Caring for your grass is important to keep your lawn looking it's best. In this blog, we share some simple steps to patch your lawn with grass seed, repair damaged lawns and areas of dead grass. Worn out lawns or damaged lawns can be renovated with grass seed following our simple steps.
Caring for your grass is important to keep your lawn looking its best. In this blog, we share some simple steps to patch your lawn with grass seed, repair damaged lawns and areas of dead grass. Worn out lawns or damaged lawns can be renovated with grass seed following our simple steps.
Our lawn repair grass seed is perfect for repairing your lawn and getting it looking its best again. If your lawn has been damaged by dogs, then read our blog on how to repair and avoid damage caused by dogs.
Step 1 - Prepare the grass
Set your lawn mower for a close shave. This avoids damaging your existing grass and increases the length of time the lawn can be left before trimming (giving your new shoots the best chance of healthy development).
Step 2 - Remove any dead grass, debris & thatch
Remove any debris and weeds and scarify or rake the surface to clear the area for your new seeds. If using a rake, it is best to rake in two directions (up and down, then left and right).
Step 3 - Create holes for improved drainage (optional)
Using a garden fork or aerator, create small holes - ideally around 1-2 inches deep. This helps the new seed to germinate, aerates the soil and ensures that birds do not eat the seeds before they grow!
Step 4 - Buy your grass seed
It is important to buy the best grass seed for your soil type and situation. We offer a wide range of mixtures tailored for specific needs, such as hard wearing grass seeds or dog friendly lawns and grass seed for shade. We also have a handy grass seed calculator so you know how much grass seed you need.
Step 5 - Sowing grass seed
When spreading grass seeds, it is important to sow the seed evenly at the recommended sowing rate. We advise using a grass seed spreader to make life easier and ensure an even result.
Sometimes overseeding your lawn with grass seed may be the right option to bring it back to life. Read our blog on how to overseed your lawn to find out more.
Step 6 - Tread/roll the grass seeds in
The new grass seeds must be in good contact with the soil to ensure effective germination. Treading or rolling the surface will ensure that emerging roots find their way into the soil. For larger areas, harrowing the area will ensure good contact with the soil.
Step 7 - Water!
Grass seed requires warmth, light and moisture to germinate. If the conditions are too dry in the first two weeks the seeds can die. Light watering for the first few weeks can help, but is generally not necessary with average rainfall over-watering constantly reduces soil temperature and will not aid germination.
Step 8 - Mowing the lawn
Grass seed should germinate within 14-21 days. Once it reaches 3 - 4 inches long, start to cut the grass. Gradually reduce the height by ½ inch (1cm) each time you mow the lawn until you achieve your ideal mowing height.
If you're looking to create a beautiful lawn from scratch, then take a look at our range of lawn seed to find the perfect seed for you.
Once you’ve repaired your lawn, you want to keep it looking its best. Read our blog on things that can affect your lawn to prevent any further damage in the future.
Repairing your lawn FAQs
Here at Boston Seeds, we understand how frustrating it is when trying to repair your lawn and get it back to looking its best. We often get asked the same questions, so we’ve put together some of the most asked questions when repairing your lawn.
Can I just scatter grass seed on a lawn?
Yes, you can just scatter grass seed on a lawn. However, it may reduce the chances of it germinating and growing as effectively as it would with the right preparation and sowing technique as outlined above.
How long until I can use grass after repairing it?
We recommend avoiding any areas you have repaired for 8-12 weeks before using or walking on the grass. This is to allow it to germinate and establish itself without being damaged by use. Some grass might take slightly longer, so staying off your fresh grass for as long as possible is best.
When is the best time to put down lawn seed?
We recommend sowing grass seed in Spring, between March and May, or early Autumn, around September to mid Ocotber. This is because during these periods is when the ground is moist and warm which is the optimum condition for seed germination and root establishment.
What is the best grass seed to use to repair a lawn?
Lawn seed with ryegrass is best due to its fast growing properties and its ability to repair a lawn with hard wearing, high quality new grass.
Boston Seeds lawn repair grass seed comprises high-quality, dwarf amenity perennial ryegrass varieties for rapid repair and renovation of lawns and sports pitches, to create a thick, durable and resilient sward.
How we can help!
At Boston Seeds we take pride in excellent customer service. If you're growing a lawn from scratch but unsure how much grass seed you need, our handy Grass Seed Calculator can help you figure it out in just a few clicks!
With Next Day Delivery on hundreds of items too, choosing from our extensive range of grass seed couldn't be easier. Ordering regularly or looking for large volumes? Click here to apply for a trade account today - we review all applications within one working day. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
