Can I lay turf in October? Laying turf is one of the few gardening jobs that can be done at any time of year. However, you do need to adapt your technique a little for the season. This article will take you through the process of laying the best turf in October.
You can lay turf at any time of year, provided the ground is not frozen. However, there are a few key differences when it comes to this time of year:
- In October, take special care to avoid compacting the soil
- Pre-turfing fertiliser is important at this time of year
- Don’t let your turf dry out, but be wary of overwatering
Lay turf in October – turf is perishable!
Natural turf is possibly one of the most perishable products there is. So, in warm weather, you have a matter of hours to lay it before it starts to deteriorate. The good news is that in October’s mild weather, the shelf life of turf extends to around 24 hours after harvesting. October turf should still be laid on the same day as delivery, at the latest within 24 hours of it being dropped off.
Laying Turf Onto Wet October Soil
For turf to establish well, the soil needs to have a nice fine consistency, like the topping of an apple crumble. It should also be firmed down so that it won’t settle over the wintertime. However, there is a big difference between a firm and solid base, and a solid pan of soil won’t encourage strong root growth.
The ideal consistency of prepared turfing soil is 50% solids, 25% water and 25% air. When soil is pressed down hard, the air and water are expelled.
If your garden soil is very wet, we recommend mixing it with some good quality top soil in order to improve the consistency and make it easier to work with.
More on how to prepare the soil for turfing.
How to calculate the amount of soil you’ll need
When you come to lay your turf, use laying boards – they will protect against soil compaction (and help to keep your boots cleaner!)
Roots Need Feeding to Grow Strong
The roots of newly-laid turf need to grow extra quickly so they need minerals from the soil and energy from the sun. In the autumn, the sun’s rays are not so strong, and plant nutrients are not as readily available in the soil as they are in spring and summer, mainly because they have been used up during the growing season. Help your grass plants to root into the soil by applying pre-turfing fertiliser to top up those nutrient levels. It’s not hard on the wallet and will make a big difference to the way your lawn looks next spring.
Watering Turf in October
Newly laid turf should never be allowed to dry out – not at any time of year. The first thing to do when you have finished laying your new lawn is to give it a good soaking. Make sure that the water runs through the turf and into the soil beneath, then leave it be for at least 24 hours.
The Dangers of Overwatering in October
Unless we experience an Indian summer, milder temperatures and fewer breezy days mean that water doesn’t evaporate from the surface of the ground quite so quickly. If you keep pouring on the water, there is a risk that you could over-saturate the soil and make it unattractive to the plant roots.
So, check the soil beneath your turf every morning or evening to make sure that it’s nicely damp, but not saturated. Whilst rainy October days will help keep your lawn watered, don’t rely on Mother Nature to supply the right amount of water. A light shower may not be enough to hydrate your grass.
Troubleshooting
It is not unusual for toadstools to appear in autumn-laid turf. This is a perfectly natural phenomenon and doesn’t mean that anything is wrong with your lawn.
Read more about toadstools here
The Lowdown On Topsoil Delivery 
