How to weed and reseed a lawn

How to weed and reseed a lawn

Find out how to remove weeds from your lawn and repair patches in autumn, with the help of this practical guide.

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
To do
To do

Do not To do in January

Do not To do in February

Do not To do in March

Do not To do in April

Do not To do in May

Do not To do in June

Do not To do in July

Do not To do in August

Do To do in September

Do not To do in October

Do not To do in November

Do not To do in December

Autumn is the ideal time to tackle perennial lawn weeds, such as daisies, dandelions and plantain, sowing grass seed in their place. There is still time for the grass seed to germinate before winter.

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Ideally, tackle the weeds after a spell of rain, so it’s easier to push the weeder or trowel down into the soil to dig out any roots. Remove any large clumps of spreading weeds, such as clover and buttercups, using a hand fork.

Here’s how to weed and reseed the lawn.


And once your new lawn is established next year, why not invest in some kit to keep it looking in great condition. Our experts have tested the best lawn mowers to buy, as well as the best scarifiers and best aerators.

Total time: 1 hour


Step 1

Pulling a lawn weed out by hand
Pulling a lawn weed out by hand

Insert a weeding tool under the base of each weed and lever it up to loosen the roots. Pull the weed out by hand.


Step 2

Sprinkling compost on the patch in the lawn
Sprinkling compost on the patch in the lawn

Make sure you’ve got out all the roots, then sprinkle soil-based compost on the patch of bare soil.


Step 3

Sowing grass seed on the lawn patch
Sowing grass seed on the lawn patch
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Scatter grass seed evenly over the compost. Water, then cover with fleece to protect from birds.