When to water grass seedlings?

1. How often should a new lawn be watered?

Grass seed needs a stable environment to germinate. The soil must be kept constantly moist (like a wrung-out sponge) in the top 2 to 3 centimeters.

• Before sowing: Water the bare soil generously 48 hours beforehand to create a deep reserve.
• After sowing (Days 1 to 15): This is the critical phase. Water 2 to 3 times a day in small amounts (5 to 10 minutes) so that the surface never dries out.
• After emergence: Once the grass reaches 3-4 cm, reduce the frequency but increase the quantity to encourage the roots to go down to seek water.

To learn more about general maintenance, see our complete guide on garden watering frequency .

2. Should you water in the morning or in the evening?

The worst time is midday: the sun evaporates the water before it can be used. Aim for the extremes:

• Morning (The best time): Between 6am and 10am. The water penetrates well and the foliage has time to dry, which prevents diseases.
• Evening (Good alternative): Between 5pm and 8pm. Ideal for limiting evaporation, but beware of cool nights which encourage fungal growth if the grass remains soggy.

3. Is it safe to walk on seedlings to water them?

Ideally, no . Each step risks moving the seeds or compacting the moist soil, preventing the roots from penetrating.

If you do not have an automatic system and must do it manually, try walking on planks to distribute your weight, or use equipment that allows you to water remotely.

The trick for fittings and holes

If you are simply repairing a bare patch or sowing grass on a balcony, do not use a powerful jet that will wash away the seeds.

4. What equipment should be used?

Watering seedlings should mimic a light rain. A jet that's too powerful (like a pressure washer or a regular hose) will create holes and clump all your seeds together.

For large areas (>50m²)

Automatic watering is almost essential. We recommend oscillating sprinklers that gently sweep the ground and allow time for the water to penetrate.

For urban gardens and manual watering

If you're watering by hand, forget about indoor watering cans with a narrow spout. You need a model equipped with a "rose" (the nozzle that disperses the water) to reduce the pressure of the jet.

5. What is the germination time for the grass?

Don't panic if you don't see anything after 3 days! Germination time depends on soil temperature and variety:

• Ryegrass: Fast (4 to 8 days).
• Fescue: Slower (10 to 20 days).

Keep watering frequently until the grass has sprouted. It's a marathon, not a sprint.

6. When to mow for the first time?

This is a beginner's mistake: mowing too early. Wait until the grass reaches 8 to 10 cm in height (usually after 3 or 4 weeks). The roots need to be strong enough to withstand the pull of the mower.

Pro tip: For the first cut, set the mower to its highest setting. Only cut the top third (the tips) to encourage denser growth without stressing the grass.

Patience and Regularity

A beautiful lawn requires attention in the first few weeks, but the result is worth it.