When the warming weather comes in, many Brits are on a mission to create the ultimate outdoor space to relax, drink homemade cocktails and make the most of the nicer weather. One thing we don’t want to face when summer greets us is an unattractive outdoor space where we can’t get comfortable and ready to host.
Well, one of the easiest and possibly, most effective solutions to revive youroutdoor spacesis to transform your patchy looking lawn using grass seed. The great thing about grass seed is that it can reach those not-so convenient areas, like corners, slopes and bends in your garden.
A fabulous lawn isn’t as difficult as you may think, and it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune either. Supplied with all the right information, you’ll soon be on your way to figuring out the best time to sow grass seeds, the best type of seed to use, and how to care for your gorgeous, green, new lawn.
The best grass seed:
There are a few options when it comes to choosing your preferred seed, here are our top picks of the best grass seeds:
Best overall grass seed
Description
The Evergreen 4-in-1 will create a thicker, greener and healthier lawn whilst killing weeds and moss, and with over 8,000 reviews on Amazon, this grass seed is very reliable if you follow the step-by-step guide.
Best grass seeds for shaded areas
Description
Leave your garden looking alive with the Gro-Sure Aqua Gel Coated Smart Grass Lawn Seed and refreshed. Best used on patches not exposed to the sun. If there is even a bit of frost in the air, these seeds will not sow with this grass seed. So keep that in mind when you decide to plant them.
Best lawn feed, weed and moss killer
www.wilko.com
Description
If you are looking for results on a budget, then the Wilko Lawn Feed, Weed and Moss Killer works well as a weed and moss killer and will help keep your grass fresh. The best time to use this is between May and August; it is not recommended you use it before or after. Depending on the size of your garden, you may need a few bags to cover your garden.
Best grass seed for patches
Description
If you have patches that need a little help, then the Magic Grass Seeding is easy to use; just sow and water it twice a day for the best finish. The seeding won't work well if you do not remove dead grass from the patchy areas on your lawn first.
Best grass seed for fast results
Description
If fast results are what you are after, you will start to see the effects of this grass seed in 7-14 days. Although it is good to note that these garden seeds can be seen as tasty for local wildlife, so be sure to keep your eye out for rabbits nibbling at your garden.
Best grass seed for hard-wearing lawns
Description
This child and pet-friendly grass seeding are perfect and will allow your grass to grow thicker and more robust. This is best suited for lawns that get direct sunlight.
Best grass seed for a healthy garden
Description
This speedy option will show results in as quick as four days. It is best to use this grass seed in spring, summer or autumn as it won't be effective when used below seven degrees.
Best grass seed for a thick lawn
Description
This lawn thickener will give your grass all the nutrients to grow thick and strong. Made for patchy grassy areas in mind, this seeding will improve the health of the existing lawn, but it may take a few months to notice results.
Best grass seed for beginners
goodgrow.uk
Description
If you are new to gardening, you need this grass seed to be easy to use and deliver good results, especially on dry grass in the summer months.
10.
MOOWY Power Lawn
Best grass seed for hard-wearing results
Description
The trick for this product is to add these power lawn seeds to some fresh soil and then see as your new grass grows. If you are not satisfied with the results, this grass seed offers a 100 per cent satisfaction guarantee.
Description
This product is fantastic value for money as it will also cover around 35 square meters of land. The 1kg bag of grass seed boasts over 7,000 reviews and is renowned for its mix of seeds such as Agrostis capillaries, ryegrass, creeping red fescue and chewings fescue.
Our verdict:
Our top pick is the Miracle-Gro EverGreen Complete 4in1. It is the best overall grass seed on the market.
Grass seed FAQs
When should you plant grass seeds?
Grass seed is best sown from late summer to mid-autumn. This is because there is less competition from neighbouring weeds trying to grow and the soil is warm, but also damp enough from the rain - perfect conditions for the seeds to take root.
Can you sow grass seeds in summer?
Technically, yes. However your lawn will be extremely thirsty very frequently: it takes a lot of water during the summer to keep your lawn from drying out and dying. The soil must also be just the right temperature for the seedlings to sprout, and that's why its recommended to plant grass seeds from late summer to mid-autumn as the weather isn't too hot, nor too cold.
High-quality lawn seed
These seed mixtures usually provide a versatile lawn that is preened in appearance and easy to manage to ensure it can stay looking well manicured.
Hardwearing grass seed
Usually consisting of a stronger grass seed mix, these are best for people with children, pets or a highly active household. And if you're the type of person who likes to host garden parties, and frequent summer BBQ's, then this option is probably one worth looking into.
Many companies also offer a sport category in their garden seed range, which offers a more intricate lawn seed, designed for a variety of sporting activities.
Sowing your seeds
1. Prepare your soil: It probably goes without saying, but you must ensure your soil is cleared of any large stones, weeds and other debris.
2. Turn your soil: Dig your soil to a depth of approximately 15-25cm- making sure to turn in the soil before raking it over to level it out. (This allows the soil to breathe and breaks up compaction- creating better drainage for water).
3. Firm the soil, then leave alone: They say a top tip for firming the soil is to walk all over it, making sure to place as much weight as possible on it, and then rake over the entire patch again before leaving it alone for a week. This enables any singe to occur before sowing.
TOP TIP: A few days before the seeds are to be sown, lightly rake in a granular fertiliser to the soil.
4. Sow your seeds: Evenly spread your grass seeds.
5. Roll in the grass seeds: The new grass seeds must make great contact with the soil to enable them to germinate efficiently. Rolling or treading the surface will make sure that emerging roots find their new home in the soil.
6. Water: Be very careful with watering- monitor the weather, and check the rainfall. But, light watering every evening should enable the germination process to run its course smoothly.