The best time to sow grass seed in the UK is September, followed by April as a second window. Both give the soil temperature and moisture new seed needs to germinate, which is roughly 8 to 20 degrees with the ground staying damp rather than sodden or bone dry.
Seed sown in summer usually fails because the surface dries out faster than roots can form, and seed sown over winter simply sits dormant in cold soil. Cambridgeshire's dry summers make this timing rule sharper here than in wetter parts of the country.
ELawnCare overseeds as part of the lawn renewal package across Cambridge, priced at £200 per 100m² and including scarifying and hollow-tine aeration alongside the seed.
Written by Evaldas, owner of ELawnCare. Last reviewed .
Three-step hand restoration: scarification with a rake, hollow-tine aeration, and premium overseed. Add topdressing if you supply topsoil.
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Soil retains summer warmth well into autumn, so seed germinates within one to three weeks. Autumn rain keeps the surface moist without daily watering, and there are still six to eight weeks of growing weather before winter dormancy sets in, enough for young grass to establish a root system that survives the cold.
Spring sowing in March or April works too, but the seedlings then have to compete with a flush of weed seed and race against the dry summer that follows. Autumn-sown grass has already rooted by the time either problem arrives.
Bare patches need raking back to soil, not just scattered over existing grass or moss. Removing thatch and loosening the top inch of soil gives the seed something to root into rather than sitting on a crust.
A light rake-in after sowing, followed by a firm but gentle roll or tread, keeps seed in contact with the soil so birds and rain do not simply wash it away.
September is the best month, with soil still warm from summer and reliable autumn rain. April is the second option. Avoid sowing in the height of summer or through winter dormancy, both of which usually waste the seed.
One to three weeks depending on soil temperature and species. Warmer soil in early September germinates faster than cool spring soil. Keep the area moist but not waterlogged during this window.
Yes, this is overseeding, and it works best after scarifying to remove thatch so the seed reaches soil rather than sitting on dead material. ELawnCare's renewal package covers scarifying, aeration and overseed together at £200 per 100m².
Only if rain does not arrive. Autumn sowing in Cambridgeshire usually gets enough natural moisture. In a dry spell, a light watering to keep the top inch of soil damp, rather than a heavy soak, suits germinating seed best.
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