planting a lawn

Step 1:  Spray the area with herbicide to kill any weeds.

Step 2:  Use a rotary hoe or garden fork to cultivate the soil to a depth of 10-15cm. Work in dead vegetation and remove rocks or debris. Work in fertiliser and gypsum (if the soil is high in clay) and add topsoil, thoroughly mixing with the soil beneath.

Step 3:  Level the soil to eliminate low spots where water might pool. Lightly roll or “heel” systematically to compact the soil. It should be firm enough that footprints are no more than 1cm deep.

Step 4:  Gently rake the surface to create a seed bed. Calculate the lawn area and follow the seed-quantity guidelines on the grass seed packaging. Divide the seed in two. Broadcast one half over the bed by hand, working north to south, and the other half east to west to ensure even coverage. Lightly rake to cover seeds and roll to ensure good seed contact with soil.

Step 5:  Water with a fine spray to avoid washing away soil and seeds. The topsoil should remain evenly moist for 15 days to complete germination. Frequent light waterings morning and afternoon are best. Water weekly until the lawn is fully established (approximately six to eight weeks).

Step 6:  When the grass is 5-6cm high, mow to remove 1cm from the tips. Use a sharp blade for a clean cut. After the first mow, apply a light application of fertiliser. The subsequent three to four mows should be light trims like the first.