Having a healthy lawn is the best defence against pests or weeds, and as we head into May, it is also important to keep it well fertilised.Summer is the most stressful time for lawns, with high temperatures and dry soil quickly causing stress, so it is important to strengthen your grass to help it withstand the heat.
If a lawn is not fed properly, it can struggle to withstand the hot and dry months which will lead to patchy, damaged and thinner grass that is unlikely to recover before winter arrives. However, Kris Lord, an expert from The Lawn Man, has shared one of the best ways to boost a lawn and give it some of the nutrients it needs is with simple seaweed.
Kris explained: “Seaweed has been used for generations on fine lawns and in gardens. But why? It turns out that it is rather amazing stuff. It contains a huge number of vitamins, minerals, plant sugars and growth hormones.
“Over ten times the mineral levels of land-based plants. Not only are these much needed by grass, but they also feed the bacteria in the soil.”
Seaweed is rich in micronutrients like magnesium, zinc and iron that can improve water retention of lawns by encouraging root development, which will make them more stress tolerant.
It also helps lawns absorb nutrients more effectively from other fertilisers and increase chlorophyll protection to help the grass produce energy to grow more.
This will result in thicker, greener and overall healthier grass that is properly protected once the harsher and hotter weather arrives.
What is fantastic about seaweed is that it is also organic and contains no harmful chemicals. Always check the label of anything you put in your garden, but it is usually an eco-friendly feed which makes it safe for pets, children or any wildlife roaming around.
How to use seaweed on your lawn in May
It should be noted that seaweed is not a replacement for standard fertilisers and is rather a supplement, as grass also needs the main nutrients every plant needs (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) to stay healthy.
Kris said: “Seaweed is not a true fertiliser. The nutrient content isn’t guaranteed or standardised. It is considered as more of a tonic, adding valuable vitamins and minerals. I use it in conjunction with regular fertiliser applications.”
It is currently in late spring and slowly making its way to summer, so look for slow-releasing fertilisers high in nitrogen, as it is the nutrient that encourages grass to grow.
However, seaweeds add lots of rich micronutrients and if you wish to give your grass a boost, it can be found in most local gardening stores as a liquid or granular feed.
At this time of year, it is much better to apply a granular feed as they are slow-releasing, which will improve the soil health in the long term, while liquid feeds tend to be fast acting.
Apply your seaweed feed in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak sun, as intense heat can reduce its effectiveness and may even scorch the grass.