overseeding lawns...

[gingerneil]

(kind of fits in this area..)
I am looking to overseed my lawn in the next week or so as its lookin gpatchy and a bit tired.
To start with, I am borrowing a scarifier and will give the area a good going over with the height set quite low.
I was then thinking of mixing seed with compost and well rotten manure (left over from filling the new beds) before scattering.
Does this sound like a reasonable plan ? (not done it before....)
Does a handful of seed per square meter sound about right ?

[shirlthegirl43]

I think sand is recommended for sowing grass seed but I could be wrong.

[gingerneil]

ah, yes - forgot to add that into the mix. I also have a bag left over from the beds...

[Geo]

G.N Just found this....

OVERSEEDING WILL...

*
Dramatically improve the appearance of your lawn. New grass will retain its green colour longer in periods
of drought.
*
Reduce weed invasion thus help to minimise the use of chemicals. This is both cost effective and environmentally friendly.

1

The first stage is to closely mow the lawn. Choose a time when the lawn is dry. Remove any rubbish from the surface of the lawn before mowing.


2

In Spring or Autumn rake the lawn using a spring tine rake to remove and break up layers of dead matted grass or thatch.


This process is known as scarifying and can be made easier using a powered scarifying machine if the thatch is thick, however, although it may be hard work using a conventional rake, it will probably do the job just as well and keep you fit in the meantime!!

If scarifying is done in Autumn it will have the additional benefit of stimulating the side shoots and runners, which are developing at this time of year.


3

Spike ground with a fork or hollow tine aerator up to a depth of at least 16cm (6in) to eliminate compaction.


4

Top dress the lawn in Spring with a mixture of sand, compost or loam, proportions will be dependent on soil type. This will result in denser grass growth and level out minor hollows.

This will help to improve drainage by getting water and air to the roots as well as nutrients, so improving the health of your lawn.

5

Feed your lawn in Spring and Autumn with Johnson's Bio-Active Lawn Feed, (high Nitrogen in Spring, low Nitrogen in Autumn).

Fertiliser should be applied the same day as sowing grass seed or up to a few days after.

Scatter fertiliser evenly over lawn surface using the recommended rate on the pack. Rake in fertiliser to ensure even distribution.

Water lawn surface if dry weather follows.

Use gloves when applying fertiliser and avoid eye contact. Wash hands after use. If swallowed contact a doctor immediately.




6

Select a suitable mixture of Lawn Seed. Sow approximately 25g per sq. metre (3/4 oz per sq. yard).

Ideally, sow the seed after the ground has been moistened by a good fall of rain. This will give your seed adequate moisture to start with.


7

Mix the seed in a bucket with general purpose compost and sand for even seed distribution.

Scatter the mixture liberally over the existing lawn area to ensure a good blend with existing grass.




8

Rake area so that seed comes in to contact with soil. This will improve germination. Lightly roll if possible.



Keep off the newly overseeded area if possible to allow tender young shoots to gain strength and help with establishment.




9

If dry weather follows overseeding, water copiously with a fine spray keeping the seedbed constantly moist.




10

When grass is 5-8cms (2-3in) high cut for the first time. Trim lightly and very gradually lower blades to an ideal cutting height of 25mm (1in) for mixtures containing ryegrass and 13mm (1/2in) for non ryegrass mixtures.

Mow regularly but try not to remove more than a third of the growth at any one time.

Geo..

[gingerneil]

cheers ! looks good

[Snadger]

Don't know which part of the world you garden in Gingerneil but around here you'll be very lucky to get seed to germinate at this time of year!

Perennial rye should germinate faster than fescue's or bents. I think a ground temp of at least 42 degF is required for germination.
Another alternative, if it's a small area is to pre germinate the seed. This involves putting the seed in a bucket, dampening it,(it can be mixed with coir or compost if you like and keeping it indoors where it's warmer until it germinates. (usually 8 days) Once germinated treat as normal seed but make sure you keep it moist once its spread on the lawn!
Hey presto, a few days later and you should be able to see some green on the lawn!

[gingerneil]

taking advice from here, I have decided to put off the overseeding until mid-spring... should make it a lot more successful.
Thanks all

[srodders]

you'll be very lucky to get seed to germinate at this time of year!

The birds'll be happy though

[sewer rat]

Don't know which part of the world you garden in Gingerneil but around here you'll be very lucky to get seed to germinate at this time of year!

Grass seed wil lie dormant on the ground and germinate when conditions are right - we used to do this regularly on agricultural grazing when normal Spring sowing would interrupt sowing of Spring Barley etc.
Just find a way of keeping the birds off.