Growing grass from seeed is generally considered relatively easy, especially with the right conditions and preparation. The key is to ensure proper soil preparation, adequate moisture, and appropriate temperature for germination.

However, unpredictable weather conditions make this difficult to master, so a watering schedule is a good idea for gardeners trying to improve a patchy lawn. Chris McIlroy, lawn expert at The Grass People, said: "You should water your grass seed deeply and daily for the first six weeks after sowing. You need to keep the seedbed damp for optimal germination. Adjust the frequency based on the weather conditions."

You can skip watering in periods of heavy rainfall. Still, if there are some warmer days, as most parts of the UK have experienced throughout March and April, you might consider increasing the watering if you have added new grass seed.

Grass seeds need watering at least twice a day until they germinate, which could take a week and a month, depending on the type of grass and environmental conditions.

Given that the best time to plant grass seed is in spring, between March and May, most gardeners must make up for dry weather to ensure a strong start for their lawn.

According to Chris, timing is everything regarding effective lawn care.

He urged gardeners to water early in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler.

"This prevents water from evaporating too quickly and allows the soil to absorb the moisture," said Chris.

Watering in the morning is preferred if temperatures drop low overnight, as damp conditions can sometimes lead to fungal diseases in lawns.

Drainage is still crucial for healthy grass, so if you notice the water is pooling on the surface or the soil feels saturated, stop watering and allow it to drain.

Chris warned that sitting the seeds in stagnant water can cause them to rot rather than germinate.

Oversaturation can cause bacteria and fungi to grow and limit the oxygen getting to the seeds.

The grass expert explained: "You want your soil to be moist but not saturated, which you can achieve by monitoring the soil carefully and checking for any signs of pooling."

As for how long grass seed takes to germinate, it is typically five to 15 days, depending on the grass variety.

"Grass seeds like ryegrass or fescue often germinate quickly compared to other varieties like Bermuda that can take longer and require higher soil temperatures," said Chris. 

Patience is arguably most important when growing a full green lawn from seed. Avoid footfall on seed until strong grass shoots populate your garden.