Sowing grass seed by hand can be a time-efficient and ultra-satisfying way to establish a lush, green lawn.
But it’s not without challenges. Unless done right, your efforts can fail, leaving you with patches of bare ground or weeds instead of dense turf – so preparation is key.
To get started, choose the right kind of seed for your soil type and climate, as well as taking into consideration whether the area in question is sunny, shady or somewhere in between.
Then rake the soil surface before sowing; smooth out any bumps or crevices to create an even distribution of seeds that’ll encourage better growth. Using a seed spreader can help ensure parity; otherwise use two people, one on either side of the plot with scoopers carrying equal amounts of seed in each.
Post-spreading requires regular watering for that all-important germination process and also chase away birds who may eager to peck up your freshly disseminated meal!
A light mulch provides another layer of protection against predators and keeps soil moist to aid germination – a mix of straw and sand is ideal for this purpose but remember to go easy on the sand so it doesn’t blow away easily when breezy conditions blow in.
Finally, opt for slow-release fertilizer to give buds energy through their early stages quicker establishment as they continue their ascent towards establishing that perfect French manicured appeal outdoor space deserves!