Lawns often look their worst in summer as heat weakens grass and encourages weeds to thrive. Many common weeds are warm-season annuals that flourish with little water, quickly overtaking a garden. Eliminating weeds is challenging because most solutions, chemical or natural, can damage the grass itself. Weeds add stress to struggling grass and absorb water needed for recovery from hot weather.
Simple Method to Beat Weeds
Gardening experts at The Grass People have revealed a straightforward method to keep weeds at bay while benefiting the grass: overseeding. They said: "If you've found yourself looking around at neighbours' lush lawns and thinking, 'It's about time we fixed ours!', then worry not; it's not too late to turn that weary-looking lawn around." They added: "Many wonder if you can still sow grass seed in summer, but the answer is, yes! Sowing grass seed in summer will grow into a beautiful lawn when you take the correct approach."
How Overseeding Works
Overseeding involves scattering large quantities of grass seed across a lawn to fill bare patches. Seeds germinate more quickly in warmer conditions. Weeds only take hold on thin, sparse grass, but overseeding creates a denser lawn robust enough to suppress unwanted plants. Thicker turf also shades the soil, making it harder for weeds to establish and slowing water evaporation, keeping roots hydrated longer.
Best Practices for Summer Overseeding
Overseeding in summer can be beneficial as warm conditions encourage rapid grass growth, but it can strain the lawn if not done correctly. Grass seedlings are fragile, and hot weather can dry them out. To guarantee healthy, thick grass, check the weather forecast and sow seeds when rainfall is expected for several days. Applying fertiliser two weeks before sowing gives it time to absorb into the soil and support growth. The most important step is to water the lawn thoroughly once a day for the first six weeks after overseeding. The ideal time is early morning when temperatures are coolest; otherwise, heat causes moisture to evaporate, damaging roots. During a heatwave, water again in the evening to prevent soil from drying out completely.
Long-Term Benefits
Daily watering may feel like a commitment, but it is the most reliable way to keep weeds at bay and reward you with a lush, green garden throughout summer. Dense, healthy grass simply outgrows weeds, leaving them nowhere to spread.
