First thing to consider when trying to create your new lawn at minimum expense

First thing to consider when trying to create your new lawn at minimum expense

Creating your lawn can be done in a number of ways; you can use seed, turf or just cut down to size what is already there. The latter unfortunately will leave you with rather a messy patch but can be utilized if you go about it the right way (my dad had a lawn like that for years). I personally would recommend that if your current lawn is not up to much then you aught to get rid of it and start again.

Create your new lawn using seed or turf. Either way first you will need to measure the size of the area you would like as your lawn. Measure its width and its breadth to the next whole metre (i.e. If it's 5.4 metres then call it 6 metres, if it's 11 metres 67 centimetres then call it 12 metres etc. etc.) then multiply the two together, this will give you the area you require (we go to the next whole metre as this ensures we will have enough seed or turf to do the job, plus a little spare for repairs etc.). If the area is of an odd shape or doesn't have 4 sides and 4 corners then split it up into several rectangular or square sections, measure each one individually (using the correct measurements this time for your calculation) and then add the totals together, round up your result to the next whole square metre then add on a couple of extra square metres for good measure (it's always better to have too much material than not enough).

Don't go out and buy the top brand grass seed, I believe it is not worth the expense, instead nip along to your local Wilkinson' store and but their own brand (excellent quality and much more cost effective, remember; we're trying to keep the price down here). You don't have to go to Wilkinson's' of course, you could go to B & Q' or Homebase' or these days even Tesco' or Asda' or any other similar store, then of course there is also the local hardware shop or garden centre; shop around and get the best deal; but I think you'll find Wilkinson's' very hard to beat. Wherever you get it from go for the variety with ryegrass in as it's often cheaper, and not as bad as it may seem. Before you make any purchase make sure that the seed is dry, with no mould and that you can purchase enough to do the job. There should be something on display in the store guiding you on how much weight of seed you will need per square metre of garden, if not then ask an assistant.

If on the other hand you're going for turf then ring around the suppliers you find advertising in the local press as they obviously deliver into your area or they wouldn't advertise there. Get the cheapest quote and don't let them palm you off with the top quality or extra fine stuff (we're not trying to make a bowling green here, just a normal lawn that is likely to get a lot of use and its fair share of abuse). Use your initiative and go for whichever you think is best (I've always gone for the cheapest and found it to be just fine). Make sure you ask them about delivery charge to your area (some will charge and some won't) as this can make a big difference to the total price.

Don't be afraid to tell them exactly what you want, remember you are the customer and they are obliged to keep you happy, so make sure that that is precisely what they do. Always ask when they can deliver, some may not be able to do it for a few days, some could do it the same day or the next morning and it may make good sense to pay a few extra pounds to get the delivery exactly when you want it, or as near as possible, and be certain that they will deliver when they said they will (no good waiting in for them not to turn up). Remember when dealing with suppliers that you are the boss and the customer (i.e. you) is always right (you don't have to be offensive or intimidating, just certain in what you require).

It's also very important to be sure that the area where the turf is going to be laid will be prepared and ready for the new turf when it arrives. When it does you should greet the delivery person and confirm your order, then before the turf if off-loaded, check it yourself to be sure of its quality; the grass should be a full green with no signs of yellowing or weeds, and should have a soil bed of about 2 centimetres (if the soil is too thick the turf will take a long time to establish itself and would be difficult to get it level; if too thin it will become patchy before it has established), the soil should not be dry as this may have already caused the turf to start deteriorating, nor should it be soaking wet, just slightly damp or moist is about right. Once satisfied then you can allow your new turf to be off-loaded and help with the process if you so wish. Finally, make sure you pay for your turf if you've not already done so (these people hate not being paid, it makes them rather reluctant to supply you again) and make sure you get a receipt.

In my next article I'll be telling you how to create a great lawn from seed.

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