Another grass seed question...

boo80

I put some of this down about 2 weeks ago (I'm in the south) http://the-plant-directory.co.uk/grass-seed/economy-hard-wearing-grass-seed-per-kilo but haven't seen any sign of germination yet. I sewed the rest of the lawn area with it today, and I'm really hoping for good results! Can anyone advise me how often I should water it, and how soon I can expect to see some grass? It's going to be a nightmare keeping the children off it! Thank you! Boo.x

annie123

Its a bit too cold yet and 2 weeks ago it was february still so way too early.
I'm in south east london and my soil wouldn't be warm enough to sow grass seed, it would either rot as its too wet or the birds will eat it.
If it hasn't been eaten or rotted away then I'd give it a few more weeks and it will spring into life.
The only thing racing away at the moment outside is weeds!

sirbrainy

Grass seed only really needs 5+C to germinate though germination is faster a bit warmer. Keep it dampish but this time of year should be no need to water normally. We never have problems with birds stealing it but if you're worried you could rake it in or rake a thin layer of compost or soil on top of it.

annie123

Mid March to October has always been the traditional time to sow a new lawn and my soil isn't at 5c all the time yet, it was all frosty 2 nights ago.
A useful guide to sowing boo80
http://www.nickys-nursery.co.uk/seeds/pages/lawn.htm

boo80

Awesome, Thanks Sirbrainy!

2 weeks ago it was the 1st of March, but we actually put some seed down on the 4th, so just under 2 weeks. Had a look at that link thanks Annie.

How soon after the grass appears can we walk on it?

sirbrainy

You'll only risk killing it in the very first couple of weeks after germination. Obviously you would avoid walking on it too much in the beginning (let it grow without being squashed!) but certainly after 3 weeks it's pretty impervious to gentle walking.