Seeding a Lawn from Scratch: Preparation to Germination

The best sowing window: early April to early September. Preparation starts earlier.

Step 1: Kill Existing Vegetation (March–August)

On a dry day, spray weedy areas with glyphosate-based herbicide per label instructions. Heed safety warnings.

Step 2: Grade the Site (Wait 1 Month)

Allow herbicide to reach deep roots (docks, dandelions). Grade only in light rain — heavy rain creates a drainage-impermeable pan. Level without bringing subsoil up (causes brown patches). Remove buried timber, old roots (cause toadstools), concrete, large stones — anything fist-sized or larger.

Step 3: Fallow and Final Cultivation (Wait Another Month)

Let dormant weeds regrow, then spray glyphosate again. Shallow rotovate or fork over, breaking clods. Rake to fine tilth (cake-crumb texture, not powder) removing debris down to 1-euro-coin size.

Step 4: Sow Seed

Ideally just before rain. Rate: 40–50 g/m². Divide seed in two; spread half walking up/down, half left/right. Avoid drives, patios, beds. Lightly rake in with a spring rake — don't bury. Roll lightly with half-filled water roller for soil-seed contact. Keep extra soil/seed for hollows revealed by rolling. Seedlings appear in 2–3 weeks, weather-dependent.