Welcome fellow Lawn Addicts to another instalment of “The Fulcrum”.Â
Whether you're starting from scratch or renovating your existing lawn, creating a beautiful, healthy turf can be a rewarding project. The two most common methods are laying sod and sowing seed. While both result in a green space, they have different advantages and require specific care. This guide will walk you through the key steps for success with both methods.
There are just a couple of things that are common to both.Â
Preparation is the key, ensuring soil is level, nutrients are available, and irrigation is ready to go. See our guide below for more details. Lawn addicts are one of the country's largest stockists of the well renowned Sumi Soaker and Sumi Soaker Mark II (or Mini's) industrial soaker hoses.  These soaker hoses mimic rainfall like no other system and require very low water pressure allowing for large areas to be simultaneously watered.
The Foundation for Success: Key Principles for Both Sod and Seed
No matter which method you choose, remember these fundamental rules for a strong start:
Mindful Watering: The key to success is keeping the top few inches of soil consistently damp, but not waterlogged. Over- and under-watering are equally detrimental to young grass. A good rule of thumb is to hang a damp tea towel outside; when it dries out, your lawn likely needs another drink. For sod, one deep watering can be beneficial at the outset, but the focus remains on maintaining a damp environment.
Nourish the New Growth: Before sowing seed, apply a specialty starter fertiliser rich in phosphorus and potassium. Products like 2spec Establish are designed to promote strong root development and speed up germination. Enhancing your soil with a wetting agent (e.g., Hydrolink Advance) and a soil enhancer (e.g., Kelpro) will improve moisture retention and nutrient uptake. Continue with regular, small feeds as the lawn establishes.
Patience is a Virtue: The â…“ Rule: The most common mistake people make is mowing too early. When the grass is young, the "â…“ rule" is critical: never remove more than one-third of the blade's height in a single mow. Allow the grass to grow slightly taller than your desired finishing height, then trim it back gradually. This encourages a dense, healthy lawn and prevents shocking the new grass.
Protection is Paramount: Young grass is susceptible to disease. To prevent issues like Pythium, especially when using seed, consider applying a protective fungicide such as Impala from Turf Culture and is Home Garden registered for this application.
Seeding vs. Sodding: Understanding the Differences
Tips for Laying Sod: The Instant Lawn
Sod is essentially mature grass that has been cut from its original growing area. The depth of the sod can vary, so always confirm with your supplier to ensure your ground levels are correct. The primary benefit of sod is its immediate visual impact.
Think Like a Tiler: When laying sod, treat each roll or slab like a tile. Ensure they are pushed tightly against one another to minimize gaps. This reduces the amount of topdressing or infilling you'll need to do later, resulting in a more uniform surface.
Handle with Care: While you can walk on new sod, avoid running or heavy foot traffic. The grass has just been through a stressful transplant and needs time to recover and anchor itself with new root growth. Give it a chance to "bed in" and start thriving.
By following these guidelines, you can successfully establish a vibrant, healthy lawn that will be the envy of your neighbourhood.
