TAKING CARE OF YOUR LAWN

Often at the heart of a garden, the lawn is under increasing attack from pests, over enthusiastic cutting, and mean spirited water companies. If the RHS prediction is correct, changes to our weather will mean the traditional English lawn will find life very difficult indeed.

With potential hosepipe bans and the likelihood of ever drier seasons (although we haven’t seen them yet) it is more important to do all you can to improve the condition of your lawn.

Gardening requires lots of water. Most of it in the form of perspiration. LOU ERICKSON

These are the essential steps to a lush, green, healthy lawn:

Scarification breaks down the layer of thatch. If left uncontrolled, thatch smoothers new grass shoots and becomes a growing haven for moss. Scarifying also allows rain water to soak down to the root system and not evaporate back into the atmosphere.

Aeration introduces small holes into the lawn enabling moisture and nutrients to permeate the root zone. This allows rainwater to drain more readily, avoiding wet spots or pooling. This is also a good time to add a top dressing (a mixture of sand, compost and loam) if needed.

Anyone who has a library and a garden wants for nothing. CICERO

Most lawns will benefit from a fertiliser high in nitrogen applied during the growing season and may benefit from a feed high in iron for the winter to maintain appearance.

Finally, avoid cutting too short as this weakens the grass. Keep blades sharp, cutting often and little to encourage a vigorous, healthy lawn.

Composting

Border Preparation

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