How to... grow a lawn from seed

Good preparation is essential. And remember: early autumn is the ideal time for growing a new lawn from seed

● Select a grass seed to suit your lifestyle - are you looking for an ornamental lawn or a practical one? Seek advice from your local garden centre.

● Clear the area to be cultivated of any weeds, grass or nettles. Dig or fork over the soil to a depth of about 15cm (approximately 6in), removing any stones and adding lots of compost or manure as you go.

● Roughly level out the soil with a rake after digging, and allow the area to settle for at least a week. Rake the site again (remove any new weeds and missed stones), then expose bumps and dips by treading the site evenly, finally raking until level. You should be left with a fine seed bed with soil particles the size of biscuit crumbs. Add a general, slow-release fertiliser to the area.

● Ensure your seeds are well mixed, then scatter it over your prepared area. One handful of seed roughly covers 1 square metre. Scatter evenly, moving left to right, top to bottom, and then lightly rake the seeded area to partially cover the seed. Water the seeds if it is dry with a ‘fine rose' watering can to keep them moist.

● Protect your seeds from birds and cats - push canes into the ground and twine a cobweb of black cotton between them to keep them off the area.