Question: We’ve recently relocated to our new house, situated in the rural area, and are eager to instal a classic lawn around it but without burning a hole in our pocket. Our current outdoor space is nothing more than an expanse of bare soil littered with weeds, so we’re open to suggestions. CB, Co Meath
Answer: Starting from square one presents an exciting chance to sculpt the garden you’ve always craved, and the best part is that there are countless budget-friendly methods to achieve that. As your house is a fresh development in a rural area, the likelihood is your builder may have set aside the topsoil from the digging operations for you to use. Assuming there are lumpy areas, some of this can be used to smoothen the terrain by scattering it over the space and then raking it to a suitable tilth prior to seeding.
Conventionally, a contact weedkiller is often used to treat the ground, but aside from the potential environmental harm, it’s hardly necessary. Start by hoeing away any weed, striving to yank out resistant perennial species’ tap roots. Rid the area of any large rocks or plant remnants and then leave it alone for a week before scattering a little more soil over any lingering dips. The target soil texture to achieve should resemble breadcrumbs as it makes for perfect germination conditions.
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For top-notch outcomes, lawn seed is normally scattered either in the spring or the fall, when the soil’s temperature and humidity levels are conducive to growth. To distribute the seeds uniformly, scatter them in two crossed lines, perpendicular to one another. Then, lightly rake the seeds in and softly pat the ground down to ensure solid contact. Water the ground continuously for a fortnight, after which point germination should be noticeable. Once the fledgling grass reaches a height of 7-10cm, it’s time for its maiden gentle trim, maintaining the blades high.
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Remember, various blends of lawn seed are on offer, tailored to the kind of grass environment you wish to shape. If you’re looking for a robust, durable, and somewhat resistant towards drought family lawn, seek a mix rich in dwarf rye grass and creeping red fescue. However, if a more sophisticated, although high-strain lawn is your preference, choose a blend favouring fine-leaf versions like highland browntop bentgrass and chewings fescue, containing none or little dwarf rye grass. Lastly, contemplate the thought of shaping part of your uncharted garden into a native mini-meadow. This approach is excellent for promoting biodiversity and the attraction of wildlife. For further details on setting up native meadows, consult biodiversityireland.ie and pollinators.ie.