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Overview
Aside from being less expensive than laying turf, sowing a lawn allows you to choose a seed mixture most appropriate for your site and needs; whether you want a bowling green or a hard-wearing football pitch. Grass seeds sown in autumn, while the ground is warm and moist, will germinate in a couple of weeks and will have a headstart over seeds sown in the colder spring.
Do it:
April - May, September
At its best:
June - August
Takes just:
1 weekend
How to do it
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Sow grass seed at the rate of one-and-a half ounces per square metre. Weigh out the first amount, put it in a plastic cup and mark the side to use as a measure. Using canes, mark out your site into 1m squares and scatter one cup of seed evenly into each. -
Rake the seed in after sowing and lay a few twiggy sticks on the surface to discourage birds and cats. Once the grass starts to grow it can be given its first cut when it reaches 4cm high.
"Prepare the ground thoroughly before sowing and try to avoid exposing the lawn to too much wear and tear during the first season."
