It is recommended you use 50 grams of seed per square metre, providing you protect the sown lawn from the birds. The easiest way to judge the amount without doing a great deal of measuring, is to lay 4 canes about a metre long, on a corner of your prepared ground and create a square with them. Measure 50 grams of seed into a cup then scatter evenly within the square of canes. You will then have an idea of how much seed to sow in a space approximately the size of a square metre. Put the canes to one side and sow the seed all over the lawn. It’s not fatal if you exceed the dosage, just a little more expensive!

The most effective bird deterrent is to crisscross the lawn with black thread.

If you are using turf which comes in rolls, try to stagger the joints when laying it. Once laid, whack the turfs down with the back of the spade. Give the turf a good watering and if it doesn’t rain within two days, water again. In really dry weather, water as necessary until the grass is established. Do not create the edges of the lawn until it is well established, as until there is a decent root growth, the edges will crumble.