Question

Cheapest way to prepare the lawn for seed? Need to fill in some patches (not yet) but don't want to buy a scarifier etc for rare use. Can I just use the garden fork?!  

Answer 1

I'd rake, but if your garden is very big I'd put the word out to see if you can borrow one. Actually, you can hire them from HSS I think

Answer 2

I just use a soil rake

Answer 3

Yes you just need to rake it over a bit

Answer 4

Get a wire rake and go over lawn with that

Answer 5

Buy the scarifier. Cheap as chips in Argos and it’s so much easier the using a rake or a fork. Sx

Answer 6

Soil down seed on top then again scatter soil on over it, The latter not crucial, you can leave bare but after the frosts. This bit may sounds obvious but what you must do is make sure your grass seed has good contact with the soil. Many make the mistake of sewing then leaving it. Flatten it down well with something.  

Comments

@matusow17 compost can do more harm than good, dries out quicker than soil. What you have will fine, water daily using a watering can rose, or hose pipe sprinkler (gently as you can) cut grass with a strummer first cut, when it starts to lop over.  

---

Soil quality is important as you dont want dips and hallows in your new lawn that might freeze and cause damage. Its like everything else, prepare properly first and youll get a great result. X There are some really good you tube videos that will help you prepare for a new lawn.  

Answer 7

See if someone is selling a scarifier on selling site buy it then sell it for the same when finished with it then cost would be nothing or a couple £ if you sell slightly less Xx

Comments

@titania270 keep it forever. I use mine 3 or more times a year. Brilliant

---

I do also I was replying to the persons question as she couldn’t afford to buy one, & was using a rake.  

Answer 8

A good lawn needs a scarifying rake. I use mine every year. Its a good buy! X

Answer 9

I have a scarifier. Best money ever spent. I always have a fab lawn every year, despite our weather and my dog

Answer 10

A scarifier isn’t for rare use, I do my lawn every year, it removes the thatch and moss and helps the grass to grow healthy.