Over seeding and existing lawn
As we thought the soil pH in the lawn is a bit low it come to pH 5.8 as per the test so ideally needs to be raised to pH 6.0 to 6.1
Stage one
So if you go to the garden centre or B and Q get a box of time and sprinkle a handful one the lawn one handful per square metre approx then wash in with a watering or it might rain
Add an additional couple of handfuls on the grass at the bottom of the steps
The lime should be granulated and easy to spread if its a powder be careful as it can be dangerous as a powder you need to wear gloves
One the lime is washed in it will be safe for the dogs
Stage Two
Cut the grass first to normally height
The next step in renovating the rear lawn is to create a seed bed on the bare areas by giving it a light rake with a wire rake. This will help to loosen up the soil and create an ideal environment for the new grass seeds to germinate.
You will also rake out any dead grass which can go into the raised bed
If the soil is dry then water first and leave for a few hours before raking, although dry soil seems unlikely at the moment with all the rain.
Seeding
With the seeding we need to go for a two stage seeding. The first seeding with some shady grass seed
2 packs https://www.diy.com/departments/verve-shady-grass-seeds-0-5kg/1607660_BQ.prd
This seed is mainly for the rear area. Four days before sowing the seed, it is recommended to pre-chit the seed. To do this, take a kilo of grass seed and place it in a plastic bag. Then, add a couple of glasses of water and mix it well. Leave the bag in an airing cupboard for four days, making sure to check it daily and give it a shake to ensure even moisture distribution. Pre-chitting the seed will help to kickstart the germination process, giving you a better chance of success
To sow this seed lightly rub the chitted seed between your hands. Approx a handful per metre mainly in the rear area.
1 pack
https://www.diy.com/departments/gro-sure-lawn-fertiliser-80m-3-2kg/910957_BQ.prd
So directly from the pack all over the lawn Approx a handful per metre
Once the seed has been sown apply by hand a handful of Growmore fertiliser sprinkled onto the lawn and seed
Then water the seed into the lawn without flooding the bare areas. We use a lawn soaker but you can water by hand.
Once water it will be safe for the dogs but might be a bit damp
Water to keep the seed moist for 14 days this normally means watering the lawn with the soaker hose for 15 mins every two days unless it rains
Third stage
Once the seed start to grow and reaches 20mm high you should roll or walk over the lawn to break the new grass stems to encourage more shoot to grow from the base of the grass plants
When the grass recovers and grows to 30mm then you can lightly cut the whole lawn
We have ordered some shade grass seed for you but it”s a bit cold to sow this yet
Festuca rubra, poa parentis, Festuca species, and Tetraploid Dwarf Amenity Ryegrass
In the future you should use this lawn fertiliser
https://www.djturfcare.co.uk/lawn-boost-organic-lawn-fertiliser-no-moss.html
After sowing you can work on the lawn just place a few sheets of plywood boards to protect the surface. When the seed is sown its ok to lightly walk on it
If the grass fails in the very shady areas in these areas we could try a sowing some clover to create a clover lawn area Here is a link
Clover grow better in heavy shade compared with grass