When starting a new lawn from seed, first decide on the type of lawn you want and how you will use it. You can then choose the correct grass seed mixture that will perfectly match your lifestyle, your garden and your needs.

Start by measuring the area to be seeded and then buy the amount of grass seed you need; you’ll need 35g/sq.m (1oz/sq.yd). Miracle-Gro and EverGreen grass seed mixtures are blended from purpose bred sports turf grass varieties tested by the Sports Turf Research Institute and are perfect for garden lawns.

Revolutionary Miracle-Gro Patch Magic grows grass seed anywhere - guaranteed. Triple action coir, superior quality seed and Miracle-Gro Plant Food produces 50% thicker grass with half the watering.

Sowing a new lawn

Spring and autumn are the best times to start a new lawn from scratch - whether it’s from seed or turf. But good preparation is essential for best results.

Prepare the site

Dig over the area and remove large stones and roots of perennial weeds. Add EverGreen Enriched Lawn Soil to improve the water-holding capacity and structure of the soil. Level and firm the surface by raking and treading over the surface.

Fallow the site

If possible and time allows, leave the soil to allow the dormant weed seeds to germinate. After 10-14 days, kill off this top growth with Weedol 2. Apply a general fertiliser to the surface and rake in while you level again. A balanced plant food ensures quick establishment of new grass.

Sow the seed

For best results, the soil should be moist. The sowing rate is 35g/sq.m (35g = a large handful). Sow half the seed from left to right and the rest from top to bottom to achieve even coverage. Lightly rake the seed into the surface and ensure the soil remains moist until germination occurs.

Keep the soil moist

In autumn and early spring, rain should keep the soil moist enough to ensure good seed germination and subsequent growth. In dry weather, you may need to water the soil occasionally in the evening.

Aftercare

Germination will be seen in 2-3 weeks depending on temperature. Lightly trim the grass to a minimum of 4cm when it is 5-8cm (2-3in) long overall. Then mow every couple of weeks gradually reducing the cutting height to 2.5cm (1in).

Wait at least six months before applying a lawn food such as Scotts Lawn Builder Lawn Food.