FAQs, Tips and Advice

FAQs-

How do I overseed my existing lawn?

Sowing grass seed to overseed a lawn is a straightforward process that can help rejuvenate your lawn's appearance and health. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the best results:

• Choose the Right Time:
  • The best time to overseed a lawn is Spring (March, April and early May) or early Autumn (late August to September). During these months, the weather is not too hot, not too cold, and there is a high chance of rain These times provide optimal conditions for seed germination and establishment. You need to ensure the ground temperature is a constant 10 degrees C and above for successful germination. Do not sow seeds when frost is forecast as this is guaranteed to kill the seeds.

• Prepare the Lawn:
  • Mow the existing grass to a height of about 1.5 to 2 inches.
• Remove any debris, thatch, or dead grass from the lawn surface using a rake or de-thatching tool. This will help the new seeds make direct contact with the soil.
• Optionally, aerate the soil if it's compacted. Aerating helps improve soil drainage and allows better seed-to-soil contact.
• We suggest using a Pre Seed (6-9-6) fertiliser around 1 week before sowing grass seed, to aid germination and help develop strong, deep roots. Take a look at our fertiliser to see the range.

• Select the Right Seed:
  • Choose a grass seed variety that suits your climate, soil type, and the amount of sunlight your lawn receives. Rural Supplies are always on hand to answer any seed related questions!
• Calculate Seed Amount:
  • Measure the area of the lawn you're overseeding to determine the amount of grass seed needed. Most seeds are sown at around 30g per metre square, but check the description first to find out the correct rate.
• Spread the Seed:
  • Use a broadcast spreader or a handheld spreader to evenly distribute the grass seed over the lawn area. You can even spread the seed by hand if you don't have the correct tools.
  • Start by spreading half the seed in one direction and then spread the remaining seed in a perpendicular direction. This helps ensure even coverage.
• Cover the Seeds:
  • Lightly rake the seeded area to cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. Avoid burying the seeds too deeply, as they need adequate light for germination.
  • Alternatively, you can use a seed starter mat or straw to cover the seeds lightly. This helps retain moisture and protects the seeds from birds.
  • Aim to plant the seeds at 5mm to 10mm beneath the surface. That’s about 3-pound coins deep (stacked).
• Water Thoroughly:
  • After seeding, water the lawn thoroughly to moisten the soil to a depth of about 6 inches. Use a fine mist setting on your hose or a sprinkler to avoid washing away the seeds.
  • Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the germination period, which typically takes 7 to 21 days depending on the grass type.
• Maintain Proper Care:
  • Keep foot traffic to a minimum on the newly seeded area to avoid disturbing the seeds.
  • Once the grass seedlings reach a height of about 2 to 3 inches, gradually reduce the frequency of watering while increasing the amount of water applied during each watering session.
  • Resume regular mowing once the new grass reaches a height of around 3 to 4 inches, ensuring not to remove more than one-third of the grass blade length at a time.
• Fertilise as Needed:
  • After the new grass has been established for about 6 to 8 weeks, consider fertilising the lawn. Rural Supplies has a large range of fertilisers for all seasons, send us a message if you would like advice on the correct fertiliser to use. 

 Why hasn't my grass seed germinated?

If your grass seed hasn't germinated as expected, there could be several reasons behind it. Here are some common factors to consider:

1. Temperature: Grass seed requires specific temperature ranges for optimal germination. If the temperature is too cold or too hot, germination may be delayed or inhibited. Ensure that you're sowing the seed during the appropriate time of year for your grass type and climate. We recommend sowing when the temperature is 10 degrees C and above, and below 30 degrees C.

2. Moisture: Adequate moisture is crucial for seed germination. If the soil is too dry, the seeds may not be able to absorb enough water to sprout. Conversely, if the soil is waterlogged or excessively wet, it can drown the seeds. Ensure consistent, but not excessive, moisture levels during the germination period.

3. Depth of Planting: Grass seeds should be planted at the appropriate depth for optimal germination. If they're buried too deeply, they may not receive enough light to sprout. Conversely, if they're planted too shallowly, they may dry out or be easily disturbed.

4. Soil Conditions: Soil quality can significantly impact seed germination. Compacted soil, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiencies can hinder the growth of grass seedlings. Consider aerating the soil and amending it with organic matter or fertiliser to improve its texture and nutrient content. You can PH test your soil to find out what nutrients are lacking, and fertiliser accordingly. 

5. Competition from Weeds: Weeds can compete with grass seedlings for resources such as water, nutrients, and sunlight, inhibiting their growth. Ensure that the area is free from weed growth before overseeding, you can do this by removing the weeds by hand or using our Feed, Weed and Moss Killer product. 

6. Pests and Diseases: Pests such as birds or insects may consume the seeds before they have a chance to germinate. Additionally, diseases in the soil can affect seedling health. Monitor the area for signs of pest activity or disease, and take appropriate measures to control them if necessary.

Seed supplied by Rural Supplies is DEFRA approved, meaning the seed has passed quality testing. All of our seed is certified and has a minimum germination of 80%. This means we can confidently say our seeds will germinate, if sown under the correct conditions and cared for properly after sowing.