Many green-fingered Britons are eager to kick-start their lawns into spring, but sometimes it’s best to exercise caution and wait for the right time.
That’s why gardening expert Calum Maddock, from HomeHow, has pinpointed the best date for the nation’s first grass trim.
He explained that on March 18, temperatures are usually already just about right for mowing with good results.
The pro shared: “The grass will begin to grow when the soil temperature goes above six degrees Celsius.
“Before that, the grass will still remain dormant as it has over winter.”
But he urges caution, suggesting keen gardeners should monitor the damp British weather closely and steer clear of mowing soggy grass.
In that crucial inaugural cut, Calum insists less is more, recommending cutting less than a third of the blade height to avoid the risk of disease and sparse patches.
The gardening expert highlights a gradual snipping strategy, removing more length progressively as the lawn leaps back to life.
Driving the advice home, Maddock advised: “It is best to cut the grass later on in the day so that any potential frost has properly thawed and all dew has evaporated.
“It’s always best to cut the grass when it is dry, so you may need to cut off the first cut if it has been particularly rainy during March.”
He also cautioned: “If the grass is too wet, the weight of the mower could cause some damage to the grass and may also compact the soil.
“This will then make it much more difficult for the grass to establish healthy roots needed for growth.”
Lastly, he advised: “If it’s been raining a lot or if the soil is heavy, it’s best to wait a few days before completing the first cut.”
When following experts’ advice, gardening enthusiasts can not only ensure their garden looks its best, but also avoid wasting time on counteractive tasks.
