If your lawn’s looking tired, patchy, or just a bit sad after a long British winter, reseeding might be the makeover it needs. Whether it’s thinned out from wear and tear or taken a beating from moss and weeds, a proper reseed can restore your lawn to thick, green glory — without ripping it all up and starting again.
Think of it as a refresh rather than a rebuild. And yes, it’s surprisingly simple to do. Here’s how to bring your lawn back to life the British way (i.e., with tea breaks included).
Why Reseed Your Lawn?
Reseeding isn’t just about vanity. A thicker lawn is healthier, more resilient to disease, and better at fighting off weeds and moss. If you’ve got:
- Bare or thin patches
- Grass that’s yellowed or worn out
- Areas hit by drought, pets or football boots
- An older lawn full of coarse grass or weeds
…then a reseed is a cost-effective fix that can seriously level up your garden’s game.
Best Time to Reseed in the UK
Timing matters. The sweet spots for reseeding are:
- Spring (March–May): Great for getting the lawn ready for summer use.
- Autumn (September–October): Ideal as the soil is still warm but rain is more regular.
Avoid reseeding during the peak of summer (too dry) or the depths of winter (too cold). The seed needs warmth and moisture — not frost or a heatwave.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reseeding Your Lawn
1. Mow the Lawn Short
Cut the grass nice and short — around 2–3cm. This helps sunlight reach the soil and ensures the seed can settle in without getting lost in a jungle of blades.
2. Scarify and Rake
Use a spring-tine rake or powered scarifier to remove moss, thatch and dead grass. Yes, it’ll look a bit rough after — but trust the process. Then rake up and remove all the debris so you’re left with bare soil and space between the existing grass.
3. Aerate the Soil
Aerate compacted areas using a fork or an easy-to-use spiking tool like the SpikeMat. This helps water and nutrients reach the seed and improves germination. Focus on any areas that feel solid underfoot or have struggled to grow previously.
4. Add Topsoil (If Needed)
If your lawn has low spots or poor soil, spread a thin layer of topsoil or compost to level things out and provide a soft bed for your seed.
5. Sow the Seed
Scatter grass seed evenly across the lawn — aim for about 35g per square metre. Use a spreader if you’ve got one, or go old-school and do it by hand. Don’t forget the edges and patchy bits.
Lightly rake the surface to mix the seed into the top layer of soil. Don’t bury it too deep — just enough to stop it blowing away or being gobbled up by the local pigeon population.
6. Water Well
Give the lawn a gentle watering, enough to moisten the soil without turning it into a swamp. Keep the area damp for the next 2–3 weeks, watering daily if there’s no rain. Avoid heavy watering that’ll wash the seed away.
Post-Seed TLC
- Hold off mowing: Let the new grass reach 7–8cm before giving it its first cut — and make sure the mower blades are sharp.
- Keep foot traffic off: Avoid walking on newly seeded areas while the grass establishes.
- Weed watch: Don’t apply weed killer until the new grass is at least 8 weeks old.
Your Lawn, Reborn
In just a few weeks, your lawn will look thicker, greener, and noticeably more smug. A successful reseed doesn’t just fix problem areas — it breathes life into the whole garden. It’s low-cost, low-effort, and the results are genuinely satisfying.
So, if your grass is looking past its prime, don’t rip it all out. Reseed it. Then put the kettle on, grab a deckchair, and admire your freshly fluffed-up patch of paradise.
