Whether you're patching up a tired lawn or starting fresh with a brand new lawn, sowing grass seed is one of those small tasks that can have a big impact. The good news? Sowing seed is easier than you might think. With the right grass seed mix, good timing, a little preparation, and some simple aftercare, you can enjoy a healthy lawn that lasts.

 Choosing the Right Time

Timing is everything when it comes to sowing grass seed. In the UK, the best times to sow are during mid spring and early autumn. These periods offer the ideal combination of weather conditions, mild temperatures, consistent rainfall, and longer daylight hours, all of which are crucial for successful germination and early growth.

Soil temperature plays a crucial part in lawn seed germination. In spring, the soil warms up after winter, encouraging seeds to sprout, while the regular showers help keep the soil moist. Early autumn to mid autumn sowing can be even more effective in some cases, as the soil temperature is still warm from summer, and there’s usually plenty of rainfall to support steady root development before winter sets in.

It’s best to avoid sowing in mid-summer, when high temperatures and dry spells can dry out the soil quickly and put stress on young seedlings before they’ve had a chance to establish. Likewise, winter isn’t suitable; the cold, wet conditions slow down germination and increase the risk of seed rot or washout.

By choosing the right time of year, you can give your grass seed the best chance of establishing strong roots and developing into a healthy, resilient lawn. Patience pays off; wait for the right conditions, and you’ll see far better results.

Preparing the Soil

Before you sow, it’s worth giving your soil a bit of TLC, think of it like setting the stage, a little effort now can make a big difference in how well your grass establishes and grows.

Start by clearing the area of any weeds, old grass, weed roots, stones, or debris. This not only creates a clean surface for sowing but also reduces competition for nutrients and water. If there are any stubborn weeds, it’s best to remove the roots entirely to stop them returning later.

If your soil feels compacted or hard, lightly rake it over to break it up and improve aeration. This helps young grass roots penetrate more easily and encourages better drainage. For most lawns, you’re aiming for a fine, crumbly texture, firm enough to walk on without sinking but not rock solid. This is also a good time to level out any lumps or dips in the ground to ensure even coverage and avoid future mowing headaches. A rake can be handy for creating a smooth, even surface.

If you're dealing with challenging soil, whether it's heavy clay that holds water or light sandy soil that dries out quickly, don't worry. Taking the time to properly prepare the soil gives your grass seed the best possible start and sets you up for a thicker, healthier lawn in the long run.

Sowing the Grass Seed

How much grass seed should I apply?

A common question, and a very good one. Getting the right amount of seed is key to achieving an even, healthy lawn. Applying too little can lead to sparse coverage, while using too much can cause overcrowding and weak growth.

New lawns: Aim for around 35–50 grams of lawn grass seed per square metre. This gives good, even coverage and allows each seedling enough space to grow without excessive competition.

Repairing patches: Use about 25–35 grams of your grass seed mix per square metre, depending on how bare the area is. Overseeding helps thicken up tired or thinning grass and fill in gaps in an existing lawn.

Try not to overdo it; more seed doesn’t necessarily mean a better or thicker lawn. In fact, applying too much can cause seedlings to compete for light, water, and nutrients, leading to weak, spindly growth and patchy results.

For best results, weigh out the seed in advance and apply it evenly across the area. A seed spreader can be helpful for larger spaces to avoid clumps and ensure consistent coverage.

What depth should I plant grass seed?

There’s no need to bury grass seed deep; in fact, when it comes to depth, less is more. Grass seed needs light, warmth, and moisture to germinate effectively, and if it’s buried too far below the surface, it may struggle to break through the soil.

Aim for a depth of around 0.5 to 1cm; this is just enough to protect the seed from being blown away or eaten by birds, while still allowing it access to light and air. After sowing, gently rake the soil to lightly cover the seeds; again, you’re not trying to bury them, just to settle them into the top layer of soil.

If you're working with a larger area, using a roller or simply firming down the soil with your feet or a garden roller will help press the seeds into the soil surface. This improves seed-to-soil contact, which is crucial for good germination. Just be careful not to compact the soil too much, as young roots need space to grow and access oxygen.

Good seed placement, combined with the right depth and firm contact with the soil, sets the stage for strong, even grass growth.

Aftercare and Maintenance

How to water new grass seed

Watering is where many well-meaning gardeners go wrong. Too much or too little can hinder growth, so here’s what to keep in mind:

Little and Often
When watering new grass seed, the goal is to maintain a steady level of moisture in the soil, think of it like giving the seeds just enough water to stay comfortable, but not so much that they’re swimming, aim to water your new lawn with a fine spray. Consistently moist soil helps seeds absorb the water they need to germinate and encourages roots to develop properly.

If the soil dries out even briefly, the delicate seeds can fail to sprout, or the young seedlings can wilt and die, on the other hand, if the soil becomes too soggy it can create an environment where seeds rot or fungal diseases take hold. That’s why regular watering is important, keeping the soil evenly damp rather than soaked, this gentle approach gives the best chance for healthy growth from day one.

How Often?
In the critical first few weeks after sowing, the new grass seeds are extremely vulnerable and need consistent moisture to start growing. During dry weather or heat spells, watering once or twice a day is essential, this doesn’t mean drenching the soil, but rather providing a gentle, even spray that moistens the topsoil without washing the seeds away.

Having this routine should continue for at least 2 to 3 weeks or until you see the grass seedlings emerge and begin to grow stronger. After this period, you can gradually reduce the frequency of watering as the roots become better established.

When is the Best Time of Day?
Timing your watering sessions wisely can make a big difference in how effective they are, the best times to water newly sown grass seed are early in the morning or late in the evening. During these cooler parts of the day, water has a better chance to soak into the soil rather than evaporating quickly in the heat of midday.

Early morning watering also helps prepare the seeds and seedlings for the day ahead, while evening watering keeps the soil moist overnight, supporting growth. Avoid watering during the hottest parts of the day, as much of the water will evaporate before it can be absorbed, and this can also stress the young grass.

Choosing the right time to water ensures the moisture you provide goes further and supports healthy germination.

If it’s raining regularly, nature might take care of the watering for you but keep an eye on things to make sure your seedbed doesn't dry out.

Get in Touch

Drop us a line at info@kentseeds.co.uk with any questions, or just to share your progress.
Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @Kent.Seeds - we love seeing your beautiful lawns grow!