View Full Version : When is the best time to start seeding grass?
-Ralph-
10-03-10, 09:36 AM
Between muddy paws all winter and the dog going to the toilet on it, the grass is wrecked. Its needs some TLC. I notice that the spring bulbs are just starting to shoot through, but the grass hasn't started growing yet. Do you think I should seed now or wait a few more weeks? Any othr tips on how to recover it welcome (I will rakeout and replace the soil below the toliet burn).
Its a downward spiral that, I spent a fortune trying to get the front and back lawns nice, healthy and green. Towards the end of summer they were just about there... they are covered in moss and weeds again now.
I think you can seed pretty much anytime though.
I'd sow in early april, keep the area well watered and cover the seed to stop birds eating it. It should geminate in 2 - 3 weeks
Depending on how big your garden is I would strongly recommend replacing the lawn with astroturf!!!
You just won't believe the ease of use, ease of cleaning and no need to take care off every weekend during the summer!!
It does cost but you make your life sooooooo much easier!!
dizzyblonde
10-03-10, 10:41 AM
A gardener I know, who also worked for the council cutting grass, always said the best time of year to sow grass seed was when it was extremely wet in Autumn. My dad always poke his garden fork in to air his lawn, throws seeds on and throws compost over the patches. His lawn is something to die for. He regularly feeds and weeds during the summer when there is a high chance of rain, so not to burn it.
A gardener I know, who also worked for the council cutting grass, always said the best time of year to sow grass seed was when it was extremely wet in Autumn. My dad always poke his garden fork in to air his lawn, throws seeds on and throws compost over the patches. His lawn is something to die for. He regularly feeds and weeds during the summer when there is a high chance of rain, so not to burn it.
Does your dad have a dog that ****s and pees on it? :)
I was like your dad up until I got a dog.......anything you do after that is a waste of effort IMO
madnlooney
10-03-10, 11:30 PM
Depending on how big your garden is I would strongly recommend replacing the lawn with astroturf!!!
haha i was gonna say that too:smt081
Between muddy paws all winter and the dog going to the toilet on it,.
try taking the bloody dog for a walk instead of just opening the door and letting your dog run and pizz shiz in your garden, or are you a lazy git?
ridelikeaturtle
10-03-10, 11:39 PM
My dad always poke his garden fork in to air his lawn, throws seeds on and throws compost over the patches. His lawn is something to die for.
That's a good idea, is that to keep the birds from eating all the grass seed?
-Ralph-
10-03-10, 11:46 PM
try taking the bloody dog for a walk instead of just opening the door and letting your dog run and pizz shiz in your garden, or are you a lazy git?
OK Bibio, what's the matter tonight mate?
offer withdrawn.
so when do we get to see some titz. apart from the obvious one and that's me.
pppfffttt here was me thinking that someone had bought a chieftain tank or sommit.. big let down..
me no seen.. let me see i havent hasd a good laugh for agesssssss.
so your up yer bum pipe is not going ahead then wideass?
i'm didling just fine m8. i have beer and an attitude that i think i can just about function again. that is unless i get to drunk and upset people. ooohhh wait a minuet that would mean that i would have to give a f*ck which i dont.
nope i'm just here to take the pizz coz my ego needs a boost :dj:
well owned... pmsl...
but i am right about the dog... lol
-Ralph-
10-03-10, 11:55 PM
well owned... pmsl...
but i am right about the dog... lol
Bit difficult to control pizzing and shizzing when you don't even need to open the door to let him out. He's already outside 12 hours a day, he has a 6x4 heated shed as a kennel during the day. I think it's a bit cruel to keep a large dog indoors in a small house. He roams the garden as and when he wants to - in between walks that is ;-)
Moss is usually down to poor drainage, which is usually down to compacted soil and/or clay or underlying pan etc., low nutrient levels and so poor grass growth, acid soil, shade, and mowing too short.
