No garden in this country without lawn! In most cases, the lush green is the heart of every garden, no matter how small. However, getting a gorgeous lawn requires a little patience. Germination alone can take up to three weeks. Fortunately, this can be accelerated with a few targeted measures and the right preparation.
Time
Lawn can basically be sown all year round. Since the seeds are hardy, sowing in frosty temperatures is at least theoretically possible. However, you have to expect that it will take a very long time for germination to occur. However, germination as quickly as possible has a direct influence on the cohesiveness of the later lawn area. It is therefore advisable to only sow lawns when there is weather that has a positive effect on germination. This requires a minimum soil temperature of ten degrees Celsius. It also needs sufficient moisture. April and May as well as August and September have therefore proven to be the ideal sowing months.
Tip:
Spring sowing is ideally done after Easter. If you prefer a later date, you should choose September.
Seeds
The quality of the seeds is of particular importance. There are essentially two types available in stores: cheap blends and expensive, high-quality blends. Both work of course. It makes sense that cheaper mixtures germinate faster in most cases. High-quality seeds, on the other hand, often have a slightly longer germination time. However, that also makes sense. So that the lawn can later develop as evenly and densely as possible, a certain germination time is necessary. Fast germination may appease your own impatience, but it doesn't necessarily lead to a beautiful lawn.
Tip:
Since it is ultimately the result that counts, only high-quality seed mixtures should be used. The higher price is quickly put into perspective, as it is usually not necessary to reseed later.
Germination time
How long does it take for the lawn seeds to germinate? Unfortunately, a concrete answer to this question is not possible. The germination time depends on two factors - namely the quality of the seeds and the weather conditions during and after sowing. In general, however, it can be said that germination should take place within one to three weeks after sowing. So the lawn can take 7 to 21 days to germinate.
Influence germination time
The germination time of the seed can be positively influenced, i.e. accelerated. Three measures play a role that should not be underestimated. They not only influence the future lawn area, but also the germination time. These measures are:
- the correct preparation of the soil
- the right sowing
- correct care after sowing
Each of these measures is about creating optimal conditions for the seeds. In other words: If these conditions are right, the seeds will germinate more easily and therefore more quickly.
Preparation
So that the seeds can germinate as quickly as possible and later create an optimal lawn, soil that is as weed-free, even and level as possible is required. In the vast majority of cases, the soil must be specially prepared for this. The following steps are necessary:
- Work the soil well with a spade or motor hoe
- then collect pieces of roots and larger stones
- rake the surface smooth with a rake
- then use the rake to create a subgrade, a smooth surface
- compact the area lengthwise and crosswise with a roller
- let the soil rest for a few days before sowing
During this preparatory work, it is important to ensure that no unevenness forms. Water can later collect in these uneven areas, which would have a negative impact on both germination and the development of the lawn. Unevenness should be leveled out with a rake. The goal is always to create a uniform, smooth surface.
Tip:
A motor rake and a roller can easily be rented from specialist retailers or hardware stores for a small fee.
Sowing
When sowing, it is best to follow the manufacturer's instructions, which can be found on the packaging. With regard to germination, it is important that the area is raked lengthwise and crosswise with a rake immediately after sowing. This means that the individual seeds have optimal contact with the ground after the final rollers. And that in turn ensures that they germinate faster.
After sowing
In order for germination to occur, the seeds need enough water. Immediately after sowing, the entire area should be irrigated with a swivel sprinkler. In dry, i.e. rain-free, weather, water daily in the days after sowing. Irrigation is always recommended. It should be carried out around four times a day and last around ten minutes. Once again: A sufficient supply of water is important, as the seed is extremely sensitive to dryness in this phase and can die.
