Anyone with a lawn will know that maintenance ramps up in spring, when grass begins to grow after its winter dormancy. Temperature is significant for grass growth, which is why it enters a dormant state from late November through to February when temperatures consistently drop below 5C. However, not everyone's grass begins to grow evenly when the weather warms up in March.

Bare patches and uneven growth can haunt gardeners, though there is a simple fix: grass seed. While many people sprinkle it over their lawn in a hurry, a gardening expert at Randy Lemmon has warned against being too blasé: "It sounds easy. Just sprinkle, water, and wait. But grass doesn’t grow well without the right setup," they said. 

Spreading grass seed is relatively quick, and even when gardeners are patient and wait for it to grow, the results can often be poor.

According to Randy Lemmon, the issue lies in the contact between the seeds and the soil. "For seeds to grow strong and healthy, they need more than just water—they need to reach the soil", said the experts.

Put simply, without soil contact, most seeds will not grow at all.

When sprinkled atop a lawn, they may just sit on top of thatch, dry out, get washed away by rain, or be picked off by birds.

These scenarios can all be prevented with three simple steps that contribute to preparing an existing lawn for overseeding.

​According to the Royal Horticultural Society, lawn seeds germinate best in early autumn and mid-spring. Warm soil, adequate moisture and steady temperatures all aid grass seed germination.

Before sowing it, it's important to follow three simple steps.

A thick layer of dead grass or hard-packed soil stops seeds from settling into place, so begin by tidying up the top layer of the lawn.

1. Mow and rake your lawn

First, cut your lawn shorter than usual, then rake to remove dead grass, leaves and sticks and thatch. It is also worth de-weeding grass to avoid competition for nutrients after seed germination.

If you don't have time to mow, experts say a quick raking before seeding can improve contact and help more grass take hold.

2. Break up compact soil

Gently break up the soil in areas where it feels hard. Gardening experts note that this "improves drainage and facilitates root growth."

Ensure your chosen grass seed suits the climate in your garden. When you're confident with your choice, use a seed spreader to cover the lawn with a steady, even layer. 

3. Water frequently

After the seed has been sown, keep the soil moist but not saturated. Light watering once or twice a day helps seeds sprout.

One of the most important factors to consider when growing new grass is foot traffic. Constantly standing or sitting on your lawn risks germination and could dislodge settled seeds.

Avoid using your lawn until the new grass is tall and rooted. Mowing should also be avoided until grass is three inches tall: If you mow too early, you risk tearing up the roots before they’re strong enough.