The Grass Doctor

Have I left it too late to sow lawn grass seed?

Although September is usually a good month for sowing in the South of England, due to lack of rain, the seed I sowed 4 weeks ago is only just beginning to sprout and is struggling with competing weeds. With only half of the lawn completed, should I finish the job or wait until spring? And in your opinion why?

Public Comments

1. do you get snow? I have a 5 acre pasture for my horses and when it snows at my house I seed on top of the snow and it works very well. it fully disperses the seed evenly and waters itself when it melts. also you can still seed now just make sure to water
2. Early autumn is usually the best time, spring sowing gives your lawn seeds more competition from weeds. At the moment the weeds are (in theory) dying back and it's not yet anywhere near hard frosts. I don't think you're going to be short of moisture now, looking out of the window! Personally I'd do it now, it'll probably work and all you have to lose is a bag of grass seed which will most likely have gone a bit stale by next year.
3. Now is a good time. I was going to do some this weekend but will use turf instead. Quicker more reliable result with turf
4. lidl's are selling grass seed that is selected for autumn sowing, It is getting a bit late but an old saying to find out if there is enough warmth in the soil is to sit on the soil with your trousers down and if it feels okay then the seed will germinate. Good luck
5. I would say it’s now a bit late in the year. If you sow grass seed now there is the risk most will not make it and in spring your new lawn will be looking very sparse and meagre. To be on the safe side, wait until April or so. September is the best time to sow in the Autumn, later than that it is more risky. Stuart.