Getting your lawn timing right in Melbourne’s climate is the key to a thick, healthy green carpet. Knowing exactly when to plant lawn seed in Melbourne is the difference between success and a patchy struggle.
The city’s unique weather patterns mean there’s a perfect window for sowing. Get it right, and your grass will establish strong roots before facing summer heat or winter frost.
This guide gives you the clear, practical steps you need.
When to Plant Lawn Seed in Melbourne
The absolute best time for sowing lawn seed in Melbourne is during the autumn months. Specifically, aim for mid-March through to the end of May.
Autumn is ideal for several key reasons. The soil is still warm from summer, which helps with seed germination. The air is cooler, reducing stress on young seedlings. We also get more reliable rainfall, meaning less watering for you.
Spring, from early September to November, is your second-best option. The ground is warming up and growth is active. But you must be diligent with watering as summer approaches.
Why You Should Avoid Summer and Winter
Summer sowing is generally a bad idea. The intense sun and heat can scorch tender new grass. Evaporation is high, requiring constant watering. It’s an uphill battle that often wastes seed and effort.
Winter is too cold for most grass seeds to germinate properly. The ground is cold and wet, leading to seed rot or fungal diseases. Growth is so slow that weeds often outcompete the struggling grass.
Checking Your Soil Temperature
For the best germination, your soil temperature needs to be consistently above 14°C. You can use a simple soil thermometer to check. In autumn, the soil usually holds this warmth perfectly.
Choosing the Right Grass Type for Melbourne
Your choice of seed depends on your lawn’s use and your garden’s sun exposure. Picking a type suited to Melbourne will give you better results.
- Cool-Season Grasses: These are the most common and reliable for Melbourne. They thrive in the cooler months and stay green year-round with care. Examples include Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescue blends, and Perennial Ryegrass. They are hard-wearing and recover well from damage.
- Warm-Season Grasses: Varieties like Couch and Kikuyu love the heat. They grow vigorously in summer but can go brown and dormant in winter. They are often laid as turf but can be grown from seed (couch more so than kikuyu).
Step-by-Step Guide to Sowing Your Lawn
Follow these steps for the best chance of success when you plant your seed.
1. Prepare the Soil
This is the most important step. Remove all weeds, rocks, and old grass. Loosen the top 10-15cm of soil with a fork or rotary hoe. This allows roots to penetrate easily.
Rake the area level, filling in any low spots. A flat surface prevents water pooling and gives an even lawn.
2. Improve the Soil and Level
Mix in some quality compost or a starter lawn fertiliser. This provides nutrients for young grass. Give the area a final, gentle rake to create a fine, crumbly seedbed.
3. Sow the Seed Evenly
Check the seed packet for the recommended sowing rate. Use a spreader for large areas or sow carefully by hand for small patches. The key is even coverage.
A common mistake is sowing to thickly, which wastes seed and creates crowded, weak grass. Sow half your seed in one direction, then the other half at a right angle to it.
4. Lightly Rake and Water
Very lightly rake the area again to cover most seeds with a thin layer of soil. Some can remain visible. Then, water gently with a fine mist spray. You must keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy, for the next 2-3 weeks.
5. Ongoing Care After Germination
Seeds will typically sprout in 7-14 days. Continue light, frequent watering. Wait until the grass is about 7-8cm tall before the first mow. Only remove the top third of the blade.
Avoid heavy use of the new lawn for at least the first few months to let it establish properly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Sowing at the wrong time: The number one error. Sticking to autumn or spring makes everything else easier.
- Poor soil preparation: Don’t skip the weeding and levelling. It’s hard to fix once the grass is growing.
- Over or under-watering: Keep the seedbed damp. Letting it dry out kills sprouts, but waterlogging causes rot.
- Using old or poor-quality seed: Always buy fresh seed from a reputable supplier. Check the label for weed content.
FAQ: Your Lawn Seeding Questions Answered
Can I plant lawn seed in Melbourne in April?
Yes, April is an excellent month to plant lawn seed in Melbourne. It’s firmly within the ideal autumn sowing window.
What is the best grass seed for Melbourne’s climate?
A blend of Perennial Ryegrass and Fescue is often recommended. It provides durability, shade tolerance, and stays green through the year with proper care.
How long does it take for grass seed to grow in Melbourne?
In the ideal conditions of autumn, you should see germination within 7 to 14 days. It will take several more weeks to fill into a dense lawn.
Can I just throw grass seed on my existing lawn?
This is called overseeding. For it to work, you must first mow low, rake out thatch, and rough up the soil surface so the new seed has contact with soil. It’s not just throwing it on top.
Is it better to use turf or seed?
Turf gives you an instant lawn but is more expensive. Seed is far more cost-effective and offers a wider variety of grass types, but requires patience and care during establishment. Both need good soil preparation.
By following this advice and choosing the right time, you’ll give your new lawn the strongest possible start. A little planning now leads to many years of enjoyment from a beautiful, resilient green space.