Lee Burkhill: Award Winning Designer & BBC 1's Garden Rescue Presenters Official Blog
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I'm shortly to be completing on a new build Property. Due to the crazy costs associated with the developer putting turf down etc. I have decided to give it a go myself...this is my first ever 'gardening project'
I have chosen blend mix of the following grass seed. 45% Tall Fescue 50% Perennial Ryegrass 5% Smooth Stalked Meadow Grass
I have read that this is a grass mix suitable for a clay based sub soil and we have a large golden retriever so its dog proof too.
My question is: Do I need to add a top soil to the already existing subsoil + top soil provided by the developer? or will this be overkill?
I had the following back from the developer when asking about what the garden comes with on completion. "the back garden will be rotavated with top soil added. The subsoil is clay"
thank you all in advance.
Good evening everyone!
I'm shortly to be completing on a new build Property. Due to the crazy costs associated with the developer putting turf down etc. I have decided to give it a go myself...this is my first ever 'gardening project'
I have chosen blend mix of the following grass seed. 45% Tall Fescue 50% Perennial Ryegrass 5% Smooth Stalked Meadow Grass
I have read that this is a grass mix suitable for a clay based sub soil and we have a large golden retriever so its dog proof too.
My question is: Do I need to add a top soil to the already existing subsoil + top soil provided by the developer? or will this be overkill?
I had the following back from the developer when asking about what the garden comes with on completion. "the back garden will be rotavated with top soil added. The subsoil is clay"
The quick answer is that with any new build garden I would always bring in some high quality top soil. No matter what the developer or builder says you're usually left with a dusting of real soil before heavy clay. So any remedial work you can do before sowing turf will be worth while ten fold!!
Dig out any bricks, waste or debris first too. A good way to do this is just fork over the whole area when you hit a rock,. lift and remove it!
The biggest problem you will have is weeds outcompeting your grass seed. So I would definitely spend a few days annually removing them first. Then add the new top soil, rake and then sow seeds as per my lawn laying guide here and below.
The quick answer is that with any new build garden I would always bring in some high quality top soil. No matter what the developer or builder says you're usually left with a dusting of real soil before heavy clay. So any remedial work you can do before sowing turf will be worth while ten fold!!
Dig out any bricks, waste or debris first too. A good way to do this is just fork over the whole area when you hit a rock,. lift and remove it!
The biggest problem you will have is weeds outcompeting your grass seed. So I would definitely spend a few days annually removing them first. Then add the new top soil, rake and then sow seeds as per my lawn laying guide here and below.
Congratulations on your new build property and taking on your first gardening project! Your chosen grass seed mix of Tall Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, and Smooth Stalked Meadow Grass is a great choice for clay-based subsoil and is also dog-friendly for your golden retriever. Since the developer mentioned that the garden will be rotavated with some topsoil added, you might not need to add more topsoil, but it's worth inspecting once the work is complete. Ideally, you want at least 10-15 cm of good quality topsoil for optimal grass growth. Check the existing topsoil’s depth and quality—if it's compacted, shallow, or lacking nutrients, you may benefit from adding 2-4 inches of additional topsoil or mixing in organic matter to improve soil structure and drainage, especially given the clay subsoil. This will help create a healthy lawn that's resilient to wear and environmental challenges. Good luck, and enjoy your gardening journey!
Congratulations on your new build property and taking on your first gardening project! Your chosen grass seed mix of Tall Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, and Smooth Stalked Meadow Grass is a great choice for clay-based subsoil and is also dog-friendly for your golden retriever. Since the developer mentioned that the garden will be rotavated with some topsoil added, you might not need to add more topsoil, but it's worth inspecting once the work is complete. Ideally, you want at least 10-15 cm of good quality topsoil for optimal grass growth. Check the existing topsoil’s depth and quality—if it's compacted, shallow, or lacking nutrients, you may benefit from adding 2-4 inches of additional topsoil or mixing in organic matter to improve soil structure and drainage, especially given the clay subsoil. This will help create a healthy lawn that's resilient to wear and environmental challenges. Good luck, and enjoy your gardening journey!
Lee Burkhill: Award Winning Designer & BBC 1's Garden Rescue Presenters Official Blog
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