Growing a new lawn from seed is a practical and budget-friendly way to cover a large area. It takes a little preparation and patience, but getting the soil and seed choice right from the start will help your new lawn establish evenly.
Before you begin, consider how much sunlight the area receives, your local climate and how the lawn will be used. A decorative lawn, a hard-wearing family lawn and a lawn growing in partial shade may need different types of grass seed.
Planning your new lawn
Take a close look at the area before choosing your seed. Consider:
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How many hours of direct sunlight the lawn receives
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Your local climate and the best sowing conditions for the selected grass
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How much foot traffic, play or pet activity the lawn will experience
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How much mowing, watering and maintenance you are comfortable with
Always check the seed packaging before buying. It will tell you where the grass is suited, when to sow it and how much seed you will need for the area.
What you will need
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Spade or shovel
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Mattock or heavy hoe
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Landscape rake
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Wheelbarrow
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Rotary hoe or cultivator for larger areas, if required
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A Scotts Lawn Builder™ Seed & Feed product suited to your lawn
How to grow a new lawn from seed
Step 1. Clear and prepare the area
Remove existing grass, weeds, stones, sticks and other debris. Loosen the soil and break up large clumps to create a fine, even seedbed. A spade, mattock or heavy hoe may be enough for a smaller area, while a rotary hoe can make larger areas easier to prepare.
Step 2. Improve and level the soil
Spread Scotts Lawn Builder™ Top Dress across the prepared area according to the pack directions. Where the existing soil is poor, mix the new lawn soil into the upper layer rather than leaving two separate soil layers.
Rake the area level and fill any low spots where water could collect. The finished surface should be even, lightly firmed and free from large clumps.
Step 3. Sow the lawn seed
Lightly rake the surface to create shallow furrows. On sloping ground, rake across the slope to help reduce seed movement during watering.
Apply the selected lawn seed evenly at the rate shown on the packaging. Lightly rake the area again so the seed has good contact with the soil without being buried too deeply.
Step 4. Water gently and regularly
Water the area thoroughly using a gentle spray that will not wash the seed away. Keep the seedbed evenly moist while the seed germinates and the young grass establishes.
Check the soil regularly, especially during warm, dry or windy weather. Avoid flooding the area or allowing water to pool, as this can move the seed and create uneven coverage.
Choosing the right Scotts lawn seed
Scotts Lawn Builder™ Seed & Feed Sun & Shade
A useful option for establishing lawns in areas with full sun through to medium or heavy shade. Lawn grasses still need some direct sunlight, so it should not be used in very dense shade.
Scotts Lawn Builder™ Seed & Feed Couch Lawn Seed
Suitable for establishing a fine-leafed couch lawn with good wear tolerance and the ability to repair through spreading growth. Do not use it to repair or oversow Santa Ana couch lawns.
Scotts Lawn Builder™ Seed & Feed Kikuyu Lawn Seed
Suitable for establishing a kikuyu lawn with good wear tolerance. Kikuyu is a warm-season grass, so follow the seasonal directions on the pack and avoid sowing during temperature extremes.
Tips for better establishment
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Blend in new soil: Avoid simply spreading a thick layer over poor existing soil. Mixing the two surfaces helps create a more consistent growing zone for new roots.
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Do not let the seed dry out: Check the seedbed regularly and water gently whenever the surface begins to dry.
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Keep people and pets away: Limit traffic over the area while the grass germinates and establishes.
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Wait before mowing: Allow the seedlings to establish and reach the height stated on the seed packaging before their first mow.
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Follow the label: Sowing rates, watering requirements and suitable planting times vary between seed blends, so always follow the directions for your chosen product.
