8 Steps to achieve the perfect lawn

Step 1. Preparing the perfect seedbed

The first step to achieving the perfect lawn starts with a healthy seedbed. After removing weeds, either by pulling them out by hand or using a Feed, Weed and Moss Killer if the weed situation has gotten out of control. Then, the next step is to rake the soil until it’s fine and level. Also, be aware of how compact your soil is because if it’s heavily compacted, you must aerate it – this is literally punching holes into the soil using a garden fork to loosen the soil while improving drainage.

Now is an excellent time to use a pre-seed fertiliser to enrich the soil with nutrients to help your seedlings get off to the best possible start!

Step 2. Choosing the right grass seed

Next up is selecting the right grass seed for your soil type and lawn usage, which is crucial. For instance, using hard-wearing grass seed is ideal for lawns used by your kids or pets, while a lawn that features clay soil or is covered by shade most of the year will benefit from specialist grass seed mixes.

Check out our guide on choosing the best grass seed mixes, or browse our grass seed range for home use.

Step 3. Sowing your new grass seeds

Timing is everything when it comes to sowing grass seeds. You can sow your seed when temperatures are 8-10 degrees Celsius day and night in your area for at least two weeks.

Join us as we explore the steps required for sowing grass seed successfully:

Planting a New Lawn

Prepare the Soil:

• Turn the soil over to a depth of 20-25 cm.
• Remove weeds manually or with a Feed, Weed and Moss Killer.
• If the soil quality is poor, add a layer of topsoil.
• Rake the area to create a level seedbed.

Cultivate the Area:

• Allow the soil to rest for 10-14 days, which helps dormant weeds to surface.
• Remove any new weeds by hand.

Sow the Seeds:

• Use a seed spreader or your hand to distribute the seeds at a rate of 50g per m².
• Rake the seeds into the soil to ensure they mix well.
• Firm the soil with your feet or a roller to enhance seed-to-soil contact.

Overseeding an Existing Lawn

Prepare the Lawn:

• Remove dead grass, weeds, or moss by scarifying or raking.
• Loosen the soil by raking it thoroughly.

Cultivate the Area:

• Let the soil rest for 10-14 days to allow dormant weeds to appear.
• Remove any new weeds by hand.

Sow the Seeds:

• Spread the seeds at a rate of 35g per m² using a seed spreader or your hand.
• Ensure seeds are sown 5mm to 10mm deep (approximately the height of three stacked pound coins).
• Rake the seeds into the soil to mix them well.
• Firm the soil with your feet or a roller to improve seed-to-soil contact.

Seedling Aftercare

Watering:

• Water the lawn deeply and daily for six weeks, except on rainy days.

Establishment:

• The lawn will take up to six weeks to fully establish.
• When grass blades reach 5-7 cm in height and coverage is even, it’s time for the first mow.

Maintenance:

• Regularly fertilise the lawn to keep it healthy and weed-free. Follow the recommended fertiliser programme below.

Step 4. Watering – keeping your lawn hydrated

• Proper watering is essential for a perfect lawn. Newly sown seeds need moist soil to germinate, while established lawns require deep and infrequent watering to encourage deep root growth.
• Water daily for the first two weeks after seeding, keeping the soil consistently moist.
• Gradually reduce the frequency to once or twice a week, providing about an inch of water per session.

Step 5. Mowing your new lawn

Taking the time to mow your lawn correctly will make a significant difference in its health and appearance.

• Set your mower blade to the highest setting to avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height at a time.
• Mow regularly to maintain an even, lush appearance.
• Rake up the grass clippings to give your new grass room to flourish.

Step 6. Fertilising – providing food for your lawn

Fertilising provides your lawn with essential nutrients that promote robust growth and vibrant colour. Apply a slow-release fertiliser in early spring and late summer. Slow-release fertilisers ensure a steady supply of nutrients over time to keep your lawn’s health as good as it can be for longer!

Step 7. Weed and Pest Control

A perfect lawn is free of weeds and pests. Regular maintenance and prompt action can keep these invaders at bay.

Hand-pull or spot-treat weeds or use an application of Feed & Weed fertiliser once your lawn is fully established.

Monitor for lawn pests and apply appropriate treatments if necessary – we have a guide on how to manage lawn pests.

Step 8. Regular lawn maintenance

Consistency is key to maintaining a perfect lawn. Regular upkeep ensures your lawn stays healthy and beautiful year-round.

• Aerate annually to alleviate soil compaction.
• Overseed bare patches in early fall or spring to maintain thick turf.
• Dethatch as needed to remove excess thatch that can suffocate your lawn.

Our final thoughts on achieving the perfect lawn

Achieving the perfect lawn is a journey that requires attention to detail and ongoing care. But by following these steps on how to get the perfect lawn, you’ll quickly create a stunning outdoor space that’s both beautiful and functional, and your lawn will be the perfect place for you and your family to enjoy.

We have included some guides below for further reading to get up to speed when it comes to growing grass seed:

• How to sow grass seed
• How long does grass take to germinate?
• How long does grass take to grow?