10 days ago i put grass seed down in my garden (after preparing it properly etc) to create a lawn.?

Question

After sowing the grass seed i very lightly raked the soil - but the seeds are still on the surface and visible. Will this stop the seeds germinating and the grass from growing or should i put a thin layer of topsoil over the seeds? The grass is meant to start growing within 7 days but the seeds have not changed at all? The soil has been watered well. Any ideas?

Answer 1

Be sure to continue watering the seeds well. Patience is the key. If you don't see grass shoots coming up in 2 or 3 weeks, consider re-seeding and raking the seeds into the soil a bit deeper.

Answer 2

The best seasons for sowing are spring and early autumn, but you can sow any time when the soil temperature is high enough for germination-about 10c (50f) provided there is enough natural moisture or the seed can be kept watered.
Most commercial grass seed is treated with bird replant and may well take slightly longer to germinate. When grass seed is sown it should be very lightly raked into the soil, but not completely as the seed requires some light to trigger the germination process. Seed can take anything upto 3 to 4 weeks to germinate, depending on the type of seed.

Answer 3

How old is the seed? If the seed is too old the grass seeds won't germinate. Normally you lay down loose top soil, then use the back side of a rake to rake the grass seeds in. Then you cover with straw to prevent soil erosion.

Answer 4

Autumn and Spring are the best times to sow grass seed. I agree that likely raking in is enough. Dont cover with soil or plastic sheeting. Old adage says you should apply a handful of seed for the birds, a handful to the wind and a handful to grow. About 35 - 45g/m2 is adequate. Be patient.

Answer 5

Lightly raking soil is correct, grass seed needs some light to germinate
Coated seed can take some time to germinate as it is encased in a coating which is must break thru.
Uncoated seed generally germinates much quicker

Main thing is to keep soil damp at all times

Answer 6

This is one of the best times of the year to start grass seed.

Grass seed requires light to germinate. Additionally I have recommended to customers of mine to put their seed in the freezer overnight, before spreading it. This helps to accelerate germination.

Many grass seeds require 10-14 days before germination and it isn't uncommon to be in the 21 day range before you have good germination.

Grass seed labels have are now marked for the year it was produced and is 'valid' for... check your package for that marking (a tag or sticker which also indicates the contents) just to be sure you don't have a 'bum' bag of seed.

As previously suggested, also make sure that you're keeping the soil quite moist, that's essential.

Good luck-
I hope that this helps

Answer 7

Yes - cover with a thin layer of soil - seeds need absence of light to germinate.

Alternatively pre-germinate the seed. Mix seed with same amount of compost - leave in a dark place for 4 days - seeds should have germinated - then scatter on prepared area.

Answer 8

i had grass seed and it didnt start growin untill 2 weeks later after putting it down, it is normal just keep watering every day and put somthing out to scare the birds as they eat it. my husband put a thick stick in the ground with a plastic bag tied onto it.

Answer 9

everyone has great points so far I would just like to add that grass is picky and does not like to grow in warmer temperatures (over 80 degrees) as well.

Answer 10

The plastic sheet is a great idea. Just wait longer. It'll come.