To help a newly seeded lawn germinate more quickly, cover it with clear plastic. It protects against drying out and warms the soil. The higher temperatures also cause the grass seeds to germinate earlier.
Why should you cover newly sown lawns?
Covering newly sown lawns with transparent film protects against drying out, creates a greenhouse climate that accelerates germination, and protects against hungry birds and accidental entry.
Why cover the lawn seeds?
Covering the lawn seeds after sowing has several advantages:
- Surface is protected from drying out
- Even distribution of seeds
- Greenhouse climate ensures rapid germination
- Protects against accidental trespassing
- Protects the lawn seeds from hungry birds
Use clear growth film
If you want to protect the new lawn area with a cover, use special growth films. They are available from garden retailers. Alternatively, you can also use transparent plastic film.
Sow the lawn seeds evenly and sprinkle the ground evenly, preferably with a gently set lawn sprinkler.
Only when the area is well moistened but not completely soaked is the cover film (€11.00 on Amazon) stretched over the lawn and secured to the sides with stones or earth. The film must not lie flat on the ground so that the plants underneath have some space to grow.
Greenhouse climate under the cover
Under the film, the sun creates a real greenhouse climate. The surface does not dry out in wind and strong sunlight, but remains evenly moist. This means that the grass seeds germinate very quickly.
With a cover, you don't have to worry about sudden heavy rain. The seeds cannot be washed away under the film, so no large gaps or development can occur.
The newly laid lawn area is also protected because it is immediately apparent that something has been sown here. This means that the area is not accidentally walked on. Birds that peck at seeds have no chance because the cover prevents them from getting to the seeds.
Remove cover
As soon as the first roots of the lawn plants are anchored in the ground, the tarpaulin is removed so that the lawn gets enough air.
Tips & Tricks
If you want to renew an old lawn that is riddled with weeds, covering it with an opaque tarp helps. Not only the grass plants die, but also the weeds. The foil should remain in place for a longer period of time.
