If your lawn has become a jungle of weeds, it may be time to get rid of it and get the lawn back from seed. To do this, you will need to know how to prepare the lawn, sow and care for the seeds once they are planted. Read on for more information.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare the Ground
Step 1. Know when to re-seed your lawn
The most effective time to re-seed a weed-filled lawn is early fall, when warm days and cool nights provide a good environment for grass seeds to germinate.
If you can't re-seed your lawn in the fall, you can do it again in the spring, while summer and winter aren't ideal
Step 2. Test your soil for pH before re-seeding your lawn
You can ask for help from an expert or a nursery, do it a month before resowing. Ask to determine soil pH and nutrient levels. This will uncover any soil problems that may have contributed to weed growth.
If you don't want to go to a nursery, you can determine the pH yourself. There are in fact special kits on the market
Step 3. Get rid of weeds in your lawn
Good soil preparation is an important step in the re-planting process. Remove weeds using a post-emergence herbicide. In general, re-seeding can be done about six weeks after applying the herbicide, but this varies depending on the product used.
Choose a herbicide that will kill weeds growing in your lawn and follow the manufacturer's recommendations carefully
Step 4. Mow the remaining grass so that it is approximately 2 cm high
Mow the remaining grass to a height of approximately 3 cm, using the lawn mower attachment to catch the cut grass.
Cutting the grass this short will help the seeds take root and grow
Step 5. Scarify the lawn
You can rent a scarifier, and make your life easier, or work by hand with a scarifier rake.
Step 6. Add soil improvers to your lawn as needed
If its pH was wrong and led to weed growth, you will most likely need to add soil improvers to your lawn to prevent the weeds from returning.
These amendments will make your lawn more acidic or more alkaline, depending on where you live and what you need to get rid of
Step 7. Spread the fertilizer
Use a long range fertilizer to apply starter fertilizer to the lawn. This fertilizer will help the new seeds grow strong and healthy. You should spread the fertilizer at a rate of 10 kg per 100 m2. The fertilizer should have one of the following ratios:
- 10-5-5.
- 10-6-4.
- 16-8-8.
Method 2 of 3: Resow the Lawn
Step 1. Choose the right type of grass seed for your area
Make sure you choose a species of grass that will naturally thrive in the environment in your garden. Select a shade-tolerant species for a very shady garden or a sun-loving species if your garden is always full of it.
If the lawn is going to be subject to constant hustle and bustle, select a species that will resist when walked on
Step 2. Spread the seeds on the lawn
Spread the grass seeds using a spreader, setting the seeding rate according to the species of grass you are planting. Spread the seeds in even rows in one direction, and then again in the other direction to ensure even sowing.
Step 3. Rake the soil to lightly cover the seeds
You should try raking the soil so that the seeds are covered with about 4mm of earth. If you don't have a rake, you can also spread mulch on the ground.
If you choose to sprinkle some mulch, you can use a peat spreader. Try to cover the seeds with about 6mm of mulch or less
Step 4. Roll over the seeds with a lawn roller
Run over the newly sown lawn with a light lawn roller to ensure good grip between the soil and seeds. A lawn roller pushes the seeds into the soil so they can take root more easily.
If you don't have a lawn roller, you can rent one from a garden equipment store
Method 3 of 3: Caring for a Re-seeded Lawn
Step 1. Keep the seeds moist
Water the newly sown lawn just enough to moisten the soil. The seeds must always be kept moist for them to germinate. Check the soil often and water the seeds lightly as soon as the soil starts to get dry.
Watering the weed once every morning is usually enough, but your seeds may need to be given water more often if you live in a hot or windy climate
Step 2. Reduce how often you water the seeds once they have started to sprout
The seeds should germinate in about 3 weeks. After the seeds sprout, reduce the frequency but increase the amount of water given.
The amount of water you give the sprouting seeds will depend on the type of weed you are trying to grow. Read the instructions that come with the seed pack
Step 3. Mow the lawn once it reaches the maintenance height for that specific type of grass
Again, each type of weed will have its own specific indications. Keep mowed grass at the right height and water it regularly to encourage a thick, healthy lawn and discourage weed growth.
Step 4. Fertilize the new grass
Fertilize the new grass six to eight weeks after it sprouts. You don't have to give water to fertilize before this time because the fertilizer could choke or damage the seeds. When it comes time to fertilize the herb, use:
