Are you having problems with grubs or leatherjackets in your lawn and planning to sow new grass soon? Then it's important to plan carefully. These soil-dwelling pests can cause significant damage to both existing grass and young blades just barely emerging from the ground.
Fortunately, nematodes are a natural way to effectively combat these larvae. But when's the best time to apply them if you also want to sow new grass? The answer: apply nematodes first, then sow .
Why the nematodes first?
Grubs and leatherjackets are the larvae of beetles and crane flies. They live in the topsoil and feed on the roots of grass plants. This causes yellow patches , bare patches, or even loose grass. If you don't address this, your newly sown lawn can quickly become damaged.
Nematodes penetrate these larvae and naturally eliminate them. If you apply nematodes before sowing, you give them time to attack the larvae without harming your young grass plants.
How much time do you leave in between?
After applying nematodes, it's important to leave the soil undisturbed for at least a week. This gives the nematodes a chance to spread effectively and do their work. Keep the soil moist during this period, as nematodes move through the soil via water.
Step-by-step plan:
- Start by applying nematodes to moist soil
- Continue spraying regularly for 7 days
- Leave the soil as undisturbed as possible
- After that week you can start sowing your new grass
Why not sow and apply nematodes at the same time?
Once you sow grass, you want minimal disturbance. However, nematodes require a lot of water to be effective, and all that watering can cause your seeds to shift or not germinate properly. The sowing itself can also disrupt the soil's natural balance, just as the nematodes are doing their work.
Furthermore, the pest will remain present if you try to tackle it only after sowing. The larvae will then quietly continue eating the roots of your newly emerged grass.
Better results with the right order
By applying nematodes first and then sowing grass, you ensure a healthy, stable soil free of grubs. This gives your new grass the chance to root well and grow without being immediately attacked by grubs or leatherjackets.
The result? A more beautiful, stronger lawn that's well-balanced from day one.
