MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
Not the uphill type, yet.
Am thinking of another go at over-seeding my sparse lawn, I CBA re-turfing it etc. I already have some fertilizer and seed from last (failed) time. I think there is a bit of a drainage and direct sunlight issue (south-facing lawn obscured by wall at south end, however there is no moss). I've read/been told to fork the lawn and brush in sand before sowing, and put up some netting to stop the birds getting the seeds, water lots, not to fertilise for a week or else the established grass will get it over the new seeds.
Any tipss? Can I get some cheap plastic netting? Does it need to be taught over the grass? Should I get some grass that grows in poor sunlight? Can I dig under the turf a bit to level the lumps out then flatten it down again?
*bumps*
If you have no moss, then the chances are that the drainage and lack of sunlight are not that bad.
I've read/been told to fork the lawn and brush in sand before sowing, and put up some netting to stop the birds getting the seeds, water lots, not to fertilise for a week or else the established grass will get it over the new seeds.
That's all sounds like good advice, what type of grass seed did you try last time cynic-al?
Might be worth looking for a shaded grass seed I have used the EverGreen Shady Lawn Grass Seed in the past and seems to work well.
Cheap plastic netting works well, I tack it onto a wodden frame, which keeps it just off the grass, sorry soil 😉 but makes it easier to work with once it does starts to grow.
Ta - there is in fact a bit of moss but not loads, I cut and scarified (with rake) at the weekend.
Will look for that seed, it was just std stuff I tried last time, I put it down with grass and didn't notice any bird-feeding frnzy, but I didn't water it much I don't think, which may be important.
If you are over-seeding, birds are less of a problem. Maybe rig up a bird scarer with some foil quiche trays or something? In good weather, if you water it at dusk, it'll sprout pronto anyway. Forking it and brushing in some lawn sand is a [u]very[/u] good idea. Keep it well mown when established.
Decking.
I was told that it helps to get the grass seed germinating early as follows
1. Stick the grass seed in a old stocking or pair of tights and tie the end.
2. Stick it in a bucket of water with a brick over the top to keep the seed submerged. Leave for 48 hours.
3. Mix it in with some topsoil and spread (onto patches in my case).
I've no idea how well it works as I've only just done it and I know nack all about lawncare.