• My site is very wet. What can I do about it?
• What is the best time of year to sow the grass?
• How do I prepare the ground?
• What is the ideal pH for a lawn?
• Watch the sowing instructions video.

 

My site is very wet. What can I do about it? [Top]

In wet conditions, the water cannot drain properly. This may be because the structure of the upper part of the soil is too fine-grained (1) or contains too much organic matter (2), or because the groundwater level is too high (3). In cases 1 and 2, the top layer should be made ‘more meagre’ with coarse white sand. Apply a layer of sand a few centimetres thick on the existing soil and mix it into the top layer homogeneously by digging. This creates better infiltration. When levelling the site, make sure surface water can always drain off to a low point (e.g. ditch, border or pond). This is achieved by laying the surface at a slight slope. If the groundwater level is too high, a drainage system should be created with good provisions for water removal. This can be used to lower the groundwater level. It is best to obtain additional advice on this.

 

What is the best time of year to sow the grass? [Top]

You will get the best results by sowing the grass when the soil has warmed up and is slightly moist. In particular, conditions are generally good in the spring (March/April/May) and autumn (late August/mid October). In fact, you can sow all year round, provided it is not freezing or very hot. Autumn is probably the most favourable time to create a new lawn. In autumn, the soil is still warm from the summer and there is enough precipitation in this first crucial phase for the young plant. Another advantage is that fewer weeds grow in the autumn. Make sure the young grass is sufficiently established before the first frost: so do not sow too late.

 

How do I prepare the ground? [Top]

To get a lawn off to a good start, level ground is important. This is also called a ‘flat seedbed’. The more level the ground, the better the end result. Make sure excess surface water can drain off to the sides and do not create enclosed dips on the lawn where water collects. First of all, the ground will need to be turned over. Depending on the size of the area, this is done with a spade or garden tiller. Then carefully remove all debris and any stones, twigs and roots that come to the surface. Level the ground with a long plank and roll the ground for the first time. Leave the soil to settle for at least two weeks. If you irrigate the site once at this stage, the soil will bed down and you can immediately see whether excess water collects in any enclosed dips. Only after this period can you rake the ground one last time. You can also remove any weeds that have sprung up and then start sowing. Are you planning to install an automatic sprinkler system, a robot lawn mower or an electricity cable to the shed at the bottom of the garden, for example? If so, don’t forget to dig trenches, lay the necessary components, and cover them before sowing the grass seed.

 

What is the ideal pH for a lawn? [Top]

Grass grows best at a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. If the pH is too low or too high, certain nutrients are absorbed less well. A pH that is too low can be corrected by spreading lime (preferably in winter). If the pH is too high, apply acidifying fertilisers.

 

Watch the sowing instruction video!