Grass seed

If the soil temperature is below 10 ℃, the grass seed will not germinate – it’s nature! 🙂 When the temperature reaches around 10 ℃ or a little higher, the germination process will get going and grass will begin to appear within a couple of weeks..

To answer this question, we distinguish between two applications: 34g per square metre for sowing a new lawn; 17g per square metre for over-seeding an existing lawn.

Spring and early autumn are the best periods. The soil temperature must be at least 10 degrees for the grass seeds to germinate. The soil temperature is not the same as the air temperature and stays cold longer in spring, while the soil temperature stays warm longer in autumn. In this article, Louis provides tips for successful sowing.

Calculate the amount of grass seed needed: 34g per square metre to sow a new lawn or 17g per square metre to overseed an existing lawn. Do you have a large lawn? Divide the lawn into smaller parts and calculate the amount of grass seed needed per part. Divide the necessary amount of seed into two. Spread the first part lengthways and the second part widthways. Lightly rake the grass seed into the soil to ensure optimum contact. Roll with a lawn roller (or press the seed into the soil with your shoes on a small lawn). The grass seed makes better contact with the soil and is less likely to be washed away. Water and keep the soil sufficiently moist until the seed sprouts. It is better to water lightly four times a day than to water heavily once a day to avoid the risk of drying out or leaching. Also read these tips from Louis on the right conditions for sowing grass seed.

Don’t give weeds a chance and replant bare spots in time as follows: – Mix some soil and compost in a bucket (70/30); – Add the grass seed; – Mix well; – Now scatter the mixture on the desired spot +-1cm thick; – Press down with your feet; – moisten and provide sufficient moisture for 14 days.

The grass seed germinates within 7 to 14 days. These are approximate timings – sometimes the grass seed germinates quicker; occasionally grass seed needs a little longer to fully germinate.

Check the conditions: Is the soil warm enough? Did the grass seed make sufficient soil contact? Have you kept the soil sufficiently moist? Direct soil contact is needed. If there’s a layer of old organic material on the top layer of the soil, the seed might struggle to germinate. Can you see the grass seed still lying scattered around the lawn or has it been washed away? Read more about optimal conditions for grass seed germination in this article by Louis. Or watch this video on YouTube. If you cannot identify the cause for yourself, we will be happy to explore the possibilities with you. Contact us for personal advice.

Usually the damage is limited, but in a very bird-rich garden, place prickers with pieces of silver foil attached to them to scare the birds away.

When the grass germinates you should not walk on it for 14 days, as young grass bruises quickly and does not recover.

After opening, grass seed lasts at least another year if stored in a dark and dry place.