They are in every garden, the problem areas of low light and sparse growth. This does not have to be the case on lawns, thanks to shade lawn seeds with low light requirements. Here we will tell you how to create a dense, velvety green lawn under dim lighting conditions.

Minimum requirements for the location - less is not possible

The title shadow lawn is a bit misleading, because even shadow lawn seeds do not germinate in full shade. If you create such a lawn, there should be a minimum amount of light for photosynthesis, which is a sine qua non for growth. This is how the location for shaded lawns should be:

  • Half-shady lighting conditions, e.g. B. under deciduous trees, along walls, bushes or fences
  • Nutrient-rich, humus-rich soil
  • Preferably freshly damp, without the risk of waterlogging
  • Ideally with a pH of 6-7

If you create a shady lawn under coniferous trees, you will not enjoy it for long. Cedar, fir and pine, as flat-rooted trees, deprive any lawn of its livelihood. To be on the safe side with regard to the nutrient content and pH value, we recommend a professional soil analysis in advance.

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Where a lawn is in perpetual shade, Mother Nature offers a wealth of decorative alternatives in the form of small ground covers. Suitable candidates include Caucasian forget-me-nots, periwinkles, elfflowers, commemorative plants, carpet dogwoods or cranesbills, all of which display their natural beauty in shady locations.

Which lawn seeds shades accept without complaint - an overview

Shade grass seeds of the best quality always consist of a sophisticated mix of specially suitable noble grasses. The following grass varieties are able to tolerate shade well-naturedly as lawn seeds:

  • Lavender panicle (Poa supina)
  • Grove panicle (Poa nemoralis)
  • Deceptive red fescue (Festuca rubra)
  • Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne)
  • Bent Grass (Agrostis capillaris)
  • Bluegrass (Poa trivialis)

The Lägerrispe is considered the secret queen of noble grasses. No grass gets by with less light intensity and knows how to tolerate shade than lawn seed. Since the noble plant is also extremely demanding in breeding, corresponding products turn out to be comparatively expensive. The investment is still worthwhile, as Lägerrispe is unsurpassed in terms of durability and assertiveness. Even a proportion of 5-10 percent in the seed ensures the best shade tolerance.

Shaded lawn compared to other lawn types

Before you create a new lawn, the criteria for the best possible lawn type at the chosen location should be checked. In addition, we recommend an evaluation for maintenance and durability. For example, the low demands on the lighting conditions do not imply that shaded lawns are also particularly hard-wearing.

Criteria of lawn types in comparison shadow lawn ornamental lawn soccer turf nutrient-poor grassland
lighting conditions semi-shady sunny to semi-shady sunny full sun
Optimal intensity at lunchtime 3,000-4,800 lux 6,000-8,000 lux 8,000 lux 10,000 lux
Minimum Light Intensity 2,000 lux 3,000-4,800 lux 4,800-6,000 lux 6,000 lux
soil condition nutritious, fresh and moist nutritious, fresh and moist humus, sandy-loamy lean, sandy, dry
Cutting height normal weather 70-80mm 35-45mm 30-40mm 80-150mm
nutritional needs high high moderate minimal
durability small amount small amount high normal

With a simple light meter, such as that used by photographers or aquarium owners, the actual light intensity at the location can be determined. Based on the result, you can make an informed decision about the ideal type of grass for your garden.

Good soil preparation is half the battle - this is how it works

In order to green twilight areas with shade lawn seeds, there are a few things to consider before sowing. Once the soil temperature has settled at a level of 8-10 degrees Celsius in spring, the window for sowing shade lawn seeds opens. In order for lawn seeds to tolerate shade at all, the soil should come as close as possible to the ideal conditions. How to do it:

  • Clean the area of all debris such as stones, roots, construction debris and weeds
  • Dig up the ground 50 centimeters deep with a spade or work it with a tiller
  • Enrich the soil with mature compost and horn shavings
  • Create the rough planum with a rake and roll the surface
  • Finally smooth the soil with the rake for an even, finely crumbly fine subgrade

Although a high nutrient content is desirable as a site quality, the soil should not tend to compaction. If the topsoil turns out to be too clayey, optimize the consistency with a load of fine-grain sand. Irrigation with a fine water jet rounds off professional soil preparation for sowing shaded lawn seeds.

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In order for lawn seeds to develop shade suitability, they should soak up as much sun as possible, at least during the germination period. Experienced hobby gardeners therefore choose a season for sowing when there are no leaves on the trees.

How to properly sow shade lawn seeds

Following the preparatory work, the soil should be left to settle for at least 14 days. Sowing can take place on a day with dry, mild weather. How to handle it with expertise:

  • Loosen and weed the top layer of soil with the rake
  • Distribute the seed with a hand spreader or spreader
  • Scatter the shady lawn seeds lengthwise and crosswise
  • Work the light germs lightly into the soil with the rake
  • Ensure good soil contact with the lawn roller in the seedbed
  • In the last step of sowing, water the area

After numerous field tests, the experts are moving away from simultaneous sowing and fertilization. In order for lawn seeds to thrive in a shade-tolerant manner, they must be rooted as deeply as possible. If there is a richly covered nutrient buffet right in front of the seed coat, the seedlings see no reason to develop deep roots.

Proper care during the germination period

If you create shade-tolerant green areas with lawn seed, an adequate water supply is of the utmost importance. In order for the seeds to swell and be in the mood for germination, a sufficient amount of moisture is required. Therefore, water the seedbed repeatedly if the natural amount of rain is not sufficient.

Cordon off the area visibly during this phase, because any stress on shaded lawn seeds in this and the subsequent stages of germination will have fatal consequences and jeopardize the entire success. If the course is normal, after 2 to 3 weeks the area is covered by a delicate, green border of the cotyledons. The exact duration of the germination time depends on the type of grass and the weather conditions.

Shade lawn maintenance tips

When the self-sown shady lawn seeds gradually transform into a dense, green carpet, the joy is great. To keep it that way, we have compiled the most important care measures for a shaded green area below:

  • Mow the shady lawn for the first time when the stalks are 10 centimeters high
  • Consider an ideal cutting height of 70 to 80 millimeters
  • Never mow the lawn when it is wet
  • In case of summer drought, water thoroughly 1-2 times a week
  • Fertilize organically or mineral-organically 3-4 times per season
  • Measure the pH value in spring and lime if necessary

In shady locations, moss and weeds develop in the lawn just as much as in sunny locations. In spring and/or autumn, the green area is therefore scarified and, if necessary, aerated and sanded. On this occasion, bare spots should be closed immediately with overseeding.

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If you create a shady lawn to replace a stunted ornamental lawn, the worn-out turf must be completely removed. This works very simply by peeling off the old lawn. The nearest machine rental company has suitable equipment available. These cut the turf into strips that are simply rolled up and disposed of.

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Garden design