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Preparation for sowing grass seed ?
Vegemight
Posts: 44
Posted before about my 'failed' turfing (Autumn 2014). Partial shade from oak trees and I think I cut it savagely low too early and extra seeding so far has not worked.
As it stands it is very sparse with many bare patches. I've got one shot at re-seeding before the oaks come into leaf. I'd like to aerate the soil and water in perhaps a weak feed before sowing. I think there's something missing (shade aside) which is inhibiting growth.Very much appreciate advice on what to use?
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Did you use the right seed vegemight? You need a seed more suitable for shady area's. As Tetley says, its far too early to start seeding grass, its going to get cold again in about 10- 14 days so it won't take.
I mix grass seed with some sand and compost. I always give the surface a good rake before hand too.
Agree its a little early and cold to do this now though.
Thanks all. I obviously didn't make myself clear. I wasn't intending to seed for quite a while and the overseeding I mentioned was last spring and summer.
As it stands the grass is patchy, 'weak looking' and almost bare in places.I intend to spike thoroughly and scratch the 'pan' as much as I dare, then seed with a mixture of seed and John Innes late March. Does that sound reasonable?
My specific question is... does it make sense prior to seeding to get some liquid feed down into the soil and what should I use?
That's good Verdun, do you power off and re boot every so often on your iPad, that works for many little aggros that sometimes arise?
Thanks Verdun..... The oaks shade until noon. I didn't notice any encroachment from roots when I prepped for the turf 18mths ago.
Being re-claimed copseland I have been a bit concerned about the 'tons' of oak leaves assimilated into the soil over the years? Upset the balance?
I'm aware that I've butchered the turf a bit through low early mowing and my mechanical scarifier did more harm than good but I just don't know why last years over-seeding was so unsuccessful. Just hope I can get it established before the trees come into leaf. Thanks again.
Thanks again, fingers crossed? I;d like to sow as early as poss before the trees come into leaf. What would you think the minimum temperature should be?
I believe minimum ground temperature for regular grass seed to germinate is 9C. In saying that I know the greenkeepers at my golf club have sourced 'special' seed that germinates at 'low' temperatures but what that temp is and whether the product is readily available to the public I don't know.