1. Mowing
Gardeners should continue to mow their lawns if the weather is warm as grass will start to grow at temperatures above five degrees.
Contrary to popular belief, mowing the lawn in winter, if weather permits, can help to keep it nice and healthy.
The experts recommended setting the cutting height to its maximum, and only mowing if the grass is completely dry.
Mowing a wet lawn will cause problems for both the lawn mower and the lawn so it is best avoided.
The pros noted: “If you have bulbs planted in your lawn, such as snowdrops and crocuses, they may be starting to come up now, so avoid mowing or walking on those areas.”
2. Repair and re-cut lawn edges
The experts said: “February is a great time to repair bare batches, especially around lawn edges, using turf cut from other areas of the garden if available.
“Re-cut lawn edges too using a half-moon edging iron or flat-bladed spade, to neaten up the appearance of the garden and save work next season.
“Also maintain a 7.5cm gutter around the lawn edges to prevent grass from spreading into your borders.”
3. Avoid walking on a frosty lawn
Throughout February, there may be spots of frost and the experts are warning to not walk over lawns if this happens.
This is because walking on a frosty lawn can damage the blades of grass, which go brittle in the cold.
According to the pros, it may even leave brown footprints, which can take ages to disappear.
4. New lawns
The RHS continued: “Start preparing the ground for sowing a new lawn in spring, but only if the soil isn’t too wet.
“Fork over the area, weed thoroughly, rake level and firm lightly. Doing this several weeks in advance gives the soil time to settle, so you have an even surface for sowing in March or April, once the weather is warmer.
“Lay turf when the ground isn’t frosty or very wet. Work from plants, to avoid compacting the soil.
“Avoid walking on the newly laid turf for several weeks to allow new roots to establish.”
