Once a lawn has been laid, bare patches may appear after a while. Some seeds do not germinate or a spot was forgotten when sowing. When is the right time to sow?

In a nutshell

  • depending on the length of the stems
  • first mowing is a good timing guide
  • bald spots can be prevented
  • Spreader is a good tool
  • Weather plays a role

prevention

To prevent bare spots from forming on the lawn in the first place, a few points should be observed when sowing. These include, among others:

  • Loosening and preparing the soil
  • Sowing in spring
  • Enrich soil with nutrients
  • use fresh seed
  • Use of a spreader

The spreader allows the seeds to be distributed more evenly and easily. This allows you to avoid bald spots from the outset, just as you can with fresh seeds. Properly prepared soil also provides a good base for the weed and can significantly reduce germination time.

A spreader helps distribute the seed evenly.

Tip: A spreader can be rented at the hardware store. However, since it can also be used to fertilize the lawn, for example, the investment is usually worthwhile.

germination time

Germination time and growth depend on various factors. This includes:

  • type of lawn
  • texture of the soil
  • quality of seeds
  • temperature
  • care
  • weather

If you have new lawn, you can count on one to four weeks. The better the conditions, the faster the first shoots will appear.

length

The lawn can be walked on for the first time when each blade is five centimeters long. However, it takes about a year for the plants to reach their full resistance. So be careful and try not to put too much stress on the surface.

First mowing

When the lawn can be walked on for the first time, it can also be mowed. Adhere to the rule of not removing more than a third of the length. Make sure the blades are freshly sharpened and clean. Otherwise the plants could be torn out.

overseeding

During the first mowing it is possible to start a new sowing directly. In this way, the area does not have to be entered several times and is protected. The procedure is as follows:

  • Cut the lawn: First, the lawn is shortened by one to one and a half centimetres.
  • loosen soil: If you come to a bare spot, switch off the device briefly and loosen the soil slightly with a garden claw.
  • spread seeds: Sow the seed, trying to get an even distribution.
  • Light covering: Work the seed into the soil so that it is lightly covered with substrate. This prevents it from being washed away directly and reduces the risk of birds pecking it out.
  • watering: When watering for the first time, it is important to ensure that the water is distributed well. A watering can with very fine holes or careful blasting are ideal.

maintenance

In the initial period after the lawn has been newly laid, it is important that the soil does not dry out or even tear open. If the substrate was not treated with fertilizer in advance, you must also pay attention to the appropriate nutrient supply. Before you do this, you should have a soil analysis made or do it yourself.

A spreader also helps with even fertilization.

Tip: In hardware stores with garden centers, garden centers, but also online, it is possible to purchase analysis sets. An examination can also be carried out. This makes it clear which nutrients may be missing and need to be added.

frequently asked Questions

Why shouldn't new lawns be walked on?

Due to the pressure, the young and sensitive plants are bent over and may die. A light load is only recommended when the stalks are high and rooted enough. An alternative to this is turf.

Is it also possible to overseed later?

Yes, because weeds and moss can also result in bare spots after scarifying. The same applies to areas in which there was garden furniture or other shady sections.

When is the best time to plant a lawn?

Both spring and autumn are suitable. Spring sowing has the advantage that the lawn grows faster and receives more light, the plants root faster and are already more resistant to frost in winter. If you only planted the lawn in autumn, these processes take more time and the germination time is longer.

Category:

Garden design