In spring, sow in April when soil temperatures are rising and there is a full growing season ahead. Drawbacks to spring sowing are slower germination and a greater risk of dry conditions with the need to have artificial irrigation available. Sow during a period of calm, dry weather. The surface of the seed bed should be dry so that soil does not adhere to the boots or to seed-drill wheels, but there should be moisture just below the surface.If a drill is hired to sow grass seed make sure that it is calibrated to sow seed at the required rate. Divide the seeds into two halves, then, starting along the least accessible side, sow half the seeds lengthways and the other half crossways, using the wheel marks from the previous run as a guide. Newspaper or a strip of hessian laid along the edges will permit overrun without seed wastage. If sowing by hand, divide the seeds into two halves, sowing half the seeds by traversing the plot lengthways, the other half crossways. This approach gives more accurate distribution. Sow larger areas in yard-wide strips, using marker canes and two lengths of line. Smaller areas can be marked out in yard squares. After sowing rake the seed bed, to lightly cover most of the seeds; if buried too deeply they may not germinate. Do not roll after sowing. If there is no rain within two or three days of sowing irrigate gently but thoroughly with a garden sprinkler. If the soil is slightly lifted at germination, when the grass is 2 to 3in(5 to 8cm) high lightly roll. This can be done with the rear roller of a mower, the cutting blades being held well clear. Two or three days later cut lightly with a sharp-bladed mower (with the front roller removed) to reduce the height of the grass by about a third. With autumn sowing there may be no further need to mow until spring. With spring-sown grass continue mowing as growth dictates, gradually reducing the height of the cut to the normal height for an established lawn 2in(icm). Fungal diseases can kill both grass seeds in the soil and young grasses. If young seedling grasses turn yellow and collapse or brown, shrivelled patches occur water immediately with Cheshunt Compound at joz in igal of water per square yard (i4g in 4.5I of water per m2). Captan seed dressings will give useful protection if sowing when the weather conditions do not allow quick germination. During the first season of growth use the new lawn as little as possible. Begin the process of gradually eliminating any minor surface irregularities by lightly top-dressing at intervals after the first spring cut. Feed autumn-sown turf in spring as growth becomes vigorous and carry out supplementary summer feeding of both autumn and spring sown turf. WEED CONTROL IN NEW LAWNS To avoid the risk of damage to the grass do not use selective lawn weedkillers on newly laid turf until it is well established and growing strongly. Do not use them on newly seeded lawns during the first three months, and preferably not during the first six months.