The perfect time to lay a new lawn from scratch is early autumn, when the grass can root easily. Follow our advice to help you lay turf and cultivate a pristine lawn.
What to do
Dig over the soil, removing lumps and bumps to create a smooth, level surface and firm gently by walking over it and raking one last time.
Sprinkle a granular fertiliser over the soil, lightly rake again and water.
Lay your first row along a straight edge - a plank will do.
Butt each piece up closely and ensure contact with the soil by tamping with the back of the rake.
Lay the next row, making sure the pieces of turf are pushed closely to the first row.
Stagger this and subsequent rows in a running bond brickwork pattern until the area has been covered.
Lay turf so it runs beyond the area of your new lawn and trim edges with a straight edge board and a sharp half-moon cutting tool.
Soak thoroughly with a sprinkler or watering can.
Time needed
A weekend for soil preparation and laying
What you need
Rolls of turf (a standard piece covers one square metre)
