Planning a new lawn, borders and raised beds

A good lawn or border depends on the ground. Compacted, stony or waterlogged soil will beat any turf or seed. Soil, turf and bark are bought by volume, by the roll or by the bag, and the sums are straightforward once you know the area and the depth.

This planner starts with the ground and ends with the beds. Autumn and spring are the best seasons for lawns, and summer needs watering.

Step 1: Measure the area and prepare the ground

Mark out the lawn and borders and work out the areas. Clear stones, weeds and rubbish, break up compacted ground by digging or forking, and level it with a rake. Fix any drainage problem before you lay anything.

Step 2: Topsoil and soil improvement

Spread good topsoil over poor or thin ground, about 100 to 150 mm deep for a new lawn, and firm it by treading. Soil is sold by the tonne or in bulk bags, and the volume is the area times the depth.

Step 3: Turf or seed

Turf gives an instant lawn and is laid in rolls of 1 square metre, brick-bonded, within a day or so of delivery. Seed is cheaper and slower, sown in spring or early autumn on a well-prepared seedbed. Keep either one watered while it establishes.

Step 4: Borders and bark mulch

A layer of bark mulch 50 to 75 mm deep suppresses weeds and keeps moisture in the soil of beds and borders. Keep it clear of the stems of plants.

Step 5: Raised beds

Raised beds are built from boards and posts and filled with topsoil and compost. Work out the volume to fill, and the boards from the perimeter.

Before you start

• The best sowing or turfing season for your area.
• A way to water the new lawn through the first weeks.
• Services in the ground, before you dig.
• Access for delivery of soil and turf.
• Time to prepare the ground properly before laying.

Mistakes that cost people money

• Laying turf on hard, compacted or uneven ground.
• Letting delivered turf sit rolled up for days.
• Too thin a layer of topsoil.
• Mulch piled against stems and trunks.
• Sowing seed in the heat of summer without being able to water it.

Frequently asked questions