Lawn advice please

Thanks guysmore questions ..sorry
So it's looking like we will probably go down the seed route as it's cheaper and we have a lot to pay out for at the minute x
Anyway I've been digging the weeds out that keep popping up !
And raking the soil , so when to lay seed? March? April? Do we add sand to the soil? If so what type?builders etc? Do we add fertilizer? So many questions sorry!!

 

Sow onto raked soil from April when the weather is warmer. Don't add fertilizer.

Ive just patched up a small area with turf as I didn't want to wait until spring to start the job. It cost me £2.40 a metre from the grower. It was amazing how much turf they are selling at this time of year.

 

If you need to change your soil at all, look into that first. The worst thing is heavy clay that's been allowed to form layers of hard pan. In that case you need to dig it over first, and ideally add some humus and sharp sand, otherwise your drainage is going to be permanently screwed. For other soil types you're fine as is. In theory you might want to add some humus to sandy soil, but I grew up in a coastal village in the north with extremely sandy soil, and no-one's lawns there had any problems. If you were trying to turn beach sand into a lawn then yes, but otherwise not so much.

If your soil is heavy clay, a bit of sand and finer topsoil raked onto the surface can help the seeds establish better too. Don't make the mistake of trying to dig it in - you're only looking for a thin layer to get the seeds started.

Any other soil though, just level it, weed it, rake it until it's a fine tilth, and you're good to go.

 

I applied some autumn lawn food mid January after all the rains were having has leached all the goodness from the soil. The grass looked great a week after but I would hold off now if you’re thinking of applying moss or autumn feed now as the weathers turned cold and frosty here. Looking forward to spring and a change in the weather now.

 

As you have a "blank canvas" you could weedkill the whole plot now to get a head start on those pesky weeds coming through your new lawn. I respect that not all are comfortable with the chemical approach though.

I would also think about improving your soil as well (if it needs it). It all depends on how much you want to spend and how finicky you are about your lawns!

As others have mentioned you should think about what usage it is going to get, whether it is shaded etc. as this will dictate your seed choice. If you need a hard-wearing lawn then you need different seed to if you want an ornamental "bowling green" that you will mostly gaze lovingly at rather than actually walking on

 

Any suggestions on seed type ? We have a dog , I've been digging the weeds out but they come back pretty quick! And they are deep rooted variety! Doc I think they are, any suggestions on weed killer?the garden is clay soil so will buy some sharp sand .

 

If you are happy to apply chemicals then anything containing Glyphosate is what you need (Roundup is probably the most popular brand). It's dangerous stuff so read the label etc.

Others with more wisdom here will be able to advise on whether you can just use sand - I have used 70/30 top dressing (70% sand, 30% compost) as I have also clay, wet soil . Sand on it's own isn't going to bring any nutrients to the soil. No affiliation but I got mine from here. But, I was top dressing an established lawn, maybe you need something different for starting a new lawn - I am not an expert! Maybe mixing bags of top soil, or compost, with sharp sand is a cheaper way to go.

Again, no affilliation but I have bought seed from here. (They also sell on Amazon).

Excellent resource here.

 

Use a selective lawn weedkiller for the docks ( B&M / others sell it , it will be call Lawn weed killer ) it may take a couple of applications with docks.

Just look for a hard wearing grass seed, its not worth looking into expensive seeds and cultivars if you have a dog running around. The seed mix should be dominated by dwarf perennial rye grass because its very hard wearing / germinates fast. Don't expect a bowling green , if you want to spend a bit more on the seed instead of cheaper seed mixes have a look at sport grass seed mixes , obviously these mixes have to be hardwearing with better visual / cutting etc appearance.

Does the ground flood / hold water and crack in the summer ?

 

No idea about the summer as moved here recently . I wouldn't say it holds water but it is clay soil