Get your lawn looking picturesque and ready for your summer garden fun
A beautiful lawn is a staple feature of a luscious and well-maintained garden, deserving every chance to thrive and impress. And as one of the largest features of the garden, regularly taking up more space than anything else, it is surprising how underappreciated they can be!
Keeping a green lawn vibrant and healthy can often feel like a constant battle, varying season-by-season, and often not quite looking as picture-perfect as you would hope.
While patios, flowerbeds, and winding paths all have their place in our gardens our focus today is on the living and breathing grass that spreads between our toes on those warm summer days.
Far more just a patch of green to kick a ball around on, having plenty of grass in the garden can benefit us in so many ways, particularly when maintained well.
Summer Care
Summer is the perfect time to fall in love with lawn maintenance, as this is the time of the year when it is most rewarding and genuinely pleasant to do! Rather than battling with the wet and windy weather of winter, heading outside to mow the lawn in spring or summer is a perfect excuse to spend time basking in the sun’s rays.
Aim to mow your lawn once every week or two from roughly March to October, maintaining a height of around 25mm. When conditions are particularly hot and dry, reduce mowing to fortnightly at most. This will help to stop pesky weeds from emerging, while encouraging fresh green growth, and leading to a denser overall turf.
However, you may yearn for an idyllic lawn littered in wildflowers. Stop mowing for a few weeks to allow an entanglement of flowers to emerge, forming a welcome treat for pollinators on the search for nectar and pollen, and looking very attractive and natural.
While many lawns may grow well without the need of feeding, you can improve the overall vigour and eventual green colour by applying a lawn-specific feed, which is normally high in nitrogen, from spring. Avoid exceeding packet instructions.
Lawn Care in Winter
Through winter, mowing will not typically need to be done as grass growth will slow during this season, unless weather conditions are mild, and you notice the grass continuing to grow.
If mowing is necessary, be sure to use a high cut setting on the lawnmower, but strictly avoid if the ground is soft, wet, or frozen.
Rejuvenating a Dying Lawn
While lifeless patches of brown on the lawn can be a disheartening sight, you shouldn’t fear, as it only takes a little TLC to bring them back to health.
Sow a lawn seed mix into the exposed space ideally in early autumn, or spring. You will see a difference once summer is in full force.
Aerating the lawn will help to avoid this issue in the future. Spike the ground with a fork or aerator to improve drainage and root growth.
Extending The Lawn
You may feel inclined to extend your existing lawn to give you more space to play with.
To do this, start by scanning the area and removing weeds, stones, or debris, then dig the soil to a depth of roughly 15cm, levelling it thoroughly.
Then decide whether you want to lay established turf or spread grass seed, as both have their advantages. While turf offers instant gratification, seed is a cheaper solution but will take longer to establish. Choose the option that best suits your budget and patience!
For turf, lay the strips in a brickwork pattern, ensuring tight joins before each section. Water well and keep the surface moist for the initial few weeks after placing.
Alternatively, scatter seeds evenly over the prepared soil and rake lightly to cover. Keep the area moist with regular watering, particularly during dry spells.
How is your lawn looking as we head into summer? Share your pictures and tips here!
