What type of grass seed to use and when specifically is best to overseed a lawn (rarely ever in spring!) is determine by where you live. Let us know that and we can provide details.

Hi, I am in Croydon, Surrey

Ah, the UK - that makes a difference :-)

First, you should be able to overseed successfully in spring. That is really limited to areas with cooler summers - like my Pacific Northwest and 99% of the UK.

Whatever grass seed or seed blend available at your local garden center will work. They will all be suited for cool season/cooler climate growth and you should be able to select for qualities like durability (heavy traffic or kids' play areas) and sun versus more shade.

To overseed successfully, you want to cut the lawn as low as you can, sprinkle the seeds according to label directions for overseeding, top with a thin layer of screened garden compost and keep evenly moist until full germination, 2-4 weeks depending on seed type and temperatures. Wait to fertilize in late May (the compost will suffice until then).

Hi, thanks you so much. It sems as there are mixes of seeds avilable here, mostly including Ryegeass and Fescue. Ryegrass is rough and tough wearing and fescue is for area which have a shadow. I have quite a few areas like this in the garden. Another variety here is Brent, this is mostly if you want a really decorative looking lawn. However, this type is not good at resisting weed growth.

The vast majority of lawn seed sold here are also mixes or blends of ryegrass and fescues as well (my neighboring state of Oregon produces most of the cool season grass seed in the country). Since my PNW climate is very similar to that of yours, these should work well for you. And combining various species of these two grass types will create the specific blend best suited for your growing conditions - durability, shade or drought tolerance, etc.

Because these are cool season grass types, they naturally want tp go dormant in summer or in hot weather. We tend to be very dry here in summer with almost no rain from July through September (although rarely very hot) and many allow their lawns to go dormant by withholding water. It doesn't hurt the grass and that will green up quickly in fall with cooler temps and rain. If you do not wish to allow it to go dormant, you will need to water periodically.

Hi, I agree with everything you say. The summers here are unpredictable with , at least, some rain. I have gone for a mix of Ryegrass and fescue, hopefully this will be fine. Will keep you updated. Sincere thanks for your knowledgeable input, this has helped me. Hope to stay in touch.

Warm season grasses are usually seeded in the spring. Cool season in the fall. You can seed now and it might still be alive in August, but better to seed in the fall. Particularly with rye. But, you have nothing to lose seeding now outside of cost and effort.

@ kidhorn2, the OP is located in the UK. They would only be using cool season grass types. And because of their cool summer climate - very similar to mine - spring seeding is recommended and even preferred. Unless one is familiar with the climate and growing conditions there, which is not comparable to anywhere in the US other than the PNW, it is not very reasonable to apply common US practices to those UK conditions. It is a case of apples and oranges.

FYI, spring is the recommended timing for seeding or overseeding a lawn here as well. Can also be done in early fall, but spring is the focus season.