Soil preparation

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Correct soil preparation is important for long-term success. Prepare a few weeks in advance of sowing or turfing by eliminating any weeds, rubbish and large stones. Dig or rotovate and level the top 15-25cm (6-9ins), trying not to bring the subsoil to the top. If the soil is wet, of a clay nature, or liable to water logging, drainage may be necessary.

Two weeks before sowing or turfing, apply a general fertiliser at the rate shown on the product and rake in. A 2.5cm (1in) deep dressing of peat or peat substitute should be raked into the top 4cm (11/2in) of the soil to retain moisture and prevent the seed or turf drying out as it grows.

Firm the soil by treading the surface in both directions, taking care not to compact it. Finish off by raking level and removing medium to large stones and any rubbish.

It is best to prepare an area 15-25cm (6-9ins) larger than required to enable the grass or turf to be cut to a firm edge when fully established.

Lawns from seed

For best results the best time to sow is late March to May. Sowing can also take place in late September or October providing autumn rains have started.

Work out the amount of seed you will need allocating 50g per m2 (2oz per sq.yd.) to allow for seed lost to birds. Then decide on the quality of lawn to suit your particular need.

Choice of seed

Hardwearing, strong-growing grass, ideal for children's games
Grass seed with rye grass.

Paths and lawns receiving heavy use
Grass seed with or without dwarf rye grass and nominated for general use.

Quality lawn
Grass seed without rye grass and containing a high degree of fine grass varieties.

Sowing

To ensure even distribution of your seed, first mark out your prepared area into 1 metre (or yard) squares. Weigh out the amount required for the first square metre (or yard) and scatter the seed evenly over the area you have marked out. Repeat this process for each square.

After care

Stretching cotton or netting over the area will help protect the seed from birds, and in dry conditions the area may require light watering.

Once the grass in 4-5cms (11/2-2ins) high it can be mown with the mower blades set high. Lower the blades gradually over the next few weeks. If weeds are a problem, frequent mowing will kill them.

Turfing

Turf can be laid at almost any time as long as the soil is not very dry, waterlogged or frozen. The best months are from March to June and from September to November.

Start by deciding on the type and quality of lawn you want. Turf is available in several grades - from meadow grass, cut from a field with little or no preparation, to seed-sown grass which gives the best appearance, although this is more expensive.

When measuring the area to be turfed, allow an overlap of 15cm (6ins) so that the lawn can be cut to a firm edge once it has established.

Order well in advance for delivery on or near a specific date, allowing that the weather conditions may interfere with the cutting of the turf by the supplier.

Make sure your soil preparation is completed by the delivery date as turf must be laid as soon as possible to prevent damage. Should it arrive and laying is not possible, unroll it on a path, drive or other area away from the turfing site, keeping it moist to prevent long-term damage.

Laying turf

Start from an outside edge and work off a board placed on the newly laid turf, working systematically over the area, carefully unrolling each turf and laying them closely in a brick pattern.

Use the back of a spade to gently but firmly beat the turf flat so that the roots are in close contact with the soil. If there are any high or low spots, remove or add soil as necessary.

Trimming

Use a half-moon tool for cutting the edges of newly laid turf and the edges of existing lawns. Hold it vertically against the side of a flat board or against a garden line. Mark curves with a hosepipe.

After care

Water well and start light mowing when the grass is 4-5cm (11/2-2ins) high, making sure the mower blades are sharp and set as high as possible to prevent the turf being disturbed.