For new areas that need levelling:
- Cultivate, rake and level the area to be sown.
- Leave the area for 10-14 days or at least a sufficient time to achieve a germination of weed seeds present in the top soil.
- Spray a non-selective herbicide, such as glyphosate, to kill off the initial germination which has occurred during the seed bed preparation.
- Sow seed 24-48 hours after the application of the herbicide. At this stage the surface may have a hard crust on top. If this is the case, rake over the area using a steel rake or light harrows to loosen the surface.
- Spread a lawn starter fertiliser such as MAP at the recommended rate.
- Sow seed after the fertiliser. To sow seed, spread half in a north-south direction and half in an east-west direction. Rake again lightly. Avoid any further traffic and do not roll or tread the seed into the soil.
- Keep the area continuously moist until complete germination has occurred. In warm conditions, gentle watering may be required several times a day.
