A green, healthy, well kept lawn isn't that hard to achieve. We've put together this guide to give you an idea of when to be doing those little jobs. This guide is for gardeners in the UK but doesn't take into account regional or seasonal weather conditions.
How Often Should I Mow the Lawn?
Give the lawn two very light cuts in March, try to brush any fallen leaves or debris off the lawn before you start. In April start mowing once every 10 days or weekly if you prefer. Mow the lawn every week from May through until August - if you have an adjustable mower, gradually lower the settings each time so you are at the lowest point by mid-summer.
In September and October you can reduce the frequency down to once every 10 - 14 days. Raise the height of the cut in October so the last couple of cuts are at least 2cm. If the weather is still mild in November, give the lawn a final light mow before the winter begins.
When is the Best Time to Lay Turf?
The best time to lay turf is March - April or September - October when the ground is moist and the weather is mild. You can lay turf in May and June or in November but avoid the very hot months like July and August and the cold winter months between December and February.
When Should I Aerate the Lawn?
Most lawns will benefit from a light aeration twice a year in Spring and Autumn. The best months to pick would be March and October. Use a spike aerator unless you suffer from particularly poor drainage, then a hollow tine aerator is best.
When Should I Scarify the Lawn?
The best time to scarify your lawn is in March and October. Scarifying removes moss and thatch from the lawn and improves air circulation and nutrients. Lawns will benefit from scarifying twice a year before and after the main growing season.
When is the Best Time to Sow Grass Seed?
Although grass seed will germinate when sown any time between March and the end of October, the best time to sow grass seed is between April and May or September and October. At these times of year, the soil is warm but the weather is not too hot or cold. You'll also need to worry less about keeping the new lawn watered.
When Should I Feed My Lawn?
Your grass will benefit from being fed from April and then throughout the Summer. There are many different types of lawn food available and really it just comes down to convenience as to how you prefer to use them. Stop feeding with normal lawn feeds in September. In September or October, feed your lawn with an Autumn lawn food. This will help strengthen the grass before the cold winter months set in.
When Do I Kill Weeds in My Lawn?
The best time to control the weeds in your lawn is between April and June. You can also benefit from giving the weeds one last treatment in September. At these times the weeds are actively growing which makes the weedkiller more effective. Make sure you pick a selective lawn weedkiller a product like Verdone Extra will kill the weeds but won't kill your lawn.
When Is the Best Time to Kill Moss in My Lawn?
Killing moss is best done in April and May. Dead moss will turn black and needs to be raked out (it's much easier when it's dead) and usually leaves a bare or thinning patch. You can kill moss most of the year, but you'll find the bare patches easier to fill as the grass grows quickly during the summer months. Most lawn moss killers contain ferrous sulphate (sulphate of iron) which is also used as a plant food. Be careful not to get it on your patio as it makes rusty stains if not washed off quickly.
The Legal Bit
- Verdone Extra contains fluroxypyr clopyralid and MCPA
Always read the label, use safely.
