This blog takes inspiration from a previous blog, “How Often to Water New Grass Seeds” but in a different context. With the UK experiencing a year of above-average rainfall (June 2023 to June 2024), it's important to understand how this extra water can impact your soil and new seedlings, and how best to care for them.

Understanding your soil type is crucial for proper watering, whether during dry spells or periods of heavy rain. This blog equips you with the knowledge to determine how much water your new lawn needs to thrive, using both simple and more technical methods.

Let's take a common scenario: You've just overseeded your lawn with 8g/m² of GSS Basic Lawn seed.

A great seedbed. This is now ready for stamping down, and then a light water. Once we have watered it the brown colour will be darker and there should be no dustiness.

Here are some common questions you might have:

• Do I need to water the new seed?
• If so, how much water is enough?
• Should I feed the new lawn seed? If so, with what?

The Grass Science Seeds team understand these questions are important, and we'll address them one by one.

Do I Need to Water the New Seed?

Yes, we recommend watering your newly seeded lawn to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. A gentle watering is key – you don't want to saturate the soil and cause pooling. Aim for a light brown to dark brown colour change in the soil. A good test is to touch the surface with your palm. It should feel damp, not soggy.

Note the change in colour, and also that there is no pooling water. If the water begins to pool then stop.

A close up of the seed to soil contact, and the dampness of the soil. This is a good target.

How Much Water is Enough?

It's best to work with Mother Nature and water at least every other day, especially if there's no rain. Sandy soils and warm climates may require more frequent watering - up to two or three times a day. However, during periods of heavy rain, be vigilant! Monitor your soil moisture levels regularly. If water starts to pool on the surface or the soil feels saturated, hold off on watering and allow the excess water to drain.

An example of a more sandy based soil. Sand doesn’t hold water or nutrients well, so both should be applied little and often for the best results.

Should I Feed the New Lawn Seed? 

Feeding new seedlings after germination is crucial. Consider mixing a small amount of NK (20:0:14) fertiliser into the seedbed (40-100mm deep) before planting. This ensures the roots access the nutrients when needed. Avoid over-fertilising, especially during periods of heavy rain, as this can leach nutrients and potentially harm your new lawn.

Remember: Overwatering can be detrimental, leading to shallow root growth and disease. By understanding your soil type and following these tips, you can ensure your new GSS Basic Lawn thrives throughout the season.

An indication of the soil particle size, and also you can see that some soil is light brown (drying out) and some is still dark brown (moist).

Beyond the Basics

For even greater control over your lawn's moisture levels, consider investing in a soil moisture meter. This handy tool takes the guesswork out of watering, allowing you to precisely measure the moisture content in your soil. Additionally, core aeration can be beneficial for compacted soils, improving drainage and root growth.

Don't hesitate to contact Grass Science Seeds! Our experts are always happy to answer your questions and provide tailored advice for your specific lawn and climate conditions. Let's work together to ensure your new GSS Basic Lawn flourishes for years to come!

A marvellous thick and healthy new GSS lawn before its first cut. Note the leaf size and shape…