As we are nearing the optimal grass growing time of year down here in Victoria, it’s time we spoke about how to get and start grass growing. Whether it be from seed or purchased sod from a turf farm, there are some keys that need to be followed to get the most out of your time and investment.

 

There are pros and cons to doing both, time and effort are the biggest factors. Seed can take a lot longer (obviously) to establish and germinate, however there is an argument to be made that it can create a strong grass in the long run, as it has had to go through a maturing process rather than the sod/rolls that just get cut out. 

 

WATERING
Sod you can water a bit heavier than seed, as too much water on seed can wash it into low spots. However, it is still going to be 2-3 times watering per day. The only thing that changes is the amount of water applied at a time. Over the next fortnight we can back that down to 1-2 times per day (weather depended). 

THE KEY THING TO REMEMBER! 
Do not let the seed dry out. Once it dries out, it becomes exponentially harder for it to germinate.

 

MOWING
Although we are all wanting to get those stripes going, we need to be patient. Mowing the lawn within 2 weeks is generally not advised, however there are exceptions, if we have excessive initial growth. When we can break out the mower it is important, as it always is, to not mow more than 1/3 of the new grass down. It also might take a week to get it down to the height you're after, as all our hard work can be gone in a matter of seconds if we take too much off.

 

FERTILISING & NUTRITION 
It is recommended when we sow the seed, to put down a specialty starter fertiliser with higher levels of potassium and phosphorus, such as 2spec Establish, will help speed up the germination process. Adding a wetting agent and a soil enhancer such as Hydrolink Advance and Kelpro are also recommended as these help and then to maintain that regular and small feeds in the initial stages until establishment. Then the routine maintenance plan can commence from there. 

 

 

For the Addicts keeping up with our warm season free lawn plans, were approaching Kelpro, Fusion and Phosfighter application.

 

For the Addicts keeping up with our Cool season free lawn plans, were approaching Refine applications, and for those who use it, Primo Maxx. Be sure to check the GDD calculator to ensure you are applying Primo Maxx at an appropriate time.