Creating a healthy lawn in Australia begins with knowing how to grow lawn from seed correctly. Whether you’re starting from scratch or repairing patchy areas, seeding is a cost-effective and rewarding way to achieve a lush, green lawn. This guide covers the right timing, preparation, and maintenance steps to ensure the best results for Australian conditions.
1. Best Time to Grow a Lawn from Seed
In most parts of Australia, the ideal time to grow lawn from seed is during early autumn or early spring. These seasons provide moderate temperatures and enough rainfall to support germination. Summer can be too harsh, especially in hotter regions, and winter may not offer the warmth seeds need to sprout.
Warm-season grasses like couch or kikuyu grow best when seeded in early spring. Cool-season grasses such as ryegrass or fescue suit southern regions and should be planted during autumn.
2. Preparing the Soil
Good preparation is essential. Start by removing any weeds, stones, or dead grass. Loosen the soil with a rake or hoe to improve drainage and allow seed-to-soil contact. If the soil is compacted or sandy, mix in compost or organic matter to improve its quality.
Test the pH level if you can — lawns grow best in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. This ensures that nutrients are available for the new grass to grow well.
3. Choosing the Right Grass Seed
Choose grass seed based on your location and how the lawn will be used. For high-traffic areas, go for durable types like kikuyu or buffalo. If you want a finer look, fescue or bluegrass may be more suitable. Check the seed packaging to make sure it matches your local climate and lawn use.
4. Seeding Process
Rake the soil to make it level, then spread the seed evenly. A hand or broadcast spreader helps with consistent coverage. Lightly rake again to settle the seed into the top layer of soil. Water gently but deeply after sowing. Keep the soil moist by watering lightly every day until the grass starts to grow. Germination usually takes one to three weeks, depending on the seed type and weather.
5. Caring for a New Lawn
Once the new lawn reaches around 5–7 cm in height, you can mow it gently. Keep the mower blades high to avoid cutting too much at once. Water deeply a few times a week instead of short daily watering. This helps roots grow deeper.
After about six weeks, apply a slow-release fertiliser to encourage healthy growth. Avoid heavy foot traffic during the first two months.
6. Controlling Weeds with Herbicides
After your lawn is well-established (usually after 8 to 10 weeks), you can tackle weeds more effectively. Using bow and arrow herbicide is a common choice in Australia for targeting broadleaf weeds like clover and bindii without harming most grass types.
Apply bow and arrow herbicide when weeds are actively growing, usually in warmer months. Always follow the product instructions and avoid applying it during drought, heavy rain, or extreme heat.
Conclusion
Knowing how to grow lawn from seed the right way makes a big difference to your results. Time your seeding properly, prepare the soil well, and choose the right seed type for your area. With regular watering, mowing, and weed control, you can enjoy a thick, green lawn that lasts all year. A little effort upfront goes a long way towards a lawn you’ll be proud of.