Reseeding a small patch of lawn

harmony · August 2020

Hi all
I recently dug out a shrub from the lawn and an overgrown smelly hardy geranium that hung over the grass from the border and want to reseed this small area. I will remove the bit of gravel and level out the area with compost. Would it be enough to loosen the soil with my hoe or would it be better to fork it over a bit deeper. I'm not too bothered about it looking perfect as long as the seed grows. Also is it better to cover the seed lightly with compost. Thanks..

Fairygirl · August 2020

I think the problem with just using compost is that it'll settle and sink.
Some topsoil would be better, which you can firm in, allow to settle a bit, then rake over and sow seed. If it drops at all, you can add a little more. You can mix the seed with a little compost too when sowing, and then firm it in lightly so that it has contact with the soil below. A sprinkle of compost over it is ok, as long as it isn't too hefty.

It's also worth broadcasting some seed over the rest of the grass, so that you don't see 'the join'

harmony · August 2020

Thanks, I can pinch some garden soil from around a laurel bush at the top of the garden. I've just got some bark chippings to put down there so that would work out ok. Thanks for the info I had not thought of the compost sinking 😕 so I'm grateful you mentioned it..

Fairygirl · August 2020

It depends on weather too - if it's wet for a long period, even the soil will settle, but you can always add a little more in spring, and a bit more seed.

Reseeding a small patch of lawn

Posts