But Gardeners’ World star Monty Don has revealed a simple “once a year” lawn hack which is ideal to do right now, to help keep the grass in your garden well drained over the next few months, as frequent rainfall arrives.
Just one pesky consequence of bad drainage under your lawn could result in the growth of moss, which is encouraged by lack of daylight over autumn and winter.
Moss creates a welcoming habitat for insects such as beetles and woodlice, and is a vital food source for the caterpillars of moths and birds.
However, for gardeners, not only can it be seen as a weed, but it can give fine turf an uneven colour and surface.
Additionally, loose moss can make a lawn feel spongy underfoot.
Does forking a lawn help drainage? Monty Don’s expert advice
If you want to avoid bad drainage and moss on your lawn during the wet and gloomy seasons, and encourage a thick lawn come spring, Monty has shared his trusty fork method.
On his popular blog where he posts endless expert gardening advice, he wrote: “The best grass likes very well-drained soil.
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“Moss, for example, is always a symptom of poor drainage, made worse by shade.
“Unfortunately even the best prepared soil becomes compacted by matted roots, rain and, especially, normal family use.
“The answer is to work on it at least once a year by sticking a fork in the ground and wiggling it about and repeating the process every 6 inches or so.”
He added: “Then mix up equal portions of sieved topsoil, sharp sand and sieved leaf mould or compost.
“If you do not have these things to hand then just sharp or silver sand will do the job.
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“Spread it across the area you have pricked and brush it in with a stiff broom, filling the holes with the mixture. This will help drainage and feed the grass.”
If you want to repeat this method in spring, horticulturist legend Monty recommends an extra step.
He explained: “It is also 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.”
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Is November too late to scarify the lawn?
You might be wondering if it’s too late to scarify your garden lawn with November only a few weeks’ away, and if you should wait until spring instead.
The Lawn Man said: “Temperatures can fall quickly at this time of year. Keep and eye on the weather forecast and soil temperature and decide at the time.
“If frost is forecast, or if the soil is less than 7 degrees Celsius, then I would put the scarifier in the shed.
“Also, if the soil is too wet, definitely postpone. If in doubt, stay off it and postpone it until next year or you could do more harm than good.”
Boston Seeds agreed: “We’d recommend you avoid scarifying your lawn at this time of year.
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“During cool conditions when grass growth is slow, it can do more harm than good. The grass will struggle to recover from such a vigorous treatment.
“If you have a problem with thatch, it’s best to wait until spring when the grass is growing faster.
“Aeration can help, so use a garden fork to improve drainage and circulation.”
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