Patchy and sparse lawns can be restored to thick, green turf by overseeding this week, as late August offers ideal conditions for grass recovery.
With soil temperatures still warm and moisture levels increasing, the end of summer provides a prime window to help lawns recover from hot, dry weather. A few simple jobs now can encourage stronger growth and prepare grass for autumn and winter.
Why Late August Is the Right Time
According to Garsons, the “ideal” times to overseed lawns are in springtime, from March to early May, and in late summer, at the end of August. However, they added that autumn was “by far” the best time to overseed, thanks to the better weather conditions.
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.”
Caring for the Overseeded Lawn
It is important to keep the grass seeds moist, as they need moisture to survive. Watering with a fine rose fitting prevents them from being washed away.
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.”
If grass is growing poorly, the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) recommends feeding it with an autumn feed rich in potassium and phosphorus to encourage hardiness and root growth.
