Do you want to make your neighbours green with envy and turn your lawn dreams into a reality? Your vision of a perfect lawn is within reach, and we’re here to guide you through every step. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a budding gardener, our selection of top-quality lawn care products and expert advice is tailored to transform your grass into a verdant lawn.
Lawn care guides are just that, a guide. The Great British weather will interfere with your plans at some point. The timing of the jobs listed will need to be tweaked if the weather is not as expected.
Essential Lawn Care Jobs
Scarification
Thatch is a build up in the grass of moss and dead organic matter. This organic layer suffocates the lawn. Use a spring tined rake vigorously to remove all the built up thatch.
Scarifying is really hard work. If you have more than a few square metres of lawn, it is worth hiring a machine.
Aeration
This is the most important lawn care task. Lawns are constantly compacted by foot traffic, rain and mowing. Aeration keeps the soil open, encouraging deeper roots and improving drainage. Using a hollow tined aerator or garden fork, work across your lawn creating holes. Brush top dressing into the holes, mixed with seed if needed.
Mowing
Never take more than 1/3 off the height of the lawn on each cut. It stresses and weakens the grass, allowing weeds to grow through. When creating stripes, alternate the pattern every two weeks to prevent the grass laying permanently flat.
Feeding
Spring feeds are high in nitrogen and promote lush leafy growth. Autumn feeds are high in potash to promote stronger root growth and protect grass during the colder weather. Apply fertiliser just before rain is forecast or water in.
Repairing
For patchy lawns, mix grass seed with some top dressing and apply it evenly after aerating your lawn, or fork over the surface, add topsoil, and firm before sowing. Scatter seed at the recommended rate, water well, and protect from birds.
Weeding
Be vigilant. Many weeds have tap roots and the whole root must be removed or it will grow back. Use a daisy grubber to remove the whole tap root or use a specific weed remover for lawns.
Edging
For the finishing touches to your lawn you will need to neaten the edges with a lawn edging tool or edging shears. Alternatively, you can install plastic lawn edging which keeps a neat shape to your lawn while sitting below the level of a mower, allowing you to mow right up to the edge.
Starting a New Lawn
For seeding or laying turf, prepare your soil in advance by thoroughly clearing any weeds. Perennial weeds such as dandelions and couch grass will grow up through any turf you lay if not removed properly. Do not use a residual weedkiller, as it could affect your new turf and prevent good establishment.
Dig or rotavate the soil to about 20cm depth to relieve compaction and improve root growth. Add well-rotted organic matter to enrich the soil and improve its structure and drainage. Leave the ground to settle for a while, as this helps avoid future unevenness. If you skip this step, the soil may later develop dips and hollows as it settles. Leave it for at least a week, or longer if possible, for best results.
Check again for any weeds, then firm the soil with a ‘foot-shuffle’ and rake until the surface is flat and even. Sprinkle seed at the recommended rate and protect it from birds; a layer of fleece works well. Water lightly but regularly to keep the soil consistently moist while the seed germinates.
When laying turf, it is best to walk on a board rather than directly on the soil or newly laid turf to avoid creating dips. Begin at one side and work across the area, laying pieces in a staggered pattern like a brick wall for a neat finish. Push the pieces tightly together so there are no gaps where edges could dry out. Firm each piece down gently as you go to ensure good contact with the soil beneath.
Water thoroughly after laying to help the turf establish quickly. Do not walk on it again for at least three weeks, and allow it to bed in properly before mowing. Try lifting a corner gently. If it resists, the turf has rooted and can be used. During dry spells, continue watering to prevent the turf from drying out before it is fully established.
Lawn Jobs for Each Month
Starting from the beginning of the growing season in spring:
March
If the weather is warm and dry, you may need to do your first mow. If you have bulbs naturalised through your lawn, wait for 6 weeks after flowering to allow them to build up their reserves for flowering next year. Neaten up the edges of your lawn.
April
Scarification and aeration should be done once each year. It can either be done in spring or late summer. Scarify first, remove the thatch and leave the grass to recover for a few days before aerating. Apply a spring lawn feed to boost lush growth. If you have bare patches, scatter some seed around to fill in any gaps. Take out any weeds as you work. Lay turf or sow a new lawn this month.
May
To mow or not to mow? If you want to take part in No Mow May, this is not the leaflet for you! If you want a high-end lush lawn, your most important lawn job in May is to mow.
June, July and August
The hardest work is over, keep up with regular mowing and remove weeds as necessary. If we have a really dry spell, raise your mower cutting height or hold off for a while.
September
If you didn’t scarify or aerate your lawn in spring, it’s time to do it now. Apply an autumn lawn feed. Lay turf or sow a new lawn this month.
October
Reduce the frequency of mowing and raise the height of the mower. The grass will not be growing strongly enough to recover from a scalping.
November
Keep fallen leaves off the lawn, they blot out the light, killing off the grass.
December, January and February
Service your lawn mower and tools, keep off your lawn if it is wet or frosty, make a cup of tea and take part in the RSPB Great British Birdwatch.
Throughout the year, consistency is key to maintaining a healthy, attractive lawn. Regular care, timely feeding, and attention to seasonal conditions will help keep your grass strong and resilient.
By following this routine and responding to your lawn’s needs, you can enjoy a lush, green space that looks its best in every season.
Continue your Gardening Journey
Need a little extra advice? Visit your local Tates of Sussex Garden Centre today, where our friendly knowledgeable, team will be happy to help you choose the right plants and offer expert guidance.
