by Janette Peel

Created on: July 16, 2008

Sowing grass seed on prepared soil is an inexpensive way to start a new lawn.

A plush and healthy seeded lawn begins with proper seedbed preparation and care when planting.

Starting a lawn from seed does not require special skills or knowledge. It is also a lot less expensive than laying turf. There is a wider variety of grass types available in seed form, so you can grow exactly the lawn you want, and one that will suit your particular soil and climate.

Success with seeding depends on the type of seed you buy and the amount of light or used that your yard will receive.

Purchase seed according to the area in which you live certain varieties grow well on the coast and others do better in cooler climates. Be sure to choose the right seed from those labeled for sun, shade or heavy use. In any case, premium-grade quality seed offers the best grasses for insect, disease and drought resistance.

A tip to remember is that grass grows poorly in heavy shade and competes with tree roots for nutrients. Before planting grass seed in such areas, consider using mulch or groundcover plants under the trees instead.

Grass grows best in healthy, aerated soil. Make sure you take time to prepare the soil properly. Till the soil and add plenty of organic matter to improve the seedbed before planting.

Do not skimp on the density of seed spread for the new lawn. New grass that is thinly sowed is vulnerable to weed infestation. The seed box or bag label will indicate the number of square meters its contents will cover.

You may want to consider running a light roller over the seedbed at this stage to ensure good contact between seed and soil. Not using a roller will not harm the lawn, but good contact does improve seed germination rates.

It is also important to keep newly spread grass seed continuously moist, or it will not germinate. In the first three of four weeks while it germinates and seedlings are young, watering twice daily may be necessary if there is no rain. Deep watering is not required; just keep the soil surface damp.

To prepare the seedbed you will need:

Tiller
Garden rake
Shovel
Organic matter
Glyphosphate herbicide

1. Correct any drainage problems and make lawn as level as possible before preparing the soil. Remove any large rocks, stumps and debris.

2. Remove existing grass if necessary. Till a 3cm layer of organic matter, such as well-rotted manure or compost, into the soil.

3. Smooth the soil with a garden rake and break up any large clumps of dirt. This assures good seed-soil

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