Before overseeding in spring, gardeners should level the soil to prevent uneven grass patches.
Experts say a technique called the “penguin shuffle” can help prepare lawns for spring by smoothing the soil before sowing grass seed.(Image: Getty Images)
With spring approaching and gardeners preparing outdoor spaces for warmer weather, lawn experts are highlighting an unusual but effective technique that could improve grass growth before the growing season begins. Known as the “penguin shuffle”, the method is gaining attention as a simple way to create a smoother lawn surface ahead of sowing new grass seed.
Seasonal lawn care typically focuses on clearing winter damage and preparing soil for new growth. Specialists say one commonly overlooked step is levelling the ground properly before overseeding, which helps prevent uneven patches later in the year.
The process begins with clearing debris such as moss and dead leaves from the lawn. Where necessary, gardeners are advised to add a layer of topsoil to restore areas that appear thin or bare. Removing weeds is also essential, and mowing beforehand is recommended for those planning to overseed damaged patches.
What is Penguin Shuffling?
Once the surface is cleared, attention turns to eliminating bumps and hidden air pockets beneath the soil. This is where the so called penguin shuffle comes into play. Rather than relying solely on rakes or rollers, the technique involves taking small, careful steps across the lawn to gently compact and level the ground.
Gardeners are advised to add topsoil to bare patches, remove weeds and mow the lawn before overseeding.(Image: Getty Images)
Experts say the approach helps create a firm foundation, which is considered vital for consistent grass growth. Uneven soil can cause seeds to settle irregularly, leading to patchy or inconsistent results as temperatures rise.
Rachel Bull, Head of Gardens at Homes and Gardens, explained how the method has long been used as a practical gardening habit passed down through experience. “One of the things my Dad (who takes immense pride in a lush, green, weed free lawn) always loved to teach me as a child was how to tread the ground before you overseed in the spring to get rid of air pockets,” she said.
The name comes from the movement itself, which mirrors the short, narrow steps associated with penguins walking across snow.
Penguin shuffle is a method of walking in small, careful steps to gently level uneven soil.(Image: Getty Images)
By lightly dragging feet across the soil in small strides, gardeners can gradually flatten uneven areas without overly compacting the ground.
Rachel added that the technique was something she practised as a child while helping prepare lawns for planting.
She added: “My Dad would get me and my sister to take small steps over the surface to even out the soil, essentially shuffling like a penguin,” says Rachel.
“Presumably our lighter, smaller steps (and boundless energy levels) were ideal for this job. We would go up and down in neat rows to make sure all the areas were covered.”
After the soil has been levelled, gardeners can begin sowing grass seed either by hand for smaller spaces or using a spreader for larger lawns.
Pressing seeds gently into the soil ensures proper contact, improving the chances of successful germination.
Watering is another critical stage. Experts advise keeping the soil consistently moist following overseeding until new grass begins to grow.
Maintaining an even watering routine alongside regular mowing supports healthy development as temperatures increase through spring.
Garden specialists say the simplicity of the penguin shuffle makes it accessible to most households, requiring no specialist equipment while helping prepare lawns for the growing season and making them look ‘picture perfect’.
The method focuses on strengthening the foundation of the lawn, reducing unevenness and improving conditions for new grass to establish evenly across the surface.
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