Grass doesn't root very deeply, so you don't have to dig down far - you're not preparing a vegetable patch. Just ensure that the ground is not rock-hard beneath the lawn. Aim for a firm, but not compacted, even surface, with good drainage from the top inch or so, ensuring that the lawn won't be under water after heavy rain.

Dig the ground over when it is reasonably dry (if a lot of soil clings to your boots, it's too wet). After digging, rake the ground level, raking off stones as you go. To firm up the surface, tread the ground on your heels, shuffling up and down in one direction, raking the ground again, then treading again at right angles to the first direction, before raking level again. The treading produces a firm surface for the lawn; the raking provides a fine tilth for grass seed to germinate in and for turf roots to grow into.

Digging in organic material is not a good idea because it continues to rot and shrink, making the ground above uneven. Uneven ground means the mower misses the dips and scalps the bumps, which isn't pretty.

Ground preparation for a lawn from seed or turf is the same, but for sown lawns it is essential to apply a pre-seed fertiliser at least a week before sowing, so it can be washed into the soil. If left on the surface, it could damage the new root emerging from the seed.

Delay sowing or turfing until a dry day with mild and wet weather forecast - usually March/April or August - but don't rely on the calendar alone - a wet summer is ideal for establishing a lawn.

Comments

  1 jacqueline brown    12 Oct 2008 14.25.08

  2 Alec and Val    14 Oct 2008 15.44.31