How to sow seed

HAVE GOOD WEED CONTROL PRIOR TO SOWING

New grass seedlings are slow to establish and will not compete well with many exotic weeds which establish far faster and spread more rapidly.

HAVE GOOD SOIL PREPARATION AT SOWING

The better the soil to seed contact that is maintained, the higher the rate of germination of seeds. So a fully prepared seedbed will always give higher germination rates than an unprepared or partially prepared seedbed. Even if the area being sown is very small, a well-prepared seedbed will yield better results. – See our preparation and installation guide for turf, it is the same for seed.

SOW THEM AT THE MOST SUITABLE TIME OF YEAR

For all species there is an optimum time for best establishment. It varies from species to species but usually it is from autumn to spring for cool season species, and from spring to early summer for warm season species. The exception to this comes when irrigation is available. -This then allows the sowing of cool season species in summer (albeit with much more effort) or in dry areas. Sowing in winter is possible as the ground will generally stay adequately moist, however washout is possible with excess rains. Seed is quite fickle and will tend to die when it dries out. Make sure whatever area you apply the seed, it has frequent water for the germination period (usually 14-21 days).

SOW WITH APPROPRIATE EQUIPMENT

The most suitable equipment is that which sows the seed to the preferred depth (usually 10 to 15 mm) and which can distribute it out regularly and evenly. It is best after the soil has been prepared and leveled. Follow up with a light rake to allow the seed to sit in the furrows. Then lightly rake over the opposite way to cover the seed, some will still be on the top. For further information, see our Aftercare sheet.