Establish a dense, healthy, and uniform turf on a fine, weed-free seedbed by following a step by step approach to preparation, sowing, and post-sowing care.
Planning
Timing: Choose the appropriate season for turf species (e.g., spring or early autumn for cool-season grasses like ryegrass, late spring for warm-season grasses like couch and kikuyu).
Seed Blend Selection: Our lawn and turf seed blends include:
- Elite Lawn & Turf
- Evergreen Estate
- Quick Lawn
- Sun and Shade
- Elite Sports
- Couch Pro
Site Preparation
Weed Control: Eliminate existing lawn and weeds using a non-selective herbicide such as Glyphosate Green 360 or a glyphosate free alternative such as Macho Duo. 6 hours before any rain. Always read label
Fallow: Allow 10-14 days, which is sufficient time for herbicide to breakdown existing grasses and weeds.
Clear Debris: Remove rocks, sticks, and other debris from the site.
Soil Preparation: Cultivate to a depth of 5-10cm to loosen compacted soil. Break soil clods and level the surface to achieve a smooth, fine seedbed
Fertiliser Part A: Spread a phosphorus rich fertiliser such as DAP @ 15-30 grams per metre. Incorporate any manure if soil lacks structure or extra nutrients.
Final Leveling: Rake surface to create fine, smooth, and even seedbed, ensuring proper drainage
Sowing seed
Seed rate: Use recommended seeding rate per blend, most blends 3 – 5 kg/100 m2, and Couch Pro at 2.5-2.5kg/100m2.
Seeding method: Use a spreader for even distribution. Check out your local retailer for handheld spreader
Raking: Lightly rake or roll the surface to cover seeds with 1–2 mm of soil. Any visible seed on top of soil won’t grow.
Rolling: Rolling is a critical step in turf establishment to ensure proper seed-to-soil contact, which enhances germination rates. After sowing, lightly roll the soil to press the seeds into the surface, creating a firm seedbed while avoiding compaction. You can roll with a lawn roller, weighted plank, smooth drum, drive over with ride on lawn mower etc.
Watering
Initial watering: Apply a gentle, even irrigation immediately after sowing to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Watering the area to moisten the soil to make it easier to rake. Do not over water as seed may pile up.
Ongoing watering: Water lightly and frequently during germination. Gradually reduce frequency while increasing the depth of irrigation as seedlings mature. Start watering well before you see visible signs of grass drying off or discolouration.
Seedlings at 2-3cm
Germination: Ryegrass typically 5-10 days, Fescue 7-14 days and Couch generally takes 12-14 days to germinate.
Fertiliser: Fertiilser essential for healthy growth. Once seedlings reach 20-30mm, apply a balanced fertiliser (e.g., NPK 20-10-10) to encourage growth. Approximatley 8 weeks after germination.
Traffic: Avoid walking on newly sown turf until well-established.
First mowing, first three months
First mowing: Mow cool season blends when grass reaches 70-80vmm, and summer blends at 40-50mm height. Take only the tips and gradually reduce blade height.
Ongoing mowing: Maintain a regular mowing schedule, reducing no more than one-third of the grass height in a single cut. During the first 12 months, grass should be kept to a maximum height of 100mm and a minimum height of 60mm. Raise cutting heights
during summer.
Monitor: Monitor for uneven areas and address them early to prevent long-term issues.
Overseeding: Fill any bare patches promptly by overseeding.
Weed control: Hand-pull any emerging weeds during early growth. Use a selective herbicide only after the turf is well established (6–8 weeks). Dicamba M is a popular selective herbicide option. Seek agronomy assistance before spraying.
Long term care
Irrigation: Adjust watering schedules based on weather and soil type.
Aeration: Aerate compacted areas annually to improve root growth and water infiltration.
Fertilization Schedule: Follow a seasonal fertilizer program to maintain vigor and density.
Pest and Disease Monitoring: Regularly inspect for pests or diseases and take corrective measures promptly.
Lawn and Turf checklist: What you need for successful lawn establishment
We’ve created a shopping checklist for the products you may need for establishing a new lawn. Most of these are listed above in our step by step process. Click on for more:
Macho Duo glyphosate free non selective herbicide
Complete NPKS Fertiliser
Hand Spreader
Roller
Dicamba M Post emergent weed herbicide
Irrigation system
Aerator: For long-term care
Mower: For maintenance
