When spring finally arrives, we're all keen to get back out into the garden. Our green fingers are itching to do all kinds of jobs, such as pruning, planting and weeding. But make sure that you don't neglect your lawn. Discover how to care for your lawn in five simple steps
1. Scarifying the lawn
Scari... what? It may sound complicated, but thankfully it isn't. Scarifying is simply raking loose your lawn to allow the grass roots to breathe again. You can use a scarifying rake or scarifying machine to do this. Grass roots need fresh air in order to breathe and grow. After the winter months, moss and other plant remains will have collected between the blades of grass. By scarifying, you cut the top layer of the turf and remove the unnecessary thatch. Don't use too much force or you will damage the roots. It is recommended that you scarify the lawn once in spring and once in autumn.
2. Sowing the lawn
No one likes to see bald or dry patches in their lawn. The solution is to sow some grass seed. Not done this before? No worries. We'll guide you through it. Start by raking the soil. Then scatter the grass seed evenly over the patch. Lightly tamp the soil to help the seeds germinate properly. If you can see seeds everywhere, it means you've done a good job. If not, scatter a few more seeds. And now, give the lawn a good watering. In a few weeks' time, you will start to see the first fresh young green blades of grass appearing and you will soon have a perfect lawn.
3. Fertilising the lawn
Just like other plants, your lawn needs food. After mowing, the grass loses nutrients. Fertilising the lawn ensures that it has enough nutrients to grow well and to stay healthy. There are three important points throughout the year when it is important to fertilise the lawn: after the winter, in March or April, when the grass starts growing again; again in June or July, so the grass stays strong in the hot summer months; and finally in September or October in preparation for the winter.
It is best to use an organic fertiliser. It's good for the growth of the grass, the structure of the soil and the micro-organisms that live there!
4. Mowing the lawn
Meanwhile, the lawn is getting very long. It's high time to get out the lawnmower! Between May and October, you will need to mow the lawn every week to keep on top of it. If it is very hot, it is better to leave the grass a little bit longer so that it doesn't get too dry. As a finishing touch, trim the edges of the lawn using grass shears or an electric trimmer. Hey presto, your lawn looks as neat as a pin again!
5. Watering the lawn
A healthy lawn needs water. Particularly in the summer months, the grass will really thank you for an extra drink. On really hot days, give it a good watering each day. During the winter months, the lawn gets sufficient rainwater.
Additional tips:
- In spring, scatter lime over the lawn. Lime improves the acidity in the soil, allowing the grass to absorb nutrients from the soil. The amount of lime you will need to spread depends on the acidity of the soil. You can do a test to find out your soil's pH level.
- Always use clean, sharp garden tools when mowing and verticutting. This helps to prevent diseases and uninvited guests in the soil.
- If you do discover disease or pests in your lawn, treat them with natural pesticides.
- Don't leave things in the same position on the lawn for days on end, otherwise you will flatten the grass and have bare or dry spots in your lawn.
