Sowing Lawn Seed – Best Practice Tips

Prepare the seedbed

• The seedbed needs to be at least 150mm. You can do this by digging the soil with a spade or using a rotavator.
• Remove stones and dig out the weeds
• Let it settle for 10-14 days and tackle any returning weeds
• Firm the ground by doing a bit of penguin walking or shuffling in small steps, then rake the soil over in several directions.
• Spread a slow-release fertiliser and rake it into the soil.

Sowing the lawn seed

• Using string or sand, divide the area into sections for spreading - this helps control the amount of lawn seed you will sow.
• Spread the lawn seed, either by hand or using a spreader or drill
• Always follow the instructions on the label
• Sow the lawn seed between 5mm and 10mm. That’s about 3-pound coins
• Rake soil lightly over the seed, then tread lightly to firm in
• Water the seed a little and often – ensure not to flood the seed.

For more details on sowing lawn seed, read our guide on How to sow a lawn with grass seed