Before this month draws to a close, gardening expert Monty Don has highlighted the importance of lawn maintenance to prevent issues such as weed and moss growth and diseases. Performing certain lawn care tasks now will ensure your grass remains healthy and vibrant in the coming seasons. According to the 69-year-old, maintaining a “good” lawn requires a positive mindset.
He suggests focusing on promoting healthy grass growth rather than battling perceived problems like daisies, moss, ants, worm-casts, moles, plantains, dandelions, and fairy rings. The expert stated: “Nine times out of 10, if the grass is healthy, then everything else will look after itself.”
Monty noted that in March, the grass “will need mowing”, but cautioned against cutting it too short.
Instead, he recommends giving it a light trim for the rest of this month. He explained: “This will encourage good root growth, and as a result, the grass will be a lot healthier and better able to resist summer drought.”
For lawns struggling with moss and thatch, Monty shared an essential task to perform immediately.
He advised: “It is worth giving the lawn a good scratch with a wire rake. This will get at all the overwintering thatch and moss, and let light and water get to the soil and to the roots of the grass.
“Put the debris on the compost and then mow. It will look a little bald for a week or so but will grow back thicker than ever.”
Be careful not to be too rough, as you could cause damage, and make sure you leave some thatch – a small amount helps to protect the lawn.
For lawns that have seen better days and are feeling a bit squashed, Monty’s got a tip to breathe life back into your green space. Give it a good aerating at least once annually by jabbing a fork in and giving it a jiggle, then doing the same every six inches along.
Next up, whip together equal parts of sifted topsoil, sharp sand, and sifted leaf mould or compost.
If you’re caught short without these ingredients, don’t worry; just grab some sharp or silver sand, and you’re sorted. Throw this mix over the patch you’ve prodded and sweep it into the holes with a hard broom. This nifty move will “help drainage and feed the grass”.
