Which is the best grass seed?

What to consider when choosing grass seed

Quality

There are, of course, varying degrees of grass seed that is good quality, but here at The Grass People, all our seed is tested and is above the EU minimum standard for purity/germination. EU standards dictate that, depending on the species in question, the seed must be at least 85-96% pure.

Our seed meets the UK Governments HVS (Higher Voluntary Standard)

A bag of top-quality seed that meets HVS (Higher Voluntary Standard) purity will have a purity of approximately 96.5%, and our grass seed exceeds that - if you need proof, please ask us!

Why does quality matter?

• Low-quality grass seed mixes are likely to contain weed seeds
• Low-quality grass seed mixes may also be filled with filler product that isn’t grass seed
• Pure seed will result to better germination, health and longevity for your lawn

We are confident in the high quality of our grass seed so, we have a Grass Seed Growth Guarantee. This is to reassure you that if you follow our instructions for sowing, your grass seed will grow - and if it doesn't for some strange reason, we'll work with you to put it right.

Fit for purpose

After identifying quality grass seed mixes, it’s time to understand what mix is best suited to your garden and its needs. 

Some grass seed species are better at growing in certain conditions than others, e.g. in partial shade, full shade, clay soils and sandy soils, whilst some are better for what you need them for, e.g. a hardwearing, fast-growing family lawn or a fine ornamental lawn.

Let us walk you through each of our grass seed mixes and what makes them so well suited for whatever garden situation you identify with!

Top Tip: If you find that your garden situation relates to two of the purposes mentioned below or you want to enjoy the benefits of two different mixtures, don’t be afraid to combine two grass seed mixes together! E.g. your lawn is both shady and clay soil – combine our STEADFAST: Shade seed mix and IMPRESS: Clay Master mix.

Unsure of your soil type? Check out our helpful guide: What type of soil do I have?

Best grass seed for every lawn type

SUPERSTAR: Back Lawn / FAMILY: Kids and Pets

This 80% perennial ryegrass (hardwearing, fast growing) and 20% fescue (fine-leafed) mix is an all-rounder and is ideal for busy lawns that get a lot of use as it can withstand wear and tear and quickly recover from damage whilst still looking lush.

STATEMENT: Front Lawn

A 100% fescue mix, this product is for those who want an ornamental lawn that is to be admired rather than played on. The fescues are finer leafed, which provides a much more uniform appearance, and they can tolerate close mowing for that sought-after bowling green style lawn.

IMPRESS: Clay Master

Prone to poor drainage, compaction and waterlogging, clay soils are often seen as problematic. However, with this seed mix, grass can still thrive! The tall fescue (45%) component in this mix has a strong deep rooting system which not only allows it to penetrate your clay soils effectively but ensures a drought-tolerant lawn, especially in clay soils that are prone to dryness. The perennial ryegrass (50%) makes way for a fast-growing and hard-wearing lawn to thrive, whilst the meadow grass (5%) stoically battles those stubborn soils!

THRIVE: Sandy Soils

Another 100% fescue mix, fescues are renowned for their ability to thrive in sandy soils that often suffer from drought and low nutrients. The trio of fescue species in this mix stabilise quickly in weak and sandy soils to create a long-lasting sward with a strong root structure.

RESTORE: Self-Repair Lawn Seed

This is a is a self-sufficient mix that cuts out the need for regular reseeding and regular mowing with its slow-growing fescues (60%). It is an expertly blended mixture that creates a self-repairing lawn, including Zurich (40%) – a revolutionary creeping perennial ryegrass. Once established, RESTORE: Self-Repair will mend wear and tear patches and is a low-maintenance mix for those who don't have time for regular lawn maintenance.

STEADFAST: Shade

Have you got a slightly shady area in your lawn caused by trees or fences where grass won’t seem to grow? Our STEADFAST: Shade is a specific mix of shade-tolerant grass species that creates a wear-and-tear tolerant, shade-resistant lawn. When mixed with our SUPERSTAR: Back Lawn / FAMILY: Kids and Pets mix, you can tackle your shade issue head-on and achieve a vibrantly green and long-lasting lawn.

STEADFAST: Ultra Shade

This seed mix is the ultimate solution for lawns with permanent shade where the grass is struggling to grow. Our specialised mix contains high-quality grass varieties designed for use in very shaded areas where the sun is blocked by walls, high-rise fences or where light levels are particularly low. This mixture contains the exceptionally shade-tolerant grass superspecies Poa Supina, which is renowned for its ability to grow in relatively no / low light.

If you are unsure which of our shady mixes is best suited for your garden, check out or blog: Choosing the best seed for a shade lawn