Planting New Grass? Try 'Penguin Walking' For Better Growth

If your grass is looking a bit bare after the winter chill, you might be thinking of planting new seed now that the soil’s warmed up. 

Indeed, according to Chris McIlroy, a lawn expert at The Grass People, “We’re approaching the ideal time to sow new grass seed and get lawns looking their best again”. 

The Royal Horticultural Society added that spring and autumn provide ideal conditions for the task; it’s cheaper than buying new turf, and fairly easy.

Especially, McIlroy said, if you “penguin walk”. 

What is “penguin walking”?

It’s a shuffling kind of walk you can do before you plant grass seeds to help get rid of any air pockets in the soil.

Then, it’s time for the penguin walk.

“You need to tread the ground to get rid of air pockets. Take small steps over the surface to even out the soil, like a penguin shuffle. Do this in rows to make sure all the areas are covered,” the grass expert explained.

“Once the ground is prepared, spread the grass seed evenly across the soil at around 30-35g per square metre for a new lawn, or 15-20g per square metre when overseeding bare patches.” 

To get really even coverage, divide the seed in half and walk along your lawn lengthways sprinkling the first section. 

Then, spread the second load of seed walking widthways. That’ll form a kind of crosshatch pattern that’ll offer even coverage.

What should I do once the grass seeds have been planted?

“After sowing, lightly rake the area so the seeds sit just beneath the soil surface, then gently firm it down by walking over it or using a roller,” McIlroy added.