Grass Seed: Why Choose Our New Product?
Creating a lawn that looks lush and vibrant can feel like a challenge, especially when deciding on the best way to achieve it. Grass seed is an affordable and easy way to grow a new lawn or improve an existing one.
This is why Online Turf is excited to introduce our new product, Rye Gold Lawn Seed. Made from the same high-quality mix of perennial ryegrass and red fescue as our best-selling Rye Gold Turf, it is designed to deliver professional results. It can handle heavy foot traffic, grow well in shade, and keep its rich green colour all year round.
Why Choose Rye Gold Lawn Seed?
Our Rye Gold Lawn Seed lets you grow the same high-quality grass as our best-selling Rye Gold Turf, but from seed. We have been growing and selling this high-quality turf for over 20 years, and our special seed mix is ideal for the UK climate.
At the heart of our Rye Gold Lawn Seed is a carefully balanced mix of perennial ryegrass and two varieties of red fescue. Ryegrass stays green all year round, even in the cold and wet. It also starts growing at just 7°C, so you can plant it even in the unpredictable British weather.
Ryegrass is also one of the most adaptable and durable grass types, It's perfect for gardens with lots of foot traffic, or for families with children and pets. It also ensures your lawn will stay in great condition with very little work. Check out our 'Why Ryegrass is Great for Your Garden' for more information on the benefits of ryegrass for your lawn.
The two varieties of red fescue that we add to our blend are perennial grasses. These are known for their fine texture, resilience, and ability to form dense turf. They also allow our Rye Gold turf to thrive even in more shaded areas.
Mixing fescue with ryegrass creates a strong lawn that has a rich, deep green colour. After all, everyone wants a beautiful lawn that looks like it was made by professionals!
Grass Seed Uses
There are two main ways in which our new product can be used: starting a new lawn from scratch and overseeding.
A new lawn is usually sown onto bare soil. There should be no existing turf and you should remove your old lawn before starting a new one, especially if your previous lawn was in poor condition due to neglect or disease.
To get the best results, start by removing any weeds or debris to ensure the grass seed makes good contact with the soil. Once the area is clear, loosen and level the soil with a rake to make sure you have an even lawn surface ready for seed to be sown. When sowing, use 35 grams of grass seed per square metre. This ensures good coverage and helps establish a strong, healthy lawn.
Overseeding, on the other hand, involves adding new grass seed to your current lawn without removing the existing turf. The recommended sowing rate for this method is 25 grams per square metre. It is a great option if your lawn has bare patches or looks thin as it helps to thicken the grass, making it healthier and more resistant to damage, by introducing new grass varieties.
Before overseeding, it is important to scarify your lawn first. This process removes thatch, moss, and weeds, helping the new seeds make proper contact with the soil. Overseeding then fills in any gaps, creating a dense lawn that naturally blocks them out.
Due to the benefits of overseeding, many gardeners use this method as a preventative measure and recognise it as an essential part of their annual lawn care routine.
To learn more about the differences between growing a brand-new lawn and overseeding, read our 'How to Use Grass Seed' blog.
How Long Does Grass Seed Take to Grow ?
Grass growth depends on a few things: the type of seed, the weather where you live, the quality of your soil, and how often you water it. For the best results, sow your grass seed between March and May or September and mid-October when the soil is moist.
Our seed mix contains ryegrass, which is one of the fastest growing and most competitive types of grass. In warmer weather, you can usually expect to see it start growing in just 1-2 weeks, with another 6-8 weeks before the grass is fully established.
If you choose to sow your seed during a colder time of year, this timeline may extend to 2-3 weeks before the seeds germinate, followed by a slower growth period. Frosty temperatures may also stop the seeds from germinating altogether, until the temperature rises again.
Grass Seed VS Turf
But what are some benefits and disadvantages that grass seed have over turf?
Benefits of using grass seed
- Affordability: Grass seed costs much less than turf. For example, our 1.275 kg bag (£14.99) covers up to 60 square metres, while a 20 kg bag (£149.99) covers up to 800 square metres. For a price comparison, visit our products page and get an instant quote on turf.
- Can Be Purchased in Advance: Grass seed can be bought in advance and stored until the weather is right for sowing. In contrast, turf must be laid within 24 hours of delivery, as it will begin to deteriorate if not used quickly.
- Easier to Transport: Grass seed is lightweight and easy to transport. This often results in lower delivery fees when compared to turf. It can also be collected directly if you want to avoid delivery fees. It is also a great option for areas where turf delivery is not possible.
- Faster to Apply: Depending on the condition of your garden, spreading grass seed is often quicker than laying turf.
Drawbacks of using grass seed
- Longer Wait Time: Turf gives instant results, while grass seed takes longer to establish. In ideal conditions, it takes 7–10 weeks for full germination, but in cold, winter weather, it may take up to 6 months.
- Pest Issues: Birds and other pests may eat the seeds before they have a chance to sprout.
- Risk of Poor or Failed Germination: If the ground isn’t properly prepared or if the grass seed is stored incorrectly-such as in high heat or humidity-there’s a risk the seeds won’t germinate at all. The seeds may also be ‘washed out’ during heavy rain.
Grass seed can be a fantastic alternative to turf rolls for many people. It’s versatile, allowing you to start a new lawn from scratch or overseed an existing one, and a great option if you don’t need an instant lawn or if you're in a location where turf delivery isn’t feasible.
Our new Rye Gold Lawn Seed is the perfect product for a durable, lush looking lawn with no hassle- it comes in our easy to use 1.275kg box and covers up to 60 square meters - perfect for smaller lawns or overseeding. Our handy box contains information on optimal seeding times and has a QR code linking you to our ‘Sowing Grass Seed Guide’ so provides plenty of information on how to use the product. It also has a useful built-in applicator to make your seeding process as easy as possible.
Have any questions about our new product? Feel free to get in touch with us today.