To clear moss, treat with "lawn sand" (it's the cheapest way to apply iron sulphate, which is what sorts the moss out), it's a bit early yet, better wait till start of April.
After a week or 2, rake out the dead moss, I use a scarifier or even a small rotavator/cultivator on really bad examples (a little Mantis cultivator works a treat).
Get a hollow tine aerator (manual ones can be got for £15 or so online, a bit tedious but stick with it) and go over the area, rake in a mix of sharp sand and compost, apply new seed. Using a fork just compacts the sides of the holes, nowhere near as effective as a hollow tine jobbie which removes plugs.
Choose a seed to suit the situation. Ensure it is watered during dry weather until well established. Mow with cut set high when new grass has reached about 3". Rolling it or using a mower with a roller encourages stronger growth in new grass.
If the situation and soil suits moss, it will return. There are no easy ways to clear it successfully, you need to address all the aspects. I've done several lawns which were about 90% moss to begin with. Hit it hard, it looks dreadful for a few weeks, but the grass will come back vigorously. Finally weed/feed after a suitable time, new grass doesn't take too kindly to it too soon.
...or concrete....
so wtf is the point in having a pet if if you keep it outside.
-Ralph-
11-03-10, 12:26 AM
so wtf is the point in having a pet if if you keep it outside.
Are we talking about the same pet that's been lying on my feet snoring since 8pm?
Am I right in thinking you are a full time carer Bibio? Some of us are not in the house all day every day, and even when I am I'm working upstairs in my office, so what's the point in the pet being shut in the house on it's own all day?
Maybe you should ask somebody that keeps horses what they think :confused:
Specialone
11-03-10, 12:28 AM
Col, If you find somewhere cheap for lawn products, let me know cos i have neglected mine for 2 years now and this year im gonna sort it and i have only got cats.
-Ralph-
11-03-10, 12:32 AM
Thanks everyone for all the advice so far. I'll wait another couple of weeks and I'll follow some of these tips.
Col, If you find somewhere cheap for lawn products, let me know cos i have neglected mine for 2 years now and this year im gonna sort it and i have only got cats.
I'm not going to go mad, prolly just some chicken wire fencing to keep the dog off it for a few weeks, compost and grass seed. I just need to get it back into a state where the landlord won't withhold my deposit because of it when we leave.
haha when I saw this thread I was thinking no way would someone post this here..Then I subconsciously skimmed the first post and thought my god he has!
Between muddy paws all winter and the dog going to the toilet on it, the grass is wrecked. Its needs some THC. I notice that the spring bulbs are just starting to shoot through, but the grass hasn't started growing yet. Do you think I should seed now or wait a few more weeks? Any othr tips on how to recover it welcome (I will rakeout and replace the soil below the toliet burn).
beabert
11-03-10, 01:14 AM
My advice, wait until the dogs gone and dont get another.
As for dogd as pets, they make the whole place smell, hair everywhere, then theres the barking. I know; the family have one for some reason, they moan about the things it does, so why get one in the first place???? i have never understood it. They cant use the 'for company' excuse, as they have a family.
-Ralph-
11-03-10, 09:58 AM
haha when I saw this thread I was thinking no way would someone post this here..Then I subconsciously skimmed the first post and thought my god he has!
:smt081
Now that conclusion is caused by a guilty conscience! ;)
dizzyblonde
11-03-10, 11:02 AM
Does your dad have a dog that ****s and pees on it? :)
I was like your dad up until I got a dog.......anything you do after that is a waste of effort IMO
lol, no but he has a couple of pesky squirrels that try burying their nuts in it, dig holes all over it.
Completely agree, my lawn started looking like a racetrack when I first got a bike, so I paved over it, as for my beautiful flowery boarders, lets just say when you have two dogs with no idea, you don't have any plants:mad:
That's a good idea, is that to keep the birds from eating all the grass seed?
err no idea, sure its something to do with allowing it to breath, apparently a lawn can choke or something:smt017 dunno I'll ask him
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