Lawns
Lawn Maintenance

Lawn Maintenance

Does your lawn have bare patches? Is the grass growth poor? Is it very susceptible to drought? Keeping your lawn in good condition is one of the best ways of making your garden look good. Learn how to by following this guide to lawn maintenance.

Time to complete the job: Variable.
Approximate budget: Minimal. Lawn fertiliser costs from £3.

You will need:

  • Lawn sprinkler
  • Balanced fertiliser
  • High nitrogen fertiliser
  • Garden fork
  • Rake
  • Coarse sand
  • Lawn mower
  • Edge trimmers
For more tips on lawn care, see Controlling Weeds, Creating a Lawn From Seed and Creating a Lawn From Turf.

Step 1: Watering

Watering is only necessary in dry, warm periods. After about a week without rain, grass starts to turn yellow, so water before the problem gets worse.
Infrequent heavy watering is better than daily splashes. The minimum to apply is 9 litres per square metre (2 gallons per square yard).
The simplest method is to use a lawn sprinkler - the oscillating type is best as there is little overlap between adjacent areas.

Step 2: Feeding

Feeding encourages strong healthy growth and builds resistance to weeds, moss and drought. Use a distributor or spread by hand.
In spring, apply a general balanced fertiliser. You could buy a proprietary type, or use Growmore or an organic equivalent, at the rate of about 50g/square metre (2oz/square yard).
In summer, feed monthly with a high nitrogen fertiliser. Use a proprietary feed or a sulphate of ammonia at about 12.5 g/square metre (1/2oz/square yard). Dilute first and apply using a watering can to avoid scorching. Do not use after August.
In autumn, apply a general balanced fertiliser or one higher in potash to 'harden off' the grass before winter.
 
 

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