Garden Q&A: Can I sow new grass in April?

Whether you're a gardening beginner or expert, Irish Examiner columnist Peter Dowdall has the answer to your questions  

Question

Is it too early to sow grass seed or lay a new lawn?

Answer

Early April is an ideal time to sow grass seed or lay a new lawn as soil temperatures are rising, daylight hours are increasing, seed will germinate relatively quickly, and grass will respond quickly.

As with most areas of the garden, though, the calendar is only a guide; it is the ground that will give you your real answer. If the soil is still wet or waterlogged, hold off, as working wet soil will cause compaction, which will affect the lawn long term. If it has dried out enough to crumble underfoot, you are good to go.

Prepare the ground properly, remove weeds, level the surface and create a fine, even tilth. If you are improving soil, incorporate organic matter and consider a humic acid-based feed to support root establishment.

Sow evenly, firm lightly and keep the area moist. Get this right now, and the lawn will establish quickly and evenly.

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