You can toss annual ryegrass over a small lawn by hand, or use a spreader if sowing it over a large lawn. Water it daily until it becomes established, which is generally within just a few weeks. A 10-pound bag will overseed up to 2,000 square feet of lawn.

Noah James explains, “There's a dizzying array of grass seeds available, so it pays to understand the nuances of each type. Short-blade seed types are useful for creating deep root systems and denser lawns in low-maintenance areas. Creeping red fescue and annual ryegrass seeds make tough-textured lawns that don't require regular mowing or fertilizing. In most situations, new soil is not required. By turning up the soil, raking or roughing it up a bit, the soil is usually softened enough to help the seed put down roots easily. If you are looking to breathe new life into your garden, here at What’s The Best, we have a simple solution for you – the best grass seed. The label will indicate the percentage of weed seeds – these creep in no matter what brand you choose – but that rate should not be more than 0.5%.

Find the perfect fit

Any bag of grass seeds will have a certain amount of inert filler, such as dirt or chaff. However, the filler should be less than 2%.

St. Augustine is one of the few lawn grasses that can grow even in sandy soil. It’s also drought- and heat-tolerant. Lawn seed is one of the easiest (or hardest if not applied correctly) ways to make your outdoor area feel like it’s brand new. With more of us spending time at home than ever before, patches, brown spots, and even weeds can prevent you from making the most of your green space.

How the What's The Best shopping experts selected the best lawn seed:

Your choice of grass seed depends on your preference. Before you choose the best option, consider the following questions: Application rate: 500g per 18.6m² (1.1lbs per 200sq ft). If using a Scotts lawn spreader, the guide setting is 6 for new lawns, 5 if reseeding. How old is the seed? If it’s more than a couple years old, it may not sprout. If it was exposed to high temperatures or moisture before planting, it may not come up either. A reputable home and garden store will not sell old or poor quality seed. When should I mow my new grass?