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Design Your Own: Lawns

Design Your Own

Starting From Scratch

There are two ways to create an entirely new lawn: grow one from seed or lay turf. Seed is by far the cheapest option but it will be months before you have a fully established lawn. Turf is much quicker but is more labour-intensive in the initial stages. Both methods require a carefully prepared seedbed. Level and weed the area completely and rake the soil until it has a fine, crumbly texture.

For more on starting a lawn from scratch, see Creating a Lawn From Seed and Creating a Lawn From Turf.

Lawn Maintenance

In autumn, mow the grass twice, the second time at right angles to the first. Rake the grass vigorously to remove the "thatch" of dead grass and horizontal stalks. Use a fork to make holes in the lawn. This will aid drainage. Apply an autumn lawn fertiliser. Make sure you rake up fallen leaves. In spring and summer mow the lawn often with the blades on a high setting. You'll get a greener lawn with less weeds.

For more tips, see Improving Lawn Drainage and Lawn Maintenance.

Creating a Lawn From Seed
Sow a lawn from seed with this simple practical guide.
Creating a Lawn From Turf
Fed up with your bald patches? Create a new lawn from turf in just a few hours.
Lawn Maintenance
Keep your grass in tip-top condition with this guide to lawn maintenance.
A Cunning Plan
If you're designing your own garden its best to start by reaching for the graph paper.
Getting a Luscious Lawn
Get a luscious lawn by weeding out all the problems. With Sibe's advice it's easy...
Improving Lawn Drainage
Sven suggests ways to transform a parched plot into a lush lawn.