Posted on Nov 25, 2023 at 10:01 am by James A
The creation of a lush and verdant lawn begins long before the first blade of grass sprouts.
You have meticulously prepared the soil and sown the seeds, eagerly anticipating the transformation of your garden. But what happens after you scatter those precious seeds on the ground? This practical guide takes you through the crucial steps and care to be taken immediately after sowing, ensuring the success of your new lawn.
Table of Contents
The first steps to properly care for your freshly sown lawn
After sowing your lawn, you will undoubtedly want to provide it with the most appropriate care to become a beautiful green carpet. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:
- Water regularly: Young shoots need constant moisture to develop properly. So remember to water your lawn at least twice a day (morning and evening) during the first week.
- Maintain an adequate temperature: Lawn germination requires a temperature between 10°C and 20°C. Avoid periods that are too cold or too hot to sow your lawn.
- Leave the seeds alone: Do not walk on the area where you have sown the grass in order not to damage or displace the seeds.
First mowing: when and how to proceed?
Knowing when to perform the first mowing is essential to ensure the proper development of your lawn. Here are some points to consider:
- Let it grow enough: Wait for the grass to reach a height of about 8 cm before mowing for the first time. This will allow the roots to establish themselves in the soil.
- Do not cut too short: For the first mowing, set your mower to a cutting height of about 5 cm. Cutting too short can stress the young shoots and prevent them from developing properly.
- Mow in dry weather: Avoid mowing when the ground is wet or damp, as this can cause irregularities in the cut and promote the development of diseases.
Maintenance gestures to adopt after sowing the lawn
In addition to watering and mowing, a few simple gestures will allow you to maintain your lawn and ensure a flawless appearance:
- Fertilize regularly: Provide your lawn with the nutrients it needs to grow by applying suitable fertilizer. Remember to spread this fertilizer about a month after the first mowing.
- Weed if necessary: If weeds appear, remove them manually or use a selective herbicide suitable for the type of grass you have sown.
- Aerate the soil: To prevent the soil from compacting, remember to aerate your lawn. For this, use a lawn aerator or a garden fork to pierce the soil and promote the circulation of air, water, and nutrients.
- Scarify in autumn: Scarification removes the layer of thatch that forms on the surface of the soil, composed of plant debris and moss. Perform this operation in autumn to prepare your lawn for winter.
A few tips for an even more beautiful lawn
To perfect your lawn, here are some additional tips:
- Mow in different directions: Alternate the mowing directions with each pass to avoid creating grooves or marks on your lawn.
- Collect dead leaves: Dead leaves can smother your lawn and promote the development of diseases. So remember to collect them regularly.
- Maintain an appropriate cutting height: After the first mowing, you can gradually reduce the cutting height until it reaches about 3 cm. This height will allow your lawn to be denser and more resistant.
With these tips in hand, you are now ready to take care of your freshly sown lawn and give it a flawless appearance throughout the year. Remember that patience and attention are the keys to a successful lawn. So, grab your watering cans, mowers, and rakes, and happy gardening!
