Our gardens are often one of the most popular parts of any home.
A space to grow plants, relax and make memories with our loved ones, a thriving garden often directly contributes to an overall happy home.
While gardens come in all shapes and sizes, having a luscious lawn is always a huge perk.
Whether you already have a lawn that you’re looking to enhance or are planning on sowing grass seeds for the first time, it’s important that you understand how to successfully grow a quality lawn.
In this article, we’ll take a look at how long it takes for grass seeds to germinate outlining the various considerations when growing a new lawn.
Read on for more…
How long does grass seed take to germinate?
On average, you can expect a grass seed to germinate in around one week. To be more specific, it may take between five to 15 days.
Once the grass has successfully germinated, it will then grow at a rate of around 2/3cm each week. However, the time it takes to germinate is just a guide, and there are a number of factors that need to be considered.
This includes the following:
The time of year
The time of year will influence the time it takes for grass seed to germinate. During the colder months when the temperature is lower, it is much harder for the seeds to germinate. In fact, during the winter it is highly unlikely that the seeds will be able to germinate at all.
During the springtime, it can still be a bit chilly and it, therefore, might take a little longer for germination to occur.
In contrast, if it is too hot then it may also have a negative impact. This is because extremely hot conditions can dry out the soil.
With all of this in mind, the soil should be at least 8°C for germination to be successful. You should check the temperature before you plant the seeds, and also bear in mind the part of the country you live in as the south of the UK is generally warmer than the north and Scotland.
The moisture of the soil
Soil should be relatively moist for seeds to germinate successfully. This means they mustn’t be too wet or too dry. To ensure the soil is at an optimal moisture level, you can use sprinklers to keep the ground suitable.
You should therefore also avoid planting following periods of heavy rainfall or during large dry periods.
The grass species
Different types of grass germinate at different rates so you should consider the type of grass you’re planting.
Generally, hardwearing grass seeds such as rye grass and red fescue germinate fairly quickly and, assuming the conditions are right, it can only take four days.
Other seed types, like meadow grasses, can take up to two weeks.
How to plant grass seeds
To successfully sow your grass seeds, you should follow the steps below:
Choose the right grass seed
As mentioned above, different grass seeds germinate at different rates so it’s important that you select a type that is most appropriate for your garden. Your local garden centre will have a wide range of options including types that will suit your home’s climate and garden conditions.
Prepare your soil
Check your soil isn’t too wet or too dry before planting. You should also take some time clearing the area including removing weeds, rocks and debris from the planting area. You may even want to check the soil’s pH. The optimal level is between 6-7.
Level the soil
If the ground is uneven, you should level it before you begin planting. Rake your soil to ensure it is smooth before you begin. You should also fill in any low spots to ensure even coverage and prevent any rainwater from pooling. If you suspect your soil is of poor quality, you can also mix some high-quality topsoil or compost to boost its nutrient content.
Plant the seeds
Read the instructions on your seeds to check how many seeds you should plant and the recommended measurements. If you’re only planting a small number of seeds you can probably do so by hand but if you’re working in a larger area you may want to use a broadcast spreader. Either way, make sure the seeds are evenly spread over the soil. Then, lightly rake the seeds into the soil to ensure good contact but don’t bury them too deeply. ⅛ to ¼ of an inch is sufficient.
Water the seeds
Gently water the seeds immediately after sowing. Keep the soil moist and water them every day until they begin to germinate. If the weather gets particularly hot, you may want to water them two or three times a day. Once the grass has started to sprout, you should water them less frequently but increase the depth to encourage deep root growth.
Fertilise the grass
This is optional but you may wish to fertilise the grass to promote root growth. Always follow the instructions on your chosen fertiliser and do not become overzealous. Fertiliser should always be used sparingly.
Monitor the growth
Regularly inspect your grass, paying specific attention to weeds. If any have appeared, you should remove them immediately. Once the grass is around three inches high, you can start to mow it. Set your mower’s blades to the highest setting for the first few cuts to avoid damaging the new grass.
Maintain the lawn
Your lawn should be regularly watered once it has fully grown especially during dry periods. If you want to use a fertiliser, make sure it is balanced and apply every six to eight weeks. You must also regularly mow the lawn (at least once a week during spring and summer) but never remove more than one-third of the height in one cut.
It should take around two or three months for your new lawn to be fully established and you can enjoy it with your friends and family!
