If you’re dreaming of a fresh, green lawn, the first step is knowing when to get those seeds in the ground. At South West Seeds, we’re often asked: “When’s the best time to sow my lawn seed?” The answer is simple- it’s all about working with the seasons.
We always recommend autumn as the perfect time to sow. The soil is still warm from summer, there’s usually enough rain to keep the seed damp, and weeds don’t grow as fast in cooler weather. That means your new lawn can get off to a strong start without too much competition. Plus, the grass focuses on building good roots in autumn, ready to burst into life in spring.
Best window: Late August through to October.
If you missed autumn, spring is your next best bet. The soil warms up nicely, there’s plenty of moisture, and the days are getting longer, which grass loves. The only catch? Weeds also enjoy spring, so you might need to keep an eye on them.
Best window: Mid-March through May.
You can sow in summer, but it’s a bit of a juggling act. The hot sun dries the soil quickly, so you’ll need to water often to stop your seedlings from wilting. If you’ve got the time and commitment, it’s possible.
Cold soil and frosty nights make winter a poor choice for sowing seed. Some gardeners try “dormant seeding” in late winter, scattering seed that will sprout when the soil warms up in spring, but it’s hit and miss. For winter sowing we recommend our Cool Start 100 Grass Seed Mix, specially bred to survive in cold climates. Colosseum germinates rapidly in soils as cold as 5°C, making it ideal for year-round planting and repair- even in winter.
In a nutshell: Autumn is hands-down the best time to sow lawn seed, with spring as a strong back-up. Get the timing right, and you’ll be rewarded with a thick, healthy lawn that lasts. Discover our range of grass seed on our website. If you're looking to transform your lawn, quickly and hassle free, take a look at our Lawn Transformation Pack for a strong, lush lawn in just 4 weeks!
