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    SEEDING GUIDE

    When to Plant Grass Seed in the UK

    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.

    Lawn renovation from £190 for around 70m², with whole-lawn aeration and overseeding, targeted scarification where needed and topsoil on bare or damaged areas. Grass seed and topsoil are included in the agreed quote. Guide prices depend on lawn condition, access and the work required. Full-lawn scarification, full-lawn topdressing and additional materials are priced separately where needed. Send us a few photos and your approximate lawn size for a confirmed quote.

    Written by Evaldas, owner of ELawnCare. Last reviewed .

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    SEASONAL

    Lawn renovation

    Give a tired or patchy lawn a helping hand with aeration, overseeding and targeted repairs. A typical small-lawn renovation includes aeration and overseeding across the whole lawn, scarification where needed and topsoil applied to bare or damaged areas. Grass seed and topsoil are included in your agreed quote.

    FROM
    £190
    Around 70m²: from £190. Around 90m²: approximately £245 for a similar treatment. Larger lawns or more extensive renovation: individually quoted.

    Guide prices depend on lawn condition, access and the work required. Full-lawn scarification, full-lawn topdressing and additional materials are priced separately where needed. Send us a few photos and your approximate lawn size for a confirmed quote.

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    £20per 100m²

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    Why September beats spring

    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.

    Preparing the ground before sowing

    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.

    COMMON QUESTIONS

    Frequently asked questions

    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.

    Lawn renovation from £190 for around 70m², with whole-lawn aeration and overseeding, targeted scarification where needed and topsoil on bare or damaged areas. Grass seed and topsoil are included in the agreed quote. Guide prices depend on lawn condition, access and the work required. Full-lawn scarification, full-lawn topdressing and additional materials are priced separately where needed. Send us a few photos and your approximate lawn size for a confirmed quote.

    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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