complicated task, and with the right seeds, fertiliser and turf you can get the job done properly. At Jubilee Seeds we provide a various selection of seeds including fast growing grass seed.
If you’re struggling with your lawn, don’t despair. The Jubilee Seeds Advice Centre is a very useful resource for all gardeners and groundskeepers wanting to create, maintain and regain a lush, green lawn in the face of adverse conditions. If you require any specific mixes or special requirements you can always contact us on 01531825299 or send us a message us at sales@jubileeseeds.co.uk.