Where do I start?

When Sheal says 'make sure its level', I think she means 'make sure its level'. I made sure mine was somewhere near approximately level before seeding it up. I'm happy with my lawn, but I'll be top dressing for years to come because it has lumps and dips in it.

 

OK, I made a start this weekend but didn't get as much done as I would have liked due to the rubble and other building materials found below the surface. About 3/4 of the garden has been cleared but deffinately needs another going over.

Here's a photo of the progress so far:



The next job at the weekend is to take down those 2 trees in the background as they block alot of the light and need removing before I sow the seed. I should have fun trying to get the ground level after all this digging.

Thanks for the advice so far.

 

Good luck with the tree removal. Your soil looks in pretty good condition, has it been easy to work with?

 

It's not been too bad but is full of stones, which the grass rake has been handy for. Apparantly one of the previous owners had the garden landscaped which maybe why the soil is good on the surface. There is alot of rubbish below this though.

I ended up with Westland SureStart Fast Acting Lawn Seed from the garden centre, don't suppose anyone has any experience of using this?

 

You never know what you'll find, I went through the same thing a few years back. I was digging out all sorts of things including an old dinner service, rocks that I couldn't lift and a cube of concrete that was 2ft x 2ft square, it had been holding a washing line post.

Sorry, I use Evergreen seed. I have heard that the fast acting lawn seed doesn't tend to be as hard wearing as other types, but no doubt somebody here will be able to confirm or dispel my thinking.

 

Yes, that was my concern with the fast acting varieties as I am not in any rush.

Basically I want a lawn which is easy enough to maintain but looks really good. It would not be getting used as I don't have any pets or children and there is a paved area for seating. After putting this effort into preparing the garden I just want to make sure I use the correct seed. The seed I have now could be used on the front lawn so if anyone has other suggestions?

I haven't found any dinner service sets but my neighbour did find a bucket from a digger and a garage door!

 

I think I'd be inclined to use it for the front lawn, but as you say you don't have pets or children which helps.

Take a look at some of the older threads here, they might help you to make up your mind about the seed.

 

Well this thread is a bit of a blast from the past but unfortunately I never got round to laying the lawn seed the other year due to other commitments... and being lazy.

Would next weekend be too late to sow the lawn seed now or should I wait until next year?

I've prepared the soil as it has been rotovated a couple of times and now just needs firming over as I cut back the tree over the weekend to let in more light.

Below are a couple of updated photo's:




This is the forcast for the next 9 days also:

 

Welcome back Ellisium.

I'm just over the water from you and to be honest the temperatures are getting a little low for seed. The minimum recommended is 12C and it usually takes up to a fortnight to germinate. The lower the temperature, the longer it will take. My lawn here has already slowed right down and will probably only have one more cut this season. There's also the risk of frosts not far away. So really, it's up to you whether you want to gamble or not. If it doesn't germinate the seed will be wasted and you will have to re-sow next spring.

There is another way that's a bit long winded and also a gamble, that is to sow and cover with clear plastic to hold in any warmth until it appears and you could cover it over at night should there be a frost. Don't forget to water it should the soil start to look dry.

The only advantage sowing this late would be that it gives the grass a chance to root well over the winter without mowing.

 

Thanks for your quick response Sheal, that's a good idea about the clear plastic sheeting as I was looking at a way to 'artificially' help conditions. I presume this is only for the evenings when the temperature drops?

Let's say the seeds don't germinate then I can simply try again next year as the hard work has been done now in preparing the ground.

Will keep you updated.

 

No, sow the seed and keep it covered all day with the plastic until the grass starts to show and then use it overnight if a frost is forecast. You must check that the ground doesn't dry out though.

 

Cheers Sheal, will try and get it done before the weekend then as the earlier the better

 

Just a quick update on this, the seeds have germinated and the garden is starting to look much better. Does the grass need to be cut now or do I leave it until next year?

Here are a couple of photo's:




Thanks

 

That's looking good Elliseum. I'm tempted to say don't cut it and leave it until next spring but it does look a little long and if left may become straggly. There are two things to gain from cutting now. Walking on it will break the stems, that's fine because it will make the grass branch and fill out. Secondly, cutting it now will do the same thing and also encourage root strength and growth.

I'll leave it to you but if you decide to cut it do it on a high blade adjustment on your mower and just take the very top off, it must be done when it's dry or it's likely to rip it out. If that looks like it's happening stop and leave it until next spring. Don't use a strimmer on it either that would definitely tear it out! Once done don't cut it again until next spring and try to keep off it over the winter months or it will compact.

There is no need to cover it now it's through and air circulation will do it good.

 

Elliseum, please ignore the attached file on my post above, I hit a key by mistake and that came up. I've no idea how to get rid of it.