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Temperature for grass seed

VegemightVegemight Posts: 44
in Problem solving

I need to oversow my patchy lawn as early as poss. before adjacent oak trees come into leaf. I'm told about 8 degrees would be OK. We'll soon be getting longer daytime periods of higher temperatures but what's the balance? Will germinating seeds tolerate night times down much below that 8 degree mark?

I've also been advised to use a granular 'slow release' fertiliser. What would be the best one to use? Advice appreciated.

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Posts

  • RedwingRedwing Posts: 1,511

    March is the perfect time to sow grass seed.  A degree or two of frost won't hurt at this time of year as it doesn't usually last very long.

    Based in Sussex, I garden to encourage as many birds to my garden as possible.
  • Dave HumbyDave Humby Posts: 1,145

    I was always under the impression the magic number was 9C and that being ground temperature rather than air. In saying that I'm sure a degree or two here or there isn't going to be overly influential. In late autumn last year the golf club where I am over-seeded with a specialist 'low temp' germinating grass seed although I have no idea what that temp was and where, or if, the average Joe can source it.

    I need to do some work on my lawn but I'm going to leave it a week and see how the temps go.

  • cornellycornelly Posts: 970

    I am still on old money 43oF.

  • VegemightVegemight Posts: 44

    Thanks all. You may have noticed I've posted before on this problem. I intend to spike the lawn and mix a load of John Innes with the seed before i apply it liberally. I've also been advised to use a granular feed at the same time. Any thoughts?

    Edd, I'm still struggling to use metric, don't confuse me mate?

    Verdun: Yep, I've tried Shade tolerant, rapid germination, all singing and dancing ... doesn't seem to make any difference!  Fingers crossed this time.

     

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    I'd never bother with grass seed before end of April up here - too cold and wet. You might be best waiting a bit if you feel your weather and soil conditions aren't brilliant. It saves having to do it again if it germinates poorly - or not at all in wet ground  image

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • VegemightVegemight Posts: 44

    Thanks again. I've spiked it,roughed up the surface and sowed some seed. I've also gone over it with some 'Westland seed and feed' and watered it in. Fingers crossed it gets established before the oaks leaf up.I'll post the result. Cheers.

  • VegemightVegemight Posts: 44

    Been a few days since seeding. Gave it a good soak initially but no signs of rain. It's a bit cool here so I guess I'd be wrong to make it too wet?

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