Simple steps to seeding and creating a great lawn

Use grass seed from March to October

To create a new lawn from seed you must firstly dig over the whole area to a depth of 6-9in removing weeds and plant matter, break soil down to a smaller particle size and rake over removing stones. Roll or tread down to ensure soil is level and firm and apply a pre-seeding fertilizer. Choose the seed which suits the area you are creating and apply as recommended by the manufacturer (this information will be found on the box containing the seed).

Once you have applied the seed lightly rake over the area to cover the seed as much as possible, if you have no rain after sowing, water well to ensure the soil is kept moist to aid germination. If you follow these simple steps your new grass should start to appear from 14 days, once it has reached 2-3in you can give it its first light cut.

When re-seeding an existing lawn you must firstly mow and rake out dead grass.

Dress the lawn with general purpose compost, apply the seed as to manufacturers recommended rates and lightly rake. Ensure area is kept moist if you have no rain after sowing.

Sowing and Maintenance Guides For Wild Flower Mixes

Site Preparation

The aim is to produce a firm weed-free tilth to promote healthy germination.

If the area onto which you intend to sow your chosen mix is particularly fertile, you may wish to remove the topsoil (as these types of soil tend to promote the growth of more vigorous grasses and pernicious weeds). To remove docks and thistles, nettles and weed grasses, the area should be treated with Glyphosate (following the manufacturer's instructions) prior to seed bed cultivation.

Sowing

Wild flower mixes can be sown throughout most of the year, providing a good tilth can be prepared, however the months of March/April and August/September are generally the most suitable.

• Mix seed
• Sow at 5g sqm
• Rake/harrow the seed into the soil
• Use a roller to firm the seed bed

Maintenance

First Year

The requirement in the first year is simply to control weeds and to reduce competition from grasses. Cut the sward to a height of 5cm every two months or when the sward reaches 15cm. Remove all cut material to avoid smothering the sward. Where persistent weeds are a problem, spot treat with Glyphosate or dig out.

Future Maintenance

The sward should be well established after the first 12 months and contain a diverse range of species. Cut to 5-6cm during March/April and remove cuttings. The second cut should take place at the end of the flowering season during September/October (the flowering period may alter slightly according to climatic conditions). Remove all cuttings. The site may require further cuts in the autumn period to remove untidy growth in an extended growing season.

Cornfield Annuals

Make the first cut in early March and a second cut once the flowering period is over - September/October.

Harrow autumn or spring to regenerate annuals.