Seeds of lawn success

Starting a new lawn

from seed

SEEDS OF SUCCESS

Lawn seed is an economical way to start a fresh new lawn, helping to create a lush green space that will be an area of enjoyment and fun for years to come. Spring is a great time to start a new lawn from seed, as the temperature is mild and the grass seed can germinate and establish before the heat of summer arrives.

Here’s how to start a new lawn from seed and some extra tips to keep your lawn looking great.

1.WEED CONTROL Weeds will compete with the new lawn so should be controlled 2 weeks before sowing lawn seed, which allows the weeds to die completely. Yates ® Zero ® Weedkiller can be used as a general spray over the area to kill any weeds and existing grasses.

2.SOIL PREPARATION Lawn seed should be sown into well drained, firm but not compacted soil that is rich in organic matter. Give the lawn seed the best possible start by mixing some Yates Dynamic Lifter ® Organic Lawn Food into the topsoil. It’s a concentrated blend of composted manure, blood and bone, fishmeal and seaweed and will improve soil structure and provide gentle, slow release organic nutrients to the new grass seedlings as they grow. An application of lawn top dressing can also benefit lawn establishment where the existing soil is heavy clay, poor and sandy or the surface is uneven. 3.MEASURE

Measure the area and calculate the correct amount of lawn seed.

4.SOW Rake the soil surface in straight lines to create shallow furrows. Broadcast the seed evenly over the area. It helps to halve the seed mix and sow half in an east west direction and the other half in a north south direction. After sowing, lightly cross rake the area to mix the seed into the topsoil.

5 . W A T E R Water the area with a fine mist spray. It is very important that the top soil remains moist for the first 14–21 days to complete germination. This may require watering several times a day if the weather is hot or windy. As the grass establishes, the number of waterings can be reduced but increase the volume of water at each watering.

6.MOW Mow the grass when it is 5-6cm high, so you just cut the top 1cm off the top. This will help to encourage root growth. As the lawn matures, lower the blades of the mower on successive cuts.

TURF TIP:

If you’re starting a new lawn with rolls of turf, before laying rolls mix Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Lawn Food into the topsoil, which will promote root growth and encourage the new turf to establish.

Choosing the right lawn seed

There are so many kinds of front and back lawns all around New Zealand, including tiny or sprawling lawns, lawns in sun or shade and areas that are a playground for pets and kids. People also have their own preferences for the type of lawn they want, including soft and upright grasses to tough and running varieties.

To help you choose which lawn seed to use, here are some details about Yates ® most popular lawn seeds:

YATES MOW IT LESS

A beautiful, lush green, hard wearing and drought tolerant lawn that requires less mowing. The seed is quick to germinate and contains a mixture of turf type perennial ryegrass and Specially formulated to

creeping red fescue.

YATES LUXURY LAWN SEED

A low growing, neat and compact lawn seed mix containing creeping red and chewings fescue. This grows a lawn with an excellent deep green colour and the fine leaves ryegrass and red fescue that

can be mown closely, creating a luxurious looking lawn.

YATES TUFFGRASS

A value for money lawn that’s resistant to wear and tear, so it’s great for areas where pets and kids play. It combines perennial ryegrass and chewings fescue and is easy to establish, germinating in

YATES KIKUYU BLEND

A unique mix of hardy kikuyu grass and ryegrass that is excellent for high traffic areas, coastal gardens and drought prone frost-free districts.

YATES MADE FOR SHADE

maintain its appearance under both damp and dry shady conditions. Ideal for semi and relatively dense shaded areas under trees and next to high walls and hedges.

YATES SOW ANYTIME

A stadium grade blend of around 7 days.

creates a deep green, lush lawn, even in shade. It has the unique ability to grow all year round and will germinate at temperatures as low as 3°C.

Yates Mow it Less, Luxury Lawn, Tuffgrass, Kikuyu Blend, Made for Shade and Anytime lawn seeds are coated with ‘Active-GRO’, which is the latest lightweight seed coating technology that helps protect against fungal disease and bird theft.

Eight weeks after sowing, apply Yates Dynamic Lifter ® Organic Lawn Food over the area. It’s a 100% natural fertiliser to provide gentle nutrients to young, establishing lawns and promote lush healthy growth.