Gardeners are being urged to complete one key task this week to help revive sparse, dry lawns and keep them lush through autumn: overseeding. According to Garsons, the "ideal" periods for overseeding lawns are spring, from March through early May, and late summer, towards the end of August.
August represents a critical period for lawn maintenance, as the warmer months begin transitioning towards cooler conditions. Following the heat of summer, lawns can appear parched, sparse, patchy, and generally worse for wear. With soil temperatures remaining warm and moisture levels beginning to rise, late summer offers the perfect window to help grass recover and prepare for what lies ahead.
A handful of straightforward tasks carried out now can promote stronger, healthier growth and leave lawns far better positioned to withstand autumn and winter. Among the most beneficial jobs to complete before September arrives is overseeding, which can help fill in bare patches and revitalise a lacklustre garden.
How to overseed your lawn
The experts said: "Start by removing weeds and any fallen leaves in the way. You can also use a scarifier to remove moss if needed."
"Mow the lawn on a low setting and remove all clippings. Aerate your soil by forking holes into the lawn and adding a thin dressing layer over the area to be seeded. This only needs to be very thin and is called topdressing."
"Sow your seeds as per the packet instructions and lightly rake to ensure the seeds are in contact with the soil. Lightly press down, walk or pat the area."
How to care for your overseeded lawn
Ensuring grass seeds remain moist is crucial, as they require adequate hydration to germinate successfully. Water gently using a fine rose attachment to prevent the seeds from being displaced.
The experts added: "Your lawn will need mowing, but start low in spring and raise the setting."
"For newly sown seeds, make sure the grass is at least 5cm to 8cm before you cut on a high setting."
"Keeping a nice lawn is one of the greatest pleasures, and it doesn't have to be as hard as it looks. Overseeding will definitely help to keep it thick and green."
Should your grass be struggling to thrive, the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) advises applying an autumn feed rich in potassium and phosphorus to promote stronger roots and greater resilience. Garsons noted, however, that autumn was "by far" the optimal time to overseed, owing to the more favourable weather conditions.
