I’m a gardening expert -simple 5 point plan to winter-proof lawn before cold snap & a £10 Homebase buy that’ll save it
IT’S officially Autumn, and with that comes the inevitable realisation that unless you’ve managed to work some serious magic on your lawn this summer, it might be looking just a little bit jaded.
No surprise there – we’ve not only had to contend with some seriously weird weather – but maintaining a lush green lawn over August is something even the experts can struggle with.
But don’t worry – there are some steps that you can take right now to help you bring it back to life, and hopefully stop it becoming a winter washout.
1. Change Mower Setting
First of all – raise the cutting level on your mower. The blades of grass want to absorb as much sunlight as they can to keep energy levels up over winter.
So help them achieve this by making sure your mower is on the highest setting. If it’s too short you can scalp the earth – leaving unsightly bare patches, and it can also stress the grass when the cold weather sets in.
Sounds simple, but reduce the amount of times you’re mowing your lawn. In the summer it can be up to twice a week, but from now on you should be looking at giving it a once over every couple of weeks.
2. Scarify
Next, scarify. This is really important as it removes all the thatch, moss, dead organic matter and general nonsense that’s built up over the summer. All of that extra layer will act almost as a coat for your lawn – one that it really doesn’t need as it will prevent the absorption of rain and nutrients. .
There are scarifying machines that you can buy – but these are costly, and pointless in my opinion, as you can use an every day rake you’ve probably already got.
Homebase are currently selling large garden rakes for a tenner.
Give it a really brisk rake – in one direction and then in the other, so you’re almost criss-crossing your lawn.
Then I’d advise leaving it for 24 hours. You’ve given your lawn a vigorous shock, so it’s only fair you give it time to recover.
3. Aerate
Then, it’s time to aerate. This is exactly what it sounds like – you’re adding air pockets into the soil. This will improve the soil structure, allow it to breathe, and gives space for rain and nutrients to enter the lawn.
Again, there are lots of different products that will boast they do the best job at this difficult task. But if you’ve only got a small outside space, there’s no point in getting in aerating machines.
There are some great spiked special aerating shoes out there – which basically strap over your gardening boots, which do a great job.
B&Q have got some for £8.50 right now.
But the simple and free way – is to use a garden fork. Experts suggest that it should be a hollow-tined fork, otherwise you’re compacting the soil underneath.
But actually, a garden fork is just fine – almost climb onto the fork – a bit like a pogo stick – and just keep going up and down the lawn making deep holes.
I’m not suggesting this bit is easy – just think of it as your workout for the day.
4. Overseed
Then you can overseed it. This essentially means grabbing handfuls of decent grass seed – preferably a native seed like bent, or fescue – and sprinkling it all over the lawn.
The idea is that it will not only go down the holes, but mix in with all the recently disturbed soil.
5. Fertilise
Then its finally time to fertilise and water it.
There’s soluble and granular fertilisers – both have a lot going for them, and I don’t think it matters which you use.
But make sure when watering, you do a really good job. Not a sprinkle – a long deep drink, so the water really penetrates the soil.
I’m not promising Bridgerton-eqsue perfect rolling lawns if you carry out all of these tasks.
But it will almost certainly stop your lawn looking like it’s spent the whole summer being battered by tiny feet, waterfights, mudpies and ‘mummy look I’m digging a hole’ moments.
Best of luck.
Fabulous will pay for your exclusive stories. Just email: fabulousdigital@the-sun.co.uk and pop EXCLUSIVE in the subject line.