My Lawn Patch from Seed Died and I'm Just Confused

Last May, I planted a small patch of lawn in front of my house using B&Q’s shady grass seed. It was growing well—we watered it daily, and it thrived until winter hit. Now, it looks like this.

The patch is on the sunniest side of the house, though the sun isn’t constant (especially here in Newcastle), but it does get some light.

I plan to add more soil to level it with the concrete and restart the lawn when it warms up. How can I ensure it survives next winter?

Stop watering every day. Water deeply for longer periods once or twice a week. Let the ground dry some so the roots can reach down for the water which will help them get established better

Corey said:
Stop watering every day. Water deeply for longer periods once or twice a week. Let the ground dry some so the roots can reach down for the water which will help them get established better

You should only water daily when the seed is new. After it grows, water less often but give it more water each time

@Corey
Sorry I should have said, we watered every day when it was new seed. We did stop after that. Thanks for the tip on watering deeply less frequently when it’s established though

Oakley said:
@Corey
Sorry I should have said, we watered every day when it was new seed. We did stop after that. Thanks for the tip on watering deeply less frequently when it’s established though

It looks like you might not have mowed correctly. Start mowing at about 2.5 inches and just take a little off. This will help the grass get stronger and thicker. Gradually raise your mowing height to 3.5 inches and keep it trimmed well, clearing off any leaves. You may have started too late too. I begin growing grass from seed in mid to late August so by November it looks full and like real grass.

What zone are you in?

It’s probably just dormant due to the cold weather.

Jai said:
What zone are you in?

It’s probably just dormant due to the cold weather.

I think it’s zone 7 or 8

Jai said:
What zone are you in?

It’s probably just dormant due to the cold weather.

@Cory
The European Hardiness Zone Map splits Europe into 11 zones, from -51 degrees Celsius to 10 degrees Celsius.

Nothing at this time. That’s how it behaves in winter.

Wait for the warm weather to come back and then start taking care of the lawn again.

(Or think about getting fake grass)

Well, honestly, everything died. It is winter time. Once the soil gets warmer with more sunlight, your grass might come back to life.

You could also add some more seeds to help the bare areas grow better.

@Case
That will take a couple of months though because the soil temperature is probably around 5 degrees Celsius.

Blane said:
@Case
That will take a couple of months though because the soil temperature is probably around 5 degrees Celsius.

You can check your local soil temperatures here.

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@Case
You can check your local soil temperatures here.

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It’s a good idea to get a soil test before you plant again. We all know that plants need soil, water, and sunlight to grow, but figuring out why they didn’t grow well is the tricky part.

The soil test will tell you what’s in your soil and what to do next. Pay attention to the pH level and make sure to mention your issues when you send it in.

Spending $25 to $30 is the best investment because it will save you from wasting money on things you don’t need. Feel free to message me privately for more details. I work with plants a lot and go to the Ag. Extension office frequently; everyone jokes and calls me Norman when I show up. Good luck.

@Nova
What do you suggest for fixing the pH, Norman?

Keegan said:
@Nova
What do you suggest for fixing the pH, Norman?

It depends on whether the pH is too low or too high. For low pH, you can add limestone, and for high pH, you can add elemental sulfur. The right pH to aim for matters too. I accidentally harmed my azaleas (which like acidic soil) by building a limestone brick wall without thinking it through.

@Nova
Thanks a lot! I’ll definitely look into this

How often did you mow it?

Zan said:
How often did you mow it?

That’s what I’m thinking. Why does it seem like it was never cut?