Lawn seed

[Redmax]

A couple of days ago I repaired a few areas on the lawn where there were low spots and holes. I put some new topsoil in to the right level, pressed it down a bit and sprinkled (quite a lot!) of lawn seed on. The instructions then said to "lightly rake the surface to incorporate the seeds into the soil", or at least words to that effect.

I've done that but there are still lots of seeds lying on the top of the soil. Do the seeds need to be covered to germinate? Should I sprinkle some top soil on top? When should I see some action?!

Cheers

[JustinP1]

When it's a bit sunny and wet.

I am lazy and when I'm doing patches of overseeding I don't even bother raking it in...

Still comes up fine.

[Simpo Two]

Birds will eat some.

[Road2Ruin]

I always cover mine with a light dusting of compost. Keeps it warm and moist and stops the pesky critters getting at it. Comes up a treat

[nitsypee]

It'll be absolutely fine. You could cover it with a little soil, but I wouldn't sorry.

The birds always eat some of the seed, but it's equally not a problem. I usually put extra seed on to compensate, and stick a compact disc "bird scarer" nearby.

[Road2Ruin]

nitsypee said:

It'll be absolutely fine. You could cover it with a little soil, but I wouldn't sorry.

The birds always eat some of the seed, but it's equally not a problem. I usually put extra seed on to compensate, and stick a compact disc "bird scarer" nearby.

Leo Sayer?

[greygoose]

Road2Ruin said:

nitsypee said:

It'll be absolutely fine. You could cover it with a little soil, but I wouldn't sorry.

The birds always eat some of the seed, but it's equally not a problem. I usually put extra seed on to compensate, and stick a compact disc "bird scarer" nearby.

Leo Sayer?

Cat Stevens?

[Simpo Two]

I knew a cat called Steve once. Bloody great tabby he was.

[Redmax]

Still no new grass. Maybe tomorrow...

[Shaolin]

Grass seed can be slow to germinate, up to a month depending on what the weather does.

[jfrf]

i always cover the seeds with soil.
I find the uncovered ones do nothing otherwise

normally you might not see anything for a week
always important to keep the area damp.

[netherfield]

The grounds not warm enough yet,better to have waited another month really.

Be patient it will come,in the best of conditions it can take up to 3 weeks before anything starts showing.

[Redmax]

I'm sure you're right. It was beautiful spring day when I did the work earlier in the week but it's been a bit less pleasant since then. I suspect if it will take a while to get going it's probably worth sprinkling some soil on top to avoid all of the seeds being eaten by birds if nothing else. I'll keep watering it in the meantime.

[davidd]

and where would one buy a load of grass seed? I'm going to need enough for about .5 of an acre... Does not have to be posh, just some reasonable grass!

[Shaolin]

davidd said:

and where would one buy a load of grass seed? I'm going to need enough for about .5 of an acre... Does not have to be posh, just some reasonable grass!

Horticultural suppliers, you should have one nearby.

[HoHoHo]

netherfield said:

The grounds not warm enough yet,better to have waited another month really.

Be patient it will come,in the best of conditions it can take up to 3 weeks before anything starts showing.

I was once told grass seeds won't grow until the upper layer of the soil is 8 degrees or above constantly.

Might be complete and utter bks, but it ties in with your theory.

[Simpo Two]

HoHoHo said:

I was once told grass seeds won't grow until the upper layer of the soil is 8 degrees or above constantly.

Might be complete and utter bks, but it ties in with your theory.

47F I heard, from the agricultural reserach station where I worked.

[HoHoHo]

Simpo Two said:

HoHoHo said:

I was once told grass seeds won't grow until the upper layer of the soil is 8 degrees or above constantly.

Might be complete and utter bks, but it ties in with your theory.

47F I heard, from the agricultural reserach station where I worked.

That's 8.33 degrees C so it would appear I was told right

[beedj]

All you could possibly want to know here :

http://www.lawnsmith.co.uk/

+ online shop for seed & fertiliser etc