A professional greenkeeper has revealed the simple method that will make your lawn thicker and greener, used by groundkeepers on sports pitches and golf courses
A sparse, patchy lawn can completely undermine the allure of even the most exquisite garden setting. Unsightly patches, irregular growth, and unkempt turf can make your green space seem untended and weary.
However, you can revitalise your grass with a simple trick and turn it into a dense, emerald expanse akin to those tended by experts. Gardening aficionado Geoff Hodge has penned some wisdom for Richard Jackson Garden, advising that casting grass seeds over the terrain – a technique known as “overseeding” – is the go-to tactic of professional greenkeepers to cultivate rich, green lawns.
Regardless of whether you’re grappling with bald spots, patchy grass or tired lawns, overseeding is the key to sprucing up your plot into a lusher, more robust swathe of greenery.
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Hodge sums up: “Overseeding is the secret weapon,” stating that it helps fill in the blanks, densify the sward, and outcompetes unwanted weeds and moss.”
It’s quite straightforward: disperse new grass seed across your existing lawn at a dosage of 15-25g per square metre (or 1⁄2-3⁄4oz per square yard). Then lightly integrate the seed into the earth with a rake’s reverse side for optimal seed-soil contact, reports the Express.
Ensure regular watering to boost germination and maintain moisture through the growing phase. This is not just for sports fields and golf greens, although it’s pivotal for achieving their impeccable, lush turf.
Regrettably, a lot of domestic gardeners neglect overseeding, mistakenly believing fertilisers or extra watering will suffice to restore their grass. In truth, introducing new seed enhances the lawn’s density, promoting a more robust root system and consistent growth.
The best time to overseed is in the spring or early autumn when the soil is warm and damp, providing the perfect conditions for grass seed to sprout. Within a matter of weeks, homeowners can start to see a significant improvement.
This method proves particularly effective for older lawns that have suffered from soil compaction, foot traffic, and weather conditions. Coupled with regular mowing, watering, and feeding, overseeding can transform a weary lawn into a flourishing one.
So, if your lawn appears sparse or exhausted, try sprinkling some grass seed and it might just rejuvenate your lawn. Now that the summer weather is gracing us with rays of sunshine and hot temperatures, it’s the best time to complete some gardening tasks, with a green and healthy lawn being the ultimate goal.