How do I seed an area of a lawn thats gone bare its about 2 metres square. Its a lawn with fine grasses
5 October 2026
Yes — early October is still a good time in much of the UK to seed a bare lawn patch, provided the soil is still reasonably warm and you can keep it moist. For a fine-grass lawn, use a **fine lawn seed mix** rather than a hard-wearing ryegrass mix, unless the area gets heavy use.
## How to reseed a 2 m² bare patch
### 1. Work out why it went bare
Before sowing, check for the cause, otherwise it may happen again. Common causes are:
- Shade and moss
- Wear from feet, pets or children
- Dog urine scorch
- Poor drainage or compacted soil
- Leatherjackets or chafer grubs feeding on roots
- Drought stress over summer
If the soil feels hard and compacted, that is likely part of the problem.
---
### 2. Clear and loosen the surface
Rake out any dead grass, moss, thatch or loose debris.
Then lightly fork over or scratch the top **2–5 cm** of soil. You do not need to dig deeply — just create a loose surface for the seed to root into.
Why this matters: grass seed needs good contact with soil. If it sits on compacted ground or thatch, it dries out and germinates poorly.
---
### 3. Improve the seedbed
Spread a thin layer of **lawn top dressing** or a mix of fine compost and sharp sand over the patch — around **5–10 mm deep**.
Level it with a rake and firm it gently with your feet.
Why this matters: fine grasses establish best in a firm but crumbly seedbed, not loose fluffy compost.
---
### 4. Sow the right seed
For a fine lawn, choose a seed mix containing grasses such as:
- Chewings fescue
- Slender creeping red fescue
- Browntop bent
Avoid a general “hard-wearing” mix if you want the new patch to blend with a fine lawn, as these often contain perennial ryegrass, which can look coarser.
Sow at the packet rate — usually around **25–35 g per m²**. For 2 m², that is often only a couple of handfuls, but follow the label.
Sow half the seed one way and half at right angles for even coverage.
---
### 5. Rake, firm and water
Lightly rake the seed into the surface so it is just covered or in contact with the soil. Then firm it gently with your feet or the back of a rake.
Water with a fine rose on a watering can or a gentle sprinkler.
Why this matters: grass seed must stay moist during germination. If it germinates and then dries out, the young seedlings die very quickly.
---
### 6. Keep it moist
Keep the patch evenly moist for about **2–3 weeks**, depending on weather. In October, rainfall may help, but check it regularly.
Avoid flooding it — gentle, frequent watering is better than occasional heavy soaking.
---
### 7. Protect it
If birds are a problem, cover the area with a light netting or some twiggy sticks laid over the surface.
Keep people and pets off the patch until the grass is established.
---
### 8. First cut
Wait until the new grass is about **7–8 cm high**, then mow on a high setting, just taking the tips off.
Do not scalp it. Gradually lower the cutting height over later mows.
---
## Should you feed it?
If sowing now, avoid a strong high-nitrogen spring/summer lawn feed. If the soil is poor, use a light **autumn lawn feed** or simply rely on the top dressing until spring.
Too much nitrogen now can encourage soft growth that is more vulnerable to cold, disease and moss.
## Quick summary
For your 2 m² bare patch:
1. Rake out dead material
2. Loosen the top few centimetres
3. Add fine top dressing
4. Sow a fine lawn seed mix
5. Rake in lightly and firm
6. Keep moist for 2–3 weeks
7. Keep off until established
8. Mow high for the first cut
If you tell me whether the patch is in sun, shade, or a high-wear area, I can suggest the best type of fine grass seed mix to use.
